Interview

 

How did you get started being an ISP?

"I read an article in WIRED magazine back in 1993 about a kid with eight modems and a
network connection to a university in St. Louis"

What is the most interesting part of the job to you?

"Web applications."

What is the most complicated thing that you do being an ISP?

"Regulatory compliance. The telecommunications industry is an everchanging enviroment."

What is the easiest?

"Marketing."

Are there any regrets of taking this job, like sacrifices you have made that you wish you could take back?

"It is very time consuming. The unlimited resources of large TELCO's make it
utterly impossible to compete for consumer internet service."

What is something good that this job has done for you?

"Keeps me abreast of new and emerging technologies. Also has provided me an
opportunity to help shape legislation."

What do you do in a typical day?

"Monitor network activity for local wireless networks."

How long did it take you to get your network started?

"About three months."

About how many people do you supply the internet to?

"90-100 on the local wireless network."

Why would you recommend being an ISP to someone?

"Definitely not. The reconsolidation of the TELCO industry , and aggressive tactics of local
phone and cable companies have forced literallyhundreds of small ISP's
out of business over the last few years."

 

**We thank local ISP Lynn Jones for answering our questions**