Digis checked out OK. The key things to look for in a WISP (Wireless ISP) are usually technology-related. I confirmed that they use the Motorola Canopy system (very rugged, reliable, few shadowing issues, works reasonably well in urban areas), that they had a fast head-end, etc. Some friends use a similar system in the next county over, and they've never had a problem to speak of.

The thing I didn't check is at what levels their throttling is invoked. In fact, you can't get this information at all through usual pre-sales channels. Also, they aren't forthcoming about the fact that connections are run through a network-address-translator, which means I can't connect back to my home system from an outside system. That's an extra $5/month service.

The underlying technology works well in the right environment. Their deployment was excellent and very professional. The signal strength remains good despite all weather conditions. The only thing that sucks is this throttling issue and the no-public-IP-without-fee policy. I suspect they have over-sold their bandwidth, but the throttling masks the problem and probably means better profits for them.

A) Their service is $40/month. If I want a public IP, I pay $45/month.
B) Bandwidth is throttled.
C) Peak throughput exceeds that of the only reasonable broadband alternative -- DSL -- available in my area (1.5mpbs only).
D) The alternative costs $44/month, includes no throttling, and a public IP address.

The alternative looks good -- except that lousy 1.5mpbs thing -- but I'm going to see what I can do to manage within the bandwidth restrictions of Digis as well. They have a no-refund policy on their $150 installation charge (now I understand why) so I'm going to see if I can make the best of things).

If you do go for a WISP, make sure you get a money-back guarantee in writing.

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Matthew P. Barnson