Are WiFi Max Solutions worth considering

Question

We are looking at ways to help cut our costs and our T1 contract is up. We have run across a local company that offers a 2mbit WiFi Max solution that is considerably cheaper than a T1. They have a pretty standard SLA and references are all positive. But I can't help but think that the references are all hand selected for the positive comments.

• Are wireless options worth considering over traditional T1 services?
• Anyone have any good or bad experiences with them?
• Any compelling arguments in favor or against these type of services?

We currently run our email, web, and ftp sites locally via our T1.

Answer 1

i'm using in couple of locations internet connections that come over fiber and some that come over wireless [ licensed spectrum, but not wimax ]. there are more issues with wireless... but it does work, and in many cases is much cheaper [ for the operator ] to provision.

problems that you might face with wireless links:

• some of connections i'm using tend to reboot during strong thunderstorm
• some of them deteriorated during high rains [ moist in the antenna interconnectors? ]

but as long as operator is responsible and provides reasonable hardware + will fix problems that might occur in short time - i do not see much problems.

still.. i think your ftp/www/mail servers would feel much better in some collocation facility with fast [ 2Mbit/s is not anywhere near fast nowadays ] internet connection, proper air conditioning and redundant power supply.

Answer 2

I have yet to deploy a good WiMax solution. We've tried Covad Wireless in LA and Sling Broadband in Miami and had issues with both. I can't say they were related to WiMax specifically, but we have other microwave broadband deployments in the Chicagoland area that have zero issues. I would recommend getting testimonials from customers on their network that are close to your physical location so you can get a sense of their service and support from people that are actually using it.