How to Become an Internet Service Provider

Starting a business as an internet service provider (ISP) is not easy. Apart from requiring quite a large amount of capital, you also have to prepare various resources needed, such as network bandwidth , room cooling, and electricity availability.

Step

Find a suitable space to serve as a data center. Instead, choose a building with a raised floor floor model to make it easier for you to install cables.

Purchase a UPS, generator and HVAC machine. Generators and UPS are needed as power backup if your city is hit by a power outage, and HVAC is needed to cool the data center room. PJI class network equipment can generate heat which is damaging.

Set up peering contracts with one or two upstream ISPs . This peering contract is required to provide an internet connection.

Ideally, set up at least two peering contracts . Most ISPs have more than 5 peering contracts to ensure network speed, stability and reliability.

Buy network equipment online, for example through Kaskus or other network-related forums.

Purchase a high-speed fiber optic cable from your telecommunications company to connect your ISP to the upstream ISP .

Buy enterprise-grade routers, switches , and computers. After all devices are available, install and configure the device. All of these devices are the lifeblood of your ISP, and will determine the internet speed customers receive. If you use cheap networking equipment, your customers will be disappointed.

If your ISP is going to sell you a DSL-based internet connection, work with a telco. All new connection requests from customers must be processed through the telecommunications company because the DSL network runs through telephone lines.

If your ISP will be selling web hosting services , prepare your computer for a virtual private server (VPS). VPS allows service providers to share computer resources in data centers, and sell that share to customers. Customers can use VPS to host their website.

Warning

• Make sure you pay attention to the availability of all resources for the ISP, especially bandwidth , electricity, and cooling. Lack of resources will be felt directly by consumers.