How to Start a DSL Company
The acronym DSL stands for digital subscriber line. The technology behind DSL allows digital information to be transported through telephone lines. It's distributed through the same line as the telephone without interrupting the telephone service. The frequency bands are filtered as DSL requires higher frequencies than telephone. This allows more people to have access to the Internet at once. The service doesn't require any additional installations.
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Instructions
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Evaluate the local DSL market. Make a list of all the companies providing services in the area. Visit their websites and download their statistics and reports. Determine if there is room in the market for you to compete. Evaluate their services. Find niches in the service offerings that can be improved upon. Betsy Schiffman of "Wired Magazine" writes that DSL's future is in serving communities that cable does not reach, such as rural areas.
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Compile this data into a business plan. Work with a business consultant to help put your business plan together into accepted business format. Detail any obstacles and pending opportunities in the market of which you can take advantage.
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Incorporate your DSL company. Employ a corporation attorney to draw up your articles of incorporation. Choose a business entity. Download or request a business license from the county government website or by calling a representative.
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Create plans for the delivery system for your DSL company. Work with a technician to determine the most effective methods to deliver better service to your customers. Contact executives from the local telephone providers and negotiate agreements that will allow you to piggyback on their existing infrastructures.
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Work with traditional commercial banks, venture capitalists, or web-based lenders to secure funding for your business. Submit your business plan to banks. Get referrals from bank owners for possible venture capitalists to work with. Apply online to web-based lenders if you find better loan rates.
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Sign up with a broadband satellite communications company or a business broadband service provider, such as Tachyon or Towerstream, if you are unable to build your own infrastructure. It could cost you millions of dollars to construct your own infrastructure. Purchase additional IP addresses if they don't come with your package.
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Configure your servers. Purchase servers from companies like IBM. Request quotes from manufacturers for accurate pricing. Bundle your purchase with server software from the same manufacturer to ensure compatibility.
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Apply for zoning permits. Build local stations closer to your intended customers to ensure your service is available to more people. Work with the phone company to reduce costs. In the book, "Wireless Network Hacks & Mods For Dummies" Daniel D. Briere and Pat Hurley write, "DSL speeds are highly distance sensitive -- the further away from your home is from the local phone company office (or the outdoor 'remote terminal' where your DSL circuit terminates) the slower your speed is."
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Leave room for growth. The Federal Communications Commission is predicting a new boom to technological advancements when they deregulate "The souped-up system could result in wireless internet connections coming to rural areas, fewer "dead zones" in Wi-Fi networks and the ability to transfer large files easily between machines and computers in hospitals"
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Find a main office location to serve as your company's home-base. Store your servers here. Install a phone system with multiple lines.
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Hire installers and sales representatives. Many of your customers will be able to quickly install their DSL with the equipment and instructions that you send them. Be prepared for elderly or disabled customers who request help. Interview sales reps with phone handling experience and experience in selling services.
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Advertise to consumers. Require your sales representatives to cold call individuals within your service area and introduce your business. Require them to make a certain number of outbound sales calls per day. Make sure they follow-up with the most promising prospects.
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References
Resources
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