How to Create a Private Label ISP

Becoming a virtual Internet service provider (VISP) can be easy. However, finding enough customers can be challenging. Unless you have millions of dollars at your disposal, you should realize you are not creating a private label ISP that will compete with the big players. Instead, you will be creating one that small businesses and individuals can join.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Prepare a business plan for a private label ISP. Be sure to establish goals and objectives, both long- and short-term.
2. Locate a wholesale ISP service you would like to use. Analyze the cost. Determine if the wholesaler has been in business for a long time. Also, check on the wholesaler's infrastructure and service record. In other words, do your due diligence.
3. Consider connectivity speed. Dial-up should be offered along with DSL or broadband. Make sure there are several access codes available to your customers, not just one or two numbers.
4. Decide how much you will charge your customers. By using a wholesaler, you should get good rates. Determine if you want to pass the savings on to the customer immediately to earn their loyalty, or if you want to develop a large base of customers before you lower your rates. Be sure to figure in the higher costs of satellite connectivity.
5. Promote your service. Figure out how you are going to lure customers away from their current ISP.
6. Run the operation. As part of your purchased plan, your clients should have access to email and hosting services for their own domains. Some method of collecting payment should be provided to you by the wholesale ISP service. If not, set up payment processors.
7. Determine how you will handle support issues. A 24/7 call center for help should be available both to you and your clients. If you have purchased a service plan from the wholesaler, the day-to-day operation of your private label ISP should be relatively simple. Or, you can hire someone to run the VISP for you. Remember, your clients won't stay with you if they receive poor service.

Tips & Warnings

• This project can be expensive, and there is no guarantee of return. Do not proceed unless you can do without the money you invest.