Ubiquiti World Network
You on the hype train bro? While I’m nobody’s fanboy, I really do like what they are doing here. Take a ticket and climb aboard for a few seconds. So this commercial is supposed to be getting some airtime soon on major networks:
Along with the add campaign is the world network lookup tool found here.
Oh the pretty clouds.
You drop in your zip code and it shows you a coverage map of WISPs in your area.
Hey, I live there!
WISPs can log into the interface and drop they coverage/contact information for all to see. Not only that, but it is free!
So what’s the point to all of this? Obviously the fanboys say the point is that Ubiquiti is awesome. Then you ask, what they think the underlying thought process is, and they say “because Ubiquiti is awesome!” I’ve heard some people scoff at it as well…but what do I really think about it. Well, I have a few thoughts:
One, UBNT is now a publicly traded company. This means they are worth whatever public perception provides. So this advertising helps them personally.
Second, the lookup tool helps out the WISP industry as a whole by providing a good single portal for service lookup. I feel like this is assisting users to find all of their connectivity options. As SEO picks up it will provide more exposure for WISPs and UBNT. UBNT gets more publicity, which is a win for them.
The third option is one most people probably wouldn’t think about. I’ve had the opportunity to assist Ubiquiti with some philanthropic work. Robert wasn’t verbose on any one subject, but he genuinely seemed to care about the work we were doing(to be honest it was some of the most rewarding work I’ve had the pleasure to do). In my opinion, he feels the same way about this too. Most of my best friends work in the WISP industry, and they are some of the best and most loyal people I’ve met. This will, I think, make a difference for these guys, and Ubiquiti is secretly doing it for them. 😉
So is it perfect, no. Is it a good first step, I think so. Drop me a note in the comments and let me know what you guys think.
“Drop me a note in the comments and let me know what you guys think.”
Heh. Heh. Is that really what you want?
Great idea and JT is very responsive. They are, however, a bit lacking on the GIS end of things. This is a major black eye on the effort as the WISP lookup is flawed. You can’t input accurate maps and when you do, their site goes down the toilet.
They just used the wrong back end.
@Mike
It IS really what I want 🙂
What is ever perfect right out of the gate? I think it is a good first effort, and when they get the back-end system up to snuff it will have the potential to become the de facto service location tool…maybe hehe.
I guess my current WISP isn’t added yet (not surprised) so it shows nothing in my area, but then recommends a WISP that doesn’t cover my area at all. Could certainly be useful after they make some improvements.
Agreed