How to make a good start with a new freecall ISP - PAGE2

From this point it's simply a matter of splitting the final number up into blocks and adding each block at a time, give at least two weeks distance between new blocks for assessing take-up. Obviously if you reach the estimated maximum and there's still space spare, since not all are using the service, then you can add yet another block. Just be warned, networks that are running at 90% usage do not equal a further 10%, that extra 10% is like the last megabyte on a hard disk, it's needed by other things.

Services, good or bad?

The next problem you're going to face is that of the Modem > User ratio, many 0845 systems will have used a ratio of 40:1 (40 Users to 1 Modem), bigger ISPs would have used 15:1. However in the world of unmetered and freecalls the system will require a ratio of at least 10:1 with 4 or 5:1 being ideal. This is because initial stats say that the usage of a typical freecall ISP is 60-70% more than an old hat 0845 system.

Another problem is that of subscribers 'abusing' your service, remember if you offer a 24/7 system then you should be prepared for subscribers using upwards of 12hours a day. There are several methods you can use to help quell such usage:

-Impose a cut off.

2Hour cut offs are most effective, however 3 and 4 would be ideal; this gives others a chance to login and use the service and gives you a unique selling point above those with 2hr cuts. 1hr cut offs are very poor.

-Limit logins per account.

With the exception of 128K ISDN (unless not supported), it's wise to limit the number of logins on one account to a single person at a time. This helps stop the REAL abuse of multilinking on the system and helps prevent miss use of the account by third parties.

-Limit logins to one geographic location (CLI).

Similar to the above and can be used in conjunction, is that of limiting ISP access to one specific location with Caller Line ID. Thus only a number selected at signup will allow people to connect to the service, a very useful feature but at the same time restrictive.

-Impose an inactivity cut off.

If your system is really struggling then perhaps a 3minute inactivity cut off is the way to go? Most freecall ISPs have a 5 or 10minute cut, 3minutes is somewhat strong but it might clear up some spare bandwidth and terminals at the risk of the odd complaint.

Remember, the worst crime a freecall ISP can commit next to offering an appalling service is that of changing cut off times and those mentioned above AFTER starting. Get your business plan done first and stick with it, customers will feel lied to and cheated if you change things once they have paid.

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