WISP - Wireless Internet Service Providers - Satellite TV via DirecTV.
The acronym WISP stands for (Wireless Internet Service Provider). WISP's include WiFi hotspots, or a WiFi based network infrastructure either in a residential or commercial environment. WISP's can also layer applications like location based content, VPN which stands for (Virtual Private Networking) and Voice Over The Internet Protocol, more recognized by the acronym (VOIP).
WISP's are prevelent rural environments where cable and digital subscriber lines are not available. WiMax will change the marketplace by increasing the number of interoperable equipment on the market and making mobile data transmission feasible.
A WISP operates designates a large point to point connection to the center of the area they plan to provide services. The WISP usually finds an elevated point in the territory, such as a radio tower or water tower, and will mount and install their equipment. On the customers end, they will mount a small dish or radio to the roof of their home and point it back to the WISP's dish.
It is very difficult for a single WISP to build an infrastructure that offers World Wide or even national access to its subscribers, roaming between service providers is encouraged by the WiFi Alliance with the WISPr protocol. WISPr is a set of recommendations approved by the alliance which facilitate inter-network and inter-operator roaming of WiFi and WiMax users.
