2020 was a year of firsts: an unprecedented number of people worked from home for the first time, kids tried out online learning, and most of our social activities were done behind a screen. And while it wasn’t always positive, we had to think on our feet to adapt to a new way of doing things. It created opportunities for innovation and new research in the tech world. We’re expecting to see a lot of these new trends and innovations grow even bigger and better in 2021. We’re definitely going to be seeing more video calls and virtual visits, but what about in the business world? Here’s what we’re expecting to see in 2021: The Future of AI Artificial Intelligence sounds like the plot of a sci-fi movie, but it is becoming more functional for data and analysis. Financial markets are using AI to monitor potential changes and predict their own trends. AI is also allowing employees in all fields to build models and examples to test possible outcomes. AI is becoming very user-friendly, and we’re probably going to be seeing it used in multiple applications this year. Growth of 5G 5G itself isn’t necessarily new, but this year showed us a need for speed in data transfer. 5G also helped people stay connected to family and friends on their phones and smart devices, and since it might be a while before we can go back to in-person conversations, speed and connectivity are at the top of the list for 2021. We’re also finding more uses for 5G in manufacturing for equipment monitoring and maintenance, so we expect that to continue this year as well. Cybersecurity We’ve talked about cybersecurity before, but with so many people shopping online due to COVID-19, we’re more aware of identity protection. Companies are also reworking their network security features as employees continue to work from home, using more AI to block threats and monitor activity on their internal and external networks. Cybersecurity companies like Alsid are helping companies of all sizes protect their information. Staffing Optimization Retail stores that remained open this year faced a lot of staffing issues, so we’re seeing more companies creating programs to more easily manage scheduling and store-to-store transfers of employees to help keep them on track. Health Data This trend started off with a bang last year as hospitals tried to organize contact tracing efforts for COVID-19. Now we’re seeing more AI in potential technology solutions, creating new apps to help identify symptoms and use photos to find possible conditions. We’re also seeing new programs that are able to help develop treatments by sharing data between hospitals. Human Resources Like we mentioned above, there was a large percentage of employees working from home this year. On top of that, the majority of the workforce will soon be millennials, so businesses are adapting to more tech-friendly programs, including digital recruitment and hiring processes, virtual training, and remote work capabilities. Zero Waste Technology is becoming more eco-conscious in 2021 and looking for ways to create less waste. We’re seeing programs to help decrease food waste by finding ways to redistribute leftover food, create better monitoring and stocking in stores, and even apps to help people find and buy excess food before it becomes waste. We have some exciting things coming at Wisper too! We’ve talked about some new features in the Wisper Home app, like device priority. You can go back and watch our show on that one from last week. We have even more announcements coming in February, so stay tuned for those! 2020 might have felt like a setback, but we’re hoping it will bring new innovations and opportunities to 2021!  … Read More

Barton County, MO (January 20, 2021) – Wisper ISP, Inc. is expanding their service network to Barton County, MO. Starting the week of February 22nd, eligible residents will be able to preschedule their installation appointments. Wisper Internet’s expansion to Barton County is due to their success in the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF II). CAF II was a rural broadband auction held by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2018. Wisper was named the winner of $220.3 million in the auction, divvied up across six states, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The equipment deployed will be fixed wireless technology and will be found on the three elevated structures listed below. Fixed Wireless Technology uses elevated structures, such as water towers, cell towers, grain elevators, etc. to reach a resident’s home. Current capabilities do require the equipment on a resident’s roof to have ‘line of sight’ to the elevated structure. That means no trees or terrain can be blocking the visual path. A resident will reside no more than 3 -5 miles from the elevated structure to receive the desired signal strength. Commercial Tower – 623 Northeast 5th Ln; Lamar, MO 64759 Commercial Tower – 31 North Highway HH; Lamar, MO 64759 Grain Leg – 105 South Highway KK; Lamar, MO 64759 Eligible residents will be able to receive the following speeds and prices: Surf: 10 Mbps for $50/month Surf Plus: 15 Mbps for $65/month Surf Preferred: 25 Mbps for $75/month Surf Pro: 50 Mbps for $85/month Surf Extreme: 100 Mbps for $105/month To determine service eligibility, contact the Wisper Sales Team at (800) 765-7772 or sales@wisperisp.com. Wisper has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for their Lifeline Program. The Lifeline program offers a discount off of service for low-income households. If you believe you are eligible for the Lifeline Program and would like to apply, please visit: www.lifelinesupport.org. When approved, you will receive an approval letter. To receive the discount, the approval letter will need to be emailed to sales@wisperisp.com. Wisper ISP, Inc. is a Wireless Internet Service Provider with 162 employees and 20,000 subscribers across Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Wisper is based out of Mascoutah, IL, in the St. Louis Metro Area, with regional offices in Joplin and Washington, MO. Wisper customers in rural and metropolitan communities receive fast, reliable service and friendly, helpful customer service…. Read More

Belleville, IL (January 13, 2021) – Wisper ISP, Inc. donates goodies, such as candy, energy bars, crackers, ear savers, and more to thank the essential healthcare workers at Memorial Hospital Belleville. As the second wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic took hold on America, Wisper decided to take action by thanking those at the frontlines in the communities they serve. When asked about the donation, Memorial Hospital’s Director of Communications and Marketing, Anne Thomure stated, “Memorial’s team is extremely grateful for the support, donations, and love from our community. We thank Wisper for remembering our team with their donation.” Wisper ISP, Inc. also dropped off donations to the Pharmacy Department at HSHS St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, IL. When asked about the donation, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s Director of Pharmacy, Julia Schimmelpfennig stated: “During these very busy times, my team truly appreciates supporters like those at Wisper Internet! The snacks and words of encouragement and appreciation mean so much. Thank you, Wisper, for showing that you care.” The hospital would like to remind the community that you can further support their colleagues as the pandemic is not over. Everyone must do their part to help flatten the curve by continuing to be diligent with hand washing, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and family or friend get-togethers, masking, and staying home when we are ill. Wisper Internet realizes they have been fortunate during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The demand for reliable, high-speed Internet service has boomed since the lockdowns began in March 2019. Many Americans have been working from home or learning from home to prevent the spread of the virus. Both tasks are nearly impossible to achieve in today’s age of technology without a reliable, high-speed Internet connection. Wisper has been an Internet provider in O’Fallon and Belleville, IL since 2003, the year Wisper was founded. Their fixed wireless technology is on nine elevated structures throughout O’Fallon. Fixed Wireless Technology uses elevated structures, such as water towers, cell towers, grain elevators, etc. to reach a resident’s home. Current capabilities do require the equipment on a resident’s roof to have a ‘line of sight’ to the elevated structure. That means no trees or terrain can be blocking the visual path. A resident will reside no more than 3-5 miles from the elevated structure to receive the desired signal strength. Wisper Internet realizes they have been fortunate during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The demand for reliable, high-speed Internet service has boomed since the lockdowns began in March 2019. Many Americans have been working from home or learning from home to prevent the spread of the virus. Both tasks are nearly impossible to achieve in today’s age of technology without a reliable, high-speed Internet connection. We look forward to making more donations to our community in the future!… Read More

T’is the season to binge-watch classic holiday movies. Whether your favorites are mainstream classics or more off the beaten Christmas path (looking at you, Die Hard fans), you can find them streaming somewhere on the internet. We pulled some fan favorites and compiled them here to make your Christmas streaming stress free. Home Alone We’ve all been stuck at home this year, so Home Alone (1990) seems like the perfect 2020 Christmas Movie. A kid stuck in the house, fighting off intruders, with a healthy dose of slapstick comedy to cheer you up. And of course, a happy ending. Even if some of us can’t see our families for Christmas this year, we can live vicariously through Kevin McCallister. Home Alone is streaming on Disney+. White Christmas A true classic, White Christmas (1954) features Christmas music staple Bing Crosby, alongside Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney dance their way through the holiday season. Mostly a vehicle for the hit song of the same name, White Christmas is the perfect sing-along, old hollywood Christmas movie. White Christmas is streaming on Netflix. How The Grinch Stole Christmas Whether you’re a fan of the original 1966 cartoon or the 2000 Jim Carrey version, the Grinch is a cult classic holiday movie. The reclusive Grinch tries to ruin Christmas by stealing presents, but finds out that the true meaning of Christmas is connecting with family. While the original cartoon is not currently included in any streaming subscriptions, you can still rent the original Grinch on Amazon Video. You can stream the 2000 version on Netflix. Miracle on 34th Street Another old-hollywood Christmas classic, Miracle on 34th Street (1947) is a holiday staple. When Santa gets taken to court in a case of mistaken identity, one little girl learns to really believe in the magic of Christmas. “Christmas isn’t just a day. It’s a frame of mind.” Miracle on 34th Street is available on Netflix. The Santa Clause Watching Santa fall off the roof may not seem like a strong introduction to a holiday trilogy, but The Santa Clause is one of the more popular Christmas movies among the millennial crowd. The trilogy might have trailed off after the original Santa Clause came out in 1994, but watching Tim Allen assume the role of Santa brings back a lot of childhood memories. The Santa Clause and it’s companions are streaming on Disney+. It’s a Wonderful Life Often imitated but never duplicated, It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) follows George Bailey (James Stewart) and Clarence the Angel as he learns that the world would not actually be better off without him. After a year like 2020, the message of gratitude and love are especially relevant. You can watch It’s a Wonderful Life on Amazon Prime Video. A Christmas Story Is it really Christmas if you don’t want A Christmas Story? The 1983 film is pure nostalgia, a throwback to a time when you could give a child a BB Gun for Christmas. But truely, the look into the life of a kid at Christmas time speaks to all of us in different ways, and taught us all not to lick frozen flag poles. A Christmas Story is streaming on Hulu. Elf “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” — and of course watching Will Farrell in Elf (2003). The innocence and humor of Buddy the Elf trying to make his way in New York City is highly quotable (“Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?”) and positively inspiring. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without it. Elf is streaming on Hulu. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation One for the grownups, Christmas Vacation (1989) shows Christmas the way it really is… an absolute disaster. Anyone who’s ever had their family over for Christmas can relate to Clark Griswold and his family as they desperately try to keep it together for the holidays. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is still a sweet movie, proving that Christmas is worth all the craziness. You can rent or buy Christmas Vacation on Amazon Prime Video or Apple. Charlie Brown Christmas For the first time in 50 years, A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) won’t be airing on network TV. Apple bought the rights to all the Peanuts specials last year, but don’t worry, you can still watch it without an AppleTV+ subscription! Apple announced that viewers will be able to stream A Charlie Brown Christmas for free from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13. A Charlie Brown Christmas is available for purchase from AppleTV. While they aren’t currently available for streaming, it would be remiss not to mention the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials. Rudolph, Frosty, Heatmiser and all their friends are available for purchase from AppleTV and Amazon. And finally, Die Hard Now, in our humble opinion, Die Hard is not a Christmas movie! But if you enjoy watching action movies at Christmas time, Die Hard is streaming on Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max and Youtube. Looking for high speed, wireless internet to stream your favorites, contact us! Happy Streaming!… Read More

Struggling to find the right gifts for everyone on your list? We’ve put together a collection of our favorite tech gifts for 2020! Whether you’re shopping for friends, family, or even yourself, the perfect gift is out there! Larq Self-Sanitizing Water Bottle – $98 Got a germaphobe on your list? The Larq bottle is lightweight, keeps your drinks cold, but also cleans itself every 2 hours. With a built in UV light, this germ-killing water bottle will impress even the most discerning germaphobe. Moleskine Bluetooth Pen and Notebook – $159 Easily keep track of your notes between work and home with built-in bluetooth technology. The bluetooth pen records everything your write in the notebook and will save to your devices, so you can access all of your notes anytime, anywhere. Apple Watch SE -$299 The latest Apple Watch will always make the top lists, but the SE offers a slightly more affordable option, without sacrificing the bells and whistles. So if you have an apple fan in your family, take a look at the SE. EyeBuyDirect Blue Light Blocking Glasses – $28 With the amount of time we’ve spent on our devices this year, our eyes deserve a break. Blue light glasses are available without a prescription or a trip to the eye doctor. The protective lenses block harmful blue light from your devices to help cut back on eye strain and damage. Playstation Classic – $99 Who said tech gifts had to be new? For the retro gaming fans in your life, the Playstation Classic is being re-released, complete with a handful of preloaded games. If the playstation 5 isn’t quite what you’re looking for, consider the original. Roku Ultra 4K Streaming Player – $79 We’ve talked about streaming devices before, but now is the perfect time to help someone on your list catch up with their favorite shows. Roku is one of the top rated streaming devices and is compatible with most devices and services. Tile Pro – $35 Tired of helping them look for their keys? Tile pro and Tile mate clip onto just about anything to track your easily misplaced keys, headphones, purse, or your wallet. They even come in multipacks for everything you need to keep track of. Amazon Smart Plug – $25 Make their smart house even smarter with voice controlled devices! Plug in any lamps, tvs, or even coffee makers, and control them from Amazon Echo. Don’t have an Echo? Go ahead and throw one of those in too, you can catch them on sale for $19! Mophie Charging Phone Case – $80 Never run out of charge again with a charging phone case. With a portable battery built right in, and great protection for your fragile phone, cases come in sizes to fit any phone. Normally $80, you can still grab Cyber Week deals at $30. Click and Grow Smart Garden – $100 Don’t let their new gardening skills slip during the winter. This smart garden makes it almost impossible to kill kitchen herbs with a built in light and watering compartment big enough to sustain your plants for a month. Add some spice to their cooking and some greenery to their kitchen. And of course, all of those new devices will need more bandwidth, so don’t forget to check in with your Wisper sales rep about possible upgrades in your area! Happy Shopping!… Read More

Why Digital Literacy Still Matters in 2025 — And How to Improve Your Skills If you’re between the ages of 25 and 45, chances are you’ve used computers and smartphones for most of your professional life. You know how to reset a password, search on Google, and open a Zoom meeting without thinking twice. But how many times has someone asked you, “How do I get to my email?” or “Can you help me find this online?” For many people—especially older adults or those just entering the workforce—digital skills are not second nature. And in 2025, lacking digital literacy can mean being locked out of job opportunities, education, healthcare, and even social connection. 💻 What Is Digital Literacy? The American Library Association defines digital literacy as: “The ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.” In simpler terms, digital literacy means being able to understand and use technology confidently and safely. It includes everything from navigating the web to protecting your privacy, applying for jobs online, or joining a video call with your doctor. We often take these abilities for granted—especially if we’ve grown up using technology—but for others, not knowing how to use a laptop, tablet, or even a smartphone can be a huge barrier in today’s world. 📶 Why Digital Literacy Still Matters in 2025 1. Job Hunting and Career Growth Are Largely Digital According to the World Economic Forum, digital skills are now essential for over 90% of jobs in the U.S. Whether you’re applying on platforms like Indeed or building your resume on LinkedIn, knowing how to navigate these systems is key. Many interviews now take place on Zoom or Google Meet—even for hourly positions. 2. Small Businesses Rely on the Internet to Compete Since 2020, over 70% of small businesses have increased their digital presence to survive. Without a basic website or the ability to use platforms like Facebook Business or Shopify, many rural or family-owned stores struggle to stay afloat. 3. Healthcare, Banking, and Government Services Are Online Telehealth visits, online banking, and digital tax filing are now the norm. If someone doesn’t know how to schedule a virtual appointment or access secure portals, they risk missing out on vital care and services. 4. Social Connection and Mental Health Staying connected with family and friends—especially across distances—depends on being comfortable with tools like email, messaging apps, video calls, and social media. Digital confidence can reduce feelings of isolation, especially for seniors. 5. Remote Work and Learning Aren’t Going Away As of 2025, nearly 30% of U.S. employees work remotely in some capacity. Whether you’re learning new skills, applying for jobs, or just working from home, digital literacy helps you stay competitive and connected. Where to Learn Digital Skills in 2025 The good news? You can improve your digital literacy at any age. There are many free or affordable resources available both online and locally. Online Learning Platforms Microsoft Learn – Free courses on Microsoft Office, cybersecurity, IT support, and more Google Digital Garage – Free training in digital marketing, career skills, and tech tools Coursera – College-level courses, including computer basics and business tech (some free) LinkedIn Learning – Personalized learning paths for career growth Community Resources Local libraries and community colleges often offer beginner courses in computer skills, email use, social media, and even coding. Many schools, senior centers, and nonprofit groups also provide digital literacy workshops throughout the year. Pro Tip: If you’re a Wisper customer, check out our Wisper Home App, which includes helpful tools and resources to improve your online experience, including antivirus protection, parental controls, and Wi-Fi management features. Final Thoughts: It’s Never Too Late to Learn Digital literacy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a skillset that unlocks opportunity, independence, and connection in today’s world. Whether you’re helping a family member navigate their first smartphone or building your own skill set for a career change, the ability to use technology confidently is one of the most important tools you can have in 2025. At Wisper Internet, we’re committed to helping bridge the digital divide in our rural communities. Reliable internet is just the beginning—we want to help our customers thrive online. Ready to Get Started? Explore digital learning resources, ask your local library about available workshops, or check out Wisper’s blog and social channels for tips and tutorials. Let’s keep growing together—one skill at a time…. Read More

Ever thought about ‘cutting the cord’ of traditional cable? Back in the day, the only way to access channels beyond your TV antenna was traditional cable. The cable company would come to your house, hook up your box, and hope for the best. It was expensive, and you often paid for channels you didn’t actually want, but they weren’t any other choices available. With internet streaming on the rise, the traditional cable TV monopoly is losing its footing. In 2020, an estimated 44.3 million households have ditched regular cable for streaming services, and most of them say they aren’t missing out on anything. With new streaming services coming out every month, there’s no better time to cut the cord on cable. But where do you start? What is streaming? ‘Streaming’, in video terms, can be two things: on-demand streaming or live streaming. On-demand streaming gives you the freedom to watch your shows whenever you want, without worrying about your schedule getting in the way or remembering to set a show to record. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and AppleTV are just some of the most popular on-demand streaming platforms. When looking to change up your TV routine, look at what you most want to watch. Not all shows are available on all platforms, and a lot of platforms also produce their own exclusive content that will never air on live, traditional cable. Make sure your favorites are available on your chosen platform! Live streaming platforms are more similar to traditional cable with live channels. One of the top selling points of live streaming platforms like fuboTV and Sling is that they have access to live sports. Other platforms like Hulu are a hybrid of both, with on-demand and live content available, depending on the plan you choose. Streaming Devices Once you decide to cut the cord, you’ll need a streaming device to connect your TV to your new streaming service. If you’ve already invested in a Smart TV, you’re all set! But if you’re looking for a way to connect, you have a couple of options. The first option is to use a device you already have, like a gaming system. Newer consoles like Xbox and Playstation have apps available for most major streaming services. Other options include the Amazon Firestick, Apple TV, Roku, and Google Chromecast. These devices connect to your tv either by USB or HDMI, so be sure to check what will work with your TV. Roku won best streaming device from ‘cnet’ this year for its variety of available streaming apps, simple interface and easy search feature. Roku isn’t made by a streaming service, so they don’t have any particular loyalties either. There are several different Roku devices to choose from, so there’s probably an option for you! Google TV’s Chromecast device was rated second-best overall, Apple TV 4k got the top spot for Ultra HD streaming, and the Amazon Fire TV Stick was rated the best budget option. Check Your Internet Speed Now that you’re ready to cut the cord, you need to check your internet speed. Faster internet means less buffering and pausing while watching your new streaming service. Most services have their own recommendations, but the faster the better. For example, Hulu recommends 16 mbps for high quality, 4k content, but only 4 mbps for regular HD. Netflix’s recommendations are similar, 25 mbps for 4k and 5 mbps for regular 1080p. However, you can manually adjust these in your streaming settings, but it may affect the image quality. If you’re on a plan that includes a data cap, be on the look out for those as well. If you spend a lot of time on your streaming service, you may need to raise your cap, or look for a reliable, high speed, wireless, non-data capped provider like Wisper! If you’re already a Wisper customer, you can check your speed anytime on our website or Wisper Home app, and check with our team if there are higher speeds available in your area. So if you’re interested in cutting the cord on your cable provider, whether you’re looking to cut down on your monthly expenses or just looking for new things to watch, take some time to research different live streaming and on-demand services…. Read More

Why Antivirus Protection Still Matters in 2025 — And How to Protect Every Device If you’ve never had a virus wipe out your files or hijack your screen, consider yourself lucky. Maybe you remember the early days—back when downloading music from LimeWire in the 2000s meant risking your entire family computer just to get that one Avril Lavigne song onto your iPod Shuffle. Or maybe you’ve lived through that heart-sinking moment when your screen froze, files disappeared, and a sea of error messages took over. Whether it’s 2007 or 2025, one thing remains true: malware is real, dangerous, and more sophisticated than ever. Your computer, tablet, and smartphone hold your photos, passwords, work files, and personal data. Without protection, a single wrong click can lead to identity theft, corrupted files—or a total system crash. What Is Antivirus Software? Antivirus software is designed to detect, block, and remove malware from your devices. While early versions date back to the 1980s, the threats have evolved significantly. In 2025, antivirus solutions must defend against a wide range of malware types, including: Viruses – Infect and damage your files Worms – Spread across networks automatically Trojan Horses – Disguised as legitimate files or apps Spyware – Monitors your activity and steals data Rootkits – Hide malware from detection Bots – Give hackers remote access to your device Message scams (Phishing) – Trick you into clicking malicious links in texts, emails, and DMs A strong antivirus solution helps prevent these threats before they reach your system—not just clean up after damage has been done. Types of Antivirus Protection Available in 2025 1. Standalone Antivirus Software You can still purchase antivirus software from trusted providers like Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, or AVG. These are typically available as online downloads with monthly or annual subscriptions. They offer great protection for desktop and laptop computers, and many include options for smartphones and tablets—for an extra fee. 2. Free Antivirus Tools There are also free versions of antivirus software available. While helpful, these often come with limited features and don’t offer full real-time protection or support for all devices. 3. Built-in Antivirus from Your Internet Provider Some modern internet providers (like Wisper!) now offer antivirus protection as part of your service, built into your network—meaning threats can be blocked before they ever reach your phone, laptop, or smart home device. This kind of network-level protection is ideal for households with multiple users and devices. How Wisper Internet Protects You If you’re a Wisper customer on our Wisper Care plan, you already have access to built-in antivirus protection through ProtectIQ, included in the Wisper Home App. Here’s what it does: Monitors all connected devices on your network Blocks threats in real-time before they cause harm Sends alerts and updates via the Wisper Home App Tracks threat history, so you can see what’s been blocked and how many scans were performed From phones and laptops to smart TVs and gaming consoles, ProtectIQ offers peace of mind for your entire household—no separate antivirus subscription required. Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip Antivirus in 2025 Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics—and it only takes one click on the wrong email or website to put your personal data at risk. Whether you use traditional antivirus software or take advantage of Wisper’s built-in tools, the most important thing is to stay protected at all times. Antivirus protection isn’t optional in 2025—it’s essential.Keep your devices (and your identity) safe by using trusted tools and staying alert. Want to Learn More? If you’re a Wisper customer and haven’t downloaded the Wisper Home App, now’s the time! Set up your antivirus protections, manage your Wi-Fi, and keep your entire network secure—all in one place. Need help getting started? Our support team is here to walk you through it…. Read More

How to Use the Wisper Home App to Manage Your Wi-Fi and Protect Your Devices The Wisper Home App is now live and available for all Wisper Care customers! With this powerful tool, you can manage your Wi-Fi network, set up parental controls, monitor smart devices, block malware threats, and create secure guest networks—all from your phone. Here’s everything you need to know about getting started and making the most of the features inside the Wisper Home App. Getting Started with the Wisper Home App Before or during your Wisper router installation, make sure to download the Wisper Home App from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Step-by-Step Setup: Create Your Account Open the app and register with your email address. Choose a strong password and enter your basic location details. Connect to Your Router Scan the QR Code on your new Wisper router for automatic setup. Or enter manually using the router’s MAC address and serial number (located on the device). Set Up Your Network Name your router (to identify it in the app). Choose your Wi-Fi network name (SSID)—this is what your devices will connect to. Create a strong Wi-Fi password (separate from your app login). Once completed, your Wisper Home App is ready to go! Set Up Parental Controls Protecting your kids online just got easier. The Wisper Home App allows you to control what specific devices can access—and when. How to Set Up a Parental Control Profile: Open the sidebar menu and tap Parental Controls. Tap the + icon to create a new profile. Add a name and photo, then select which devices belong to that profile (e.g., your child’s laptop or tablet). 💡 Important: Don’t include the device you use to manage the Wisper Home App! Set time limits, enable device pause, or schedule offline hours. Enable Enhanced Parental Controls under “Enable Applications” to access content filters. Once enhanced controls are active, you’ll be able to: Filter by website categories, specific applications, or URLs View activity and manage settings right from your dashboard Built-In Antivirus with ProtectIQ One of the most powerful tools included in the Wisper Home App is ProtectIQ, a feature that provides real-time malware and antivirus protection for all devices on your network. What ProtectIQ Does: Scans traffic before it hits your devices Blocks threats automatically—no action needed Sends alerts to your app when suspicious activity is detected Tracks scans and blocked threats in a detailed log Lets you manage a Trusted List for safe items accidentally flagged This means your smart TVs, laptops, phones, tablets—even smart fridges—are protected by your network, without needing individual software on each device. Create Secure Guest Networks Need to give Wi-Fi access to visitors without compromising your privacy? Set up a guest network in just a few taps. Here’s how: In the app’s main menu, tap Guest Network. Tap the + icon to create a new one. Enter a name (e.g., “Smith Family BBQ”) and set a network name (SSID). Choose a password using AES encryption for added security. Decide whether the network should be: Ongoing (always on) Or active only between specific start/end dates Once created, you can send the login info to your guests right from the app! Need Help? If you have any questions while using the Wisper Home App, visit the Wisper YouTube Channel for step-by-step videos. You can also contact our customer support team—we’re happy to walk you through any setup or troubleshooting steps. Download the Wisper Home App Today! Take full control of your home Wi-Fi. Protect your kids, your data, and your smart devices—all in one place. 📱 Available now on iOS and Android…. Read More

Welcome to Wisper Home! Last week we unveiled our new Wisper Home app as part of the Wisper Care plan! We’ve been working on this for months, testing new routers and functions to find our customers’ best solutions. Wisper Care Plan To provide the new routers, we’ve made a few changes to our Wisper Care plan. We’ve changed the price from $9.99 per month to $15 for new customers, and included these added features: Our new router Service visits included Device set-up for routers and the app Built-in antivirus protection Speed Tests right from your phone Details on connected devices Guests networks capabilities Parental Controls And relocation services! For new customers looking to sign up, mention that you’d like the Wisper Care Plan when signing up for service! For current customers interested in upgrading, contact our sales team about upgrading your plan and getting set up with a new router! Wisper Home App Once you’ve signed up, you can download the Wisper Home app. It’s available for free in your phone’s app store. Just make sure that you have the app downloaded and your account set up before our technician arrives; that way, once your router is set up, you’re ready to go! The app allows you to control the functions of your router right from your phone. You can name your network, change your password, create guest networks, and set up parental controls and content filters. You can also check your connection speed, set up device profiles, and view connected devices. Speaking of connected devices, you can set up built-in antivirus protection for all your devices! Any ‘smart’ devices on your network are protected from threats, even if the device itself doesn’t come with protection. We’ll have more information on the new app and all of its features in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out on our website and socials, and don’t forget to watch our informational videos on Youtube!… Read More

Guest Networks and Network Security We know that visiting suspicious websites on your home internet can leave you exposed to malware and viruses, but did you know that letting guests on your network also leaves you exposed? Leaving your home network exposed also leaves room for hackers to access devices on your networks, like cameras, doorbells, smart thermostats, TVs, Alexa, and any device that is connected to your Wi-Fi. The ‘smarter’ your home is, the more important it is to protect your network. There are several strategies to keep your home network protected. You can set network strong network passwords, create guest networks, or start at the source with your internet provider. Network Passwords The number one way to keep your network protected is to create a strong password. Everyone who comes to your house will ask for your Wi-Fi password, but be careful. Once you give someone your password, they can tell it to their mom, their sister, their dentist, or just strangers on the street. We’ve talked about passwords before, but we’ll go over the basics: For network passwords, the longer the better! You want it to be something you’ll remember, but your friends won’t. A series of letters and numbers will be the best way to protect your network. Don’t give your password out to just anyone. This one is pretty obvious, but limiting the number of people who know your Wi-Fi password will limit the potential risks to your network. Change your password often. Create a system for yourself. Every 5 people you give your password to, change it up! Find a system that works for you, and stick to it. Guest Networks If you have a lot of people in your home for parties, holidays, or just have people over often, you may want to create a guest network. There are two different kinds of guest networks – a temporary network and an endless network. A temporary network has a start and end date. These are the most useful for events, so your guests can have Wi-Fi access while at your home, but the network will timeout when the event is over. You can set a guest password or leave it available. Either way, it keeps people off of your personal network. Let’s say your buddies are coming over for a Super Bowl party. Everyone’s going to be live-tweeting, checking stats, and googling the latest commercial. You don’t know where those searches will take them on the wide web, so you set up a guest network. The network starts the morning of the party, uses the password TouchDown#1, and expires at midnight when all of your guests have hopefully gone home. Now whatever your friends are searching will stay on that protected guest network, and the password for your personal password stays private. The second type of guest network is an endless network. These networks don’t have an expiration date, so you can keep up all the time. These are the most helpful if you often have guests in your home. Network Security with Wisper Home And finally, one of the simplest ways to protect your devices and your network is to start right at the source. Services like Wisper Home App and the Wisper Care plan block any negative invaders before they even get into the house. Wisper Home and other similar services run in the background 24/7 and alert you anytime something tries to get onto your network. It works by protecting all devices on your network, preventing any outside access to those devices, and blocking data from suspicious sites. As we mentioned before, some devices don’t have built-in antivirus capabilities like your phone or computer. Your smart TV or video doorbell has access to a lot of your information but isn’t inherently protected. Protecting them at the source keeps your information safe and private. Network security is important to protect your data, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep your password strong and private, set up a guest network when you need it, and keep all of your devices protected from invaders with Wisper Home…. Read More

How to Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal While Working from Home Does this sound familiar? You’re on a Zoom call in your home office—maybe even leading a presentation—when everything freezes and your call drops. Or you’re editing a spreadsheet in the cloud, only to lose your progress because your internet crashed. If you’re working from home, this is more than just annoying—it can cost you time, productivity, and credibility. Most of these issues come down to one thing: your Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi has become one of the most essential tools in any home office. But how do you get the most out of it—especially if you’re not hardwired into your router? Whether you’re using Wisper Internet or another provider, here are some easy, effective ways to improve your Wi-Fi for remote work. Router Placement: Small Shifts, Big Impact Your router’s location plays a huge role in your signal strength. Here’s how to position it for the best performance: Choose a central location: Place your router in the hub of your home—ideally near your work area. Fewer walls = better signal. Clear the area: Don’t block your router with books, furniture, or electronics. Even a lamp can reduce performance. Go high, not low: Elevate your router on a shelf or table to avoid floor interference and improve signal range. Adjust antennas: If your router has antennas, angle them diagonally or horizontally—especially in two-story homes—for better coverage. Free Up Bandwidth During Work Hours If you’re experiencing lag, someone in your house might be hogging the bandwidth. Streaming movies, downloading games, or running large backups in the background can slow your Wi-Fi significantly. Try this: Schedule high-bandwidth activities outside of work hours. Set limits using parental controls or Wi-Fi profiles to control who’s online and when. Avoid multitasking on your own device—background videos or downloads can tank your work speed. Use Wi-Fi Extenders or Mesh Networks If you’re still struggling to stay connected, it might be time to upgrade your setup. Wi-Fi Extenders (Signal Boosters) These devices amplify your existing signal. Great for reaching dead zones in back bedrooms, basements, or upstairs offices. Most create a separate network, so you’ll need to manually switch networks depending on where you are in the house. Mesh Wi-Fi Systems Wisper recommends mesh networks for the most seamless experience. Mesh systems use multiple “nodes” to create one continuous Wi-Fi network throughout your home. Devices automatically connect to the strongest node nearby, keeping your signal consistent and strong. Best for large homes, families with multiple remote workers, or households with a lot of smart devices. Upgrade with Wisper Internet + Wisper Home Choosing a reliable internet provider is key. Wisper offers high-speed service with options like Wisper Home for real-time parental controls, malware protection, and device management right from your phone. Check availability in your area to see if Wisper can power your remote workday. Summary: Quick Tips to Improve Your Wi-Fi Reposition your router for better signal reach Limit high-bandwidth usage during work hours Use Wi-Fi extenders or upgrade to a mesh system Choose a provider like Wisper that supports remote work… Read More

By Nathan Stooke, CEO of Wisper ISP COVID-19 has created a ‘new normal’ for all of us. Even though our day-to-day routines may have changed, strong leadership is more important than ever to guide your team through this transition. Leadership isn’t something you’re born into, it’s something you chose to do every day. And with new information coming all the time, we have to be ready and willing to adapt our leadership style and decision making. When I started Wisper in 2003, we had no office, no employees, no revenue, and no towers. We were ahead of the times. We knew there would be a demand for fixed wireless, we just had to wait for the rest of the world to catch up. By 2007 we had grown to 110 employees, we had an office, and we were still growing. As we grew our business, I realized that people were relying on me to make great decisions. As the CEO, people depended on me to feed their families, pay their mortgages, and to continue proving this job security for them. I realized I wanted to be an effective leader who deserved my position, not just because I owned the company. Leadership is hard. A good leader knows what kind of leader is needed and when. A good leader is also often unappreciated. It’s easy for someone to look at a situation and say how they would have handled it if they were in charge, but in execution it’s not that simple when your decisions make a difference. It’s easy to talk about what makes a good leader, but it’s hard to truly define good leadership. In this social distancing, where we aren’t around our team as much as we might have been, it might seem like there’s less opportunities to be a leader, but I would argue that there’s more. You just have to be more intentional with leadership choices. How do we define leadership? A number of words come up when you search for leadership styles, some positive ones and some that I’m so sure about. I would say the number one thing that really defines leadership is choice. Leadership is a choice you make regularly. You have the opportunity to be a leader everyday, but you have to choose to be that leader. Every day you choose how you are going to lead and how you are going to interact with your team. It’s not just the big decisions, either. Integrity is what you do when no one is looking. As a leader, what happens behind closed office doors is just as important as what happens in the conference room and even the lunch room. While driving around with my kids in the car, someone on the interstate cut me off. My son asked me if I was going to call him names because of his driving. I realized that yes, I could do that in front of my children, or I could use this moment to teach them. It doesn’t matter that he cut me off, because nothing actually came of it. We didn’t crash, there were no injuries, not even really an inconvenience. We talked about how he might be in a hurry to get to the hospital to see a loved one, or maybe he didn’t even know what had just happened. Me being upset about it doesn’t change the outcome of the situation, but it would affect my day and possibly my kids’ day if I let it upset me. It was just a small thing, but I chose to take the time to explain my response. Making choices in these everyday situations makes it easier to make big decisions in the long run. It takes years to build respect, but seconds lose it. With social media these days, any bad decisions will get out. Those decisions will change how and if people choose to follow you. Sometimes that means going against the grain, and that can be a hard choice. If I had listened to people back in the beginning of Wisper, it would never have happened. Being willing to go in the opposite direction at the right time is very important in leadership. How do we lead in this ‘new normal’ of COVID-19? I think it will have a lot to do with decisiveness, and being able to make decisions quickly and effectively. Earlier this year, we had to make quick decisions on whether to cancel annual events and conferences, or wait it out and see how things progressed. At Wisper, we had to change how we operated in our office environment and working from home, but also with our customers and service calls. I’ve had to personally reevaluate my leadership style to adjust for COVID-19. I usually like to plant seeds of change with the team, and help them grow and mature those seeds. But after several COVID-19 meetings, I realized I needed to take charge more than I usually would. I firmly believe that people can change, even if it’s not a permanent change. Information is changing rapidly. Nobody has all the information or time they need to make decisions right now. It’s ok to change your decisions, as long you know you’re making the best choices that you can in that moment. We’re all adjusting to this new normal. As a leader, your team will be looking at you to set the tone moving forward. We need strong leaders right now. We need people to step up and we don’t have a lot of time to prepare for it. We might want weeks to plan and discuss, but we need to make those choices in a few hours. And if you aren’t happy with the outcome, learn from those mistakes to improve next time. We’re all striving to do the best we can as leaders right now, so focus on your decisions, choose leadership every day, and be ready to adjust on the fly. You can watch our WISP… Read More

Parental Controls for Internet Safety: How to Keep Kids Safe Online “Don’t talk to strangers on the internet—they’ll try to kidnap you!” If you grew up during the early days of the internet, warnings like this from parents were constant. Don’t use your real name online. Never share personal information. Don’t respond to messages from people you don’t know. Still, many of us spent hours in chat rooms, sending our A/S/L (age/sex/location) to strangers. Parental controls didn’t exist, pop-ups were rampant, and “safe search” settings were far from standard. Today, children are handed tablets before they can walk. Technology is part of everyday life, but that means it’s more important than ever to set up parental controls for internet safety. These tools can help protect kids from harmful content, online threats, and even their own curiosity. Why You Need Parental Controls for Internet Safety Modern parenting includes managing your child’s digital presence. Parental controls are one of the most effective ways to: Limit screen time Block inappropriate content Prevent sharing of personal data Monitor online activity Whether you use a built-in device feature, a mobile provider tool, or the Wisper Home App, parental controls can give you peace of mind and keep your child safe online. Types of Parental Controls There are several different types of parental control settings you can use depending on the device and the level of restriction you need. 1. Filtering and Blocking These settings restrict access to specific websites and block certain words or images. Options like Safe Search help prevent inappropriate content from appearing in search results. 2. Blocking Outgoing Content This helps prevent kids from sharing personal or sensitive information like addresses, phone numbers, or school names. Once something is posted online, it’s nearly impossible to take back. 3. Time Limits Screen time limits help regulate how long and when your child can be online. Setting and discussing limits avoids arguments and encourages healthier digital habits. 4. Monitoring Tools Some controls let your kids explore the internet while notifying you if they stray into risky territory. You can track websites visited, apps used, and even social media activity. ➡️ Tip: The Wisper Home App offers customizable filters, time limits, and real-time alerts for every connected device in your home. How to Talk to Your Kids About Internet Safety Parental controls are powerful—but they work best when paired with real conversations. Teaching your kids how to use the internet responsibly builds habits that last even after the restrictions come off. Careful What You Share Talk about the risks of oversharing. Show them how personal info—like their full name, school, or birthday—can be misused. Try searching your own name together online and discuss what comes up. Spotting Phishing Scams Teach them to look out for suspicious emails or messages. Children (and older adults) are especially vulnerable to scams. Show them how to identify fake links or strange sender addresses. Create Strong Passwords Encourage strong, memorable passwords using combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. Help them come up with a base password and unique versions for each app or device. Example: S@ra2025!Pad for Sara’s iPad.And don’t forget to log out when done! Open Communication is Key Make sure your child knows they can talk to you about anything they find online—especially if it seems weird or makes them uncomfortable. Set It and Stay Involved The internet is an amazing place to learn, explore, and connect—but it’s also full of risks. With parental controls for internet safety, you can set boundaries and empower your kids to make good choices online. The Wisper Home App, included with our Wisper Care Plan, lets you apply these tools directly from your smartphone. It covers all connected devices in your home—TVs, tablets, laptops, and more—and keeps you updated with alerts and activity summaries. You don’t have to monitor every click, but you can create a safe, supportive environment for your child to grow digitally—just like you’d do in real life…. Read More

Headquartered in Southern Illinois, Wisper ISP, Inc. provides high-speed reliable internet to residents in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma (Arkansas will be added to their coverage area soon). Wisper is a rising competitor in the Wireless Internet Industry, as they were the second-largest winner in the FCC’s rural broadband auction, the Connect America Fund II (CAF II). With funds totaling $220.3 million, Wisper is expanding its efforts to become the leading Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP). What is the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF II)? The Connect America Fund II, or CAF II, is the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) “program to expand access to voice and broadband services for areas where they are unavailable.” The FCC states the funding will “subsidize the cost of building new network infrastructure or performing network upgrades.” Recipients of CAF II funding must follow requirements for speed, latency, usage allowance, and pricing to ensure service is of a predetermined quality standard and affordability. The requirement specifics, according to the FCC’s CAF II FAQs page, are as follows: Speed: Service providers must offer broadband at speeds of at least 10 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 1 Mbps upstream. Latency: Service providers’ network latency cannot be higher than 100 milliseconds round trip. Latency is the time it takes for a data packet to travel back and forth through a network. Usage Allowance: Service providers must offer at least one plan with a minimum usage allowance of at least 150 gigabytes (GB) per month or a monthly usage allowance that reflects the average usage of a majority of fixed broadband customers as announced by the Wireline Competition Bureau annually, whichever is higher. Alternatively, service providers have the option of offering a usage allowance that is at or above the usage level for 80 percent of their broadband subscribers if it is at least 100 GB. Pricing: Service providers must offer service at rates reasonably comparable to rates in urban areas. In addition to these predetermined standards, recipients are required to provide internet to their allotted areas within a six-year timeframe, while receiving funding over a span of ten years. Are you included in the CAF II build-out? The CAF II Map shows the build-out areas. Please contact Wisper’s Public Relations and Advocacy Specialist, Alison Tupiri, if you have questions on how to read the map. Wisper’s plan is to build out to more than the areas required by CAF II; however, the team cannot promise at this point in time that they will be able to service your exact location. How can you stay informed? Wisper received its first round of CAF II funding at the end of February 2020. Subscribe to Wisper’s CAF II Newsletter, The Connection, to stay up-to-date on the latest developments. Are you in a CAF II build-out area? Help us, help you. Do you have access to fiber? Or do you have access to a tall structure, such as a grain silo, grain elevator, water tower, etc.? Wisper would like to work with YOU and bring reliable, high-speed internet to your area. Provide your name, address, phone number, email address, and a description of your resource(s) to Alison Tupiri…. Read More

What Is Fixed Wireless Internet? A Reliable Alternative for Rural Communities More families are relying on the internet than ever before. From remote work and homework to streaming and staying connected, a strong internet connection is essential. While many people are familiar with traditional options like DSL, cable, satellite, or fiber-optic, there’s another powerful solution worth considering: fixed wireless internet. So, what exactly is fixed wireless internet—and is it right for you? Let’s explore how it works, how it compares to other options, and whether it’s available in your area. What Is Fixed Wireless Internet? Fixed wireless internet is a type of broadband connection that uses radio signals instead of underground cables. A small antenna, mounted on your home, communicates with a nearby tower to deliver internet service directly to your router. This method eliminates the need for expensive trenching or wiring. Because it doesn’t rely on buried infrastructure, fixed wireless is often available in places where other internet services fall short—especially in rural areas. It’s also a faster, more affordable solution for customers who need reliable internet now. How Fixed Wireless Internet Works The setup is straightforward. A wireless internet service provider (WISP), such as Wisper, installs a small antenna outside your home. That antenna connects to a local tower, which could be a cell tower, grain elevator, or water tower. From the antenna, a cable runs into your home and connects to a wireless router. This router broadcasts the signal throughout your home, allowing you to connect phones, computers, smart TVs, and other devices to the internet. How Fixed Wireless Compares to Other Internet Types Understanding how fixed wireless stacks up against other technologies helps you make a smart decision for your home. Satellite Internet Satellite service sends signals from satellites orbiting thousands of miles above Earth. That distance causes high latency, which means long delays between sending and receiving data. This can make video calls, gaming, and streaming frustrating. By contrast, fixed wireless towers are usually located within five miles of your home. As a result, latency is dramatically lower and speeds are more consistent. DSL DSL uses copper phone lines and is only available within a limited range of a central office. It’s also much slower, with average speeds around 1–3 Mbps. Older phone lines can further reduce performance and reliability. If you’re ready to cut the cord on your landline and upgrade your speed, fixed wireless offers a much better solution. Cable Cable can be fast, but it’s often tied to areas with higher population density. In addition, many customers report poor customer service and unpredictable pricing. Wisper offers comparable speeds to cable with the added benefit of responsive, local support. Fiber-Optic Fiber is the fastest internet option available—but only in some areas. While it offers excellent performance, installation costs can be high and repairs may take longer. If fiber isn’t available in your neighborhood, fixed wireless provides an accessible, high-speed alternative. Does Weather Affect Fixed Wireless Internet? Unlike satellite internet, which often drops during heavy rain or snow, fixed wireless is not typically affected by everyday weather conditions. However, extreme storms, ice, or lightning strikes can cause temporary outages, especially if tower equipment is damaged. Wisper monitors its network 24/7, which means our technicians are alerted immediately when an outage occurs. In rare cases, an antenna called a Yagi may be used in areas with no clear line-of-sight. This type of equipment is more sensitive to ice buildup but is not commonly installed. Is Fixed Wireless Internet Right for You? Fixed wireless is a strong option if: You live in a rural area where other internet types are limited Your current provider doesn’t offer enough speed or reliability You want fast, consistent service with unlimited data It’s also ideal for households that stream frequently, work from home, or have multiple users online at once. Best of all, you don’t need a landline or satellite dish. Check if Wisper Internet is available in your area. About Wisper Internet Wisper Internet began with a simple mission: help people connect. What started as a favor for a friend grew into a full-service internet provider that now serves thousands across the Midwest. Headquartered in Mascoutah, Illinois, we offer fixed wireless internet in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, and Oklahoma. Our team is known for solving problems, supporting local communities, and delivering the kind of service we’d want for our own families. We believe fast internet should be available—no matter where you live…. Read More

Hi, my name is Bre and I am a Human Resources Specialist at Wisper Internet. I enjoy my position in HR because I get to be a part of the driving force that grows the Wisper Team. I love watching Wisper grow because it makes me feel like I’m a part of something bigger than myself. As an HR Specialist, I conduct phone interviews on a daily basis. Phone interviews are tough for interviewees. You are faced with the task of showing your personality through voice alone. Let’s not forget about the awkward pauses and interruptions. Without seeing the other person’s facial expressions and gestures, it can be difficult to know when it’s your turn to chime in. I feel like I’ve experienced every possible scenario as the interviewer, from a candidate attempting to be heard clearly over Bluetooth while driving in traffic to a tower climber candidate not mentioning their fear of heights. My experience as an interviewer has given me insight on what to do and what not to do during a phone interview. At Wisper we want you to succeed, so I put these valuable tips together for you. Why you do you like phone interview screenings? I like phone interview screenings because they allow me to tell our story at Wisper. It is important to me that candidates know who we are and understand who we are striving to be in the future. Besides researching online, it’s the first tangible chance for candidates to learn if they are a good fit for our company culture. It is also an opportunity for candidates to share their stories and experiences. Why is a phone interview important? Resumes do get you in the door, but phone interviews are the first opportunity to discover if the candidate is a good fit for Wisper and vice versa. At Wisper is it important that candidates align with our company culture. Our company culture is based around our 5 core-values: Humbly Confident – We truthfully and confidently state our talents, abilities, strengths, and worthiness. At the same time, we recognize that we still have much to learn and more ways to grow. Committed to Serving One Another – We acknowledge that to succeed, we must work together as a team. Focused on Customer Experience – The customer is the most important part of our business. We recognize that our employees are our customers and believe that customer happiness is the main driving force to our success. Driven to Solution – We are motivated to remove obstacles that stand in our way of being successful. No challenge goes unaccepted. Life-Long Learners – We deliberately focus on the ongoing and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge. What do you look for in a phone interview? I look for the following attributes: Examples of teamwork and leadership Qualities that exemplify helping customers, how you put customers first A genuine fit, how a candidate matches our core values and culture Showcase of experience (it’s not all about a degree), tell us about your success stories What are common phone interview questions at Wisper? What is the most complex or niche thing you know a lot about? Can you explain it to me in under 3 minutes? Tell me about the hardest “judgment call” you have ever had to make? When you had extra time available in previous positions, what did you do with it? Provide an example of a time when you went out of your way and jumped through hoops to delight a customer. Do you have any phone interview tips and tricks? When preparing for a phone interview, don’t forget that this is your time to shine! Please talk about yourself and your work style. I know it can feel odd, but don’t be ashamed to brag about yourself here and there during the interview. The interviewer isn’t going to know why you are a good fit for the position or Wisper unless you tell them. What is one thing you want a future phone interview candidate to know about Wisper Internet? I love our culture! Even with our rapid growth, we have a family-type environment. Management cares about their team and wants each person to succeed in their position. For example, if you are a hard worker but your skill set doesn’t match the position you are in, management will place you in another position or department where they feel you would be happier. Ready for your phone interview? Visit our jobs page to apply for an open position. The HR Team and I look forward to hearing from you!… Read More

What does it mean to lead? Let’s turn to our good friend, Merriam Webster. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, to lead means to “direct the operations, activity, or performance of.” Seems simple enough, right? But to lead can come in many different approaches and styles. Since starting Wisper Internet from my garage in 2003, I’ve conducted my fair share of research on leading. A company can’t grow without the proper leadership in place, but too often, the leadership conversation is reserved for individuals in high positions within the company. I don’t think there is a secret sauce – that one must possess all the characteristics listed in the numerous books, podcasts, and more on the topic and be in a high-level position to be a leader. Leadership is unique to the individual and is required by employees at all levels. Managers aren’t the only ones expected to lead. Titles are important, but they aren’t the end all and be all. I expect all of my employees to strive and grow to be a successful leader in their own way. What does that look like? Employees are to lead by example in their role, no matter how big or small. Since leadership can be unique to the person, our team works to put each employee, as long as they demonstrate hard work and dedication, to the position that matches their strengths the best. Then, they have the best chance to reach their full potential as a leader. Consistency is the key to growth and the same rule applies for leadership. You must choose to be a leader day in and day out. It can be hard. There are some days you’d rather do the bare minimum to get by, but the things worth-wild in life usually aren’t easy. It’s a choice you make. So how do you define successful leadership for yourself? And where do you currently stand in your definition? Ask yourself the following four questions to effectively measure your leadership skills. What Attitude Do You Bring? Attitude is important because life is what you make it. Are you going to choose to look at the glass half full or half empty? Your reaction matters in all situations, no matter how big or small. I remember driving my kids to swim practice and being cut off by someone. I just slammed on the breaks to avoid a collision and kept driving. My middle child asked in awe, “Wait, aren’t you going to call him an idiot? That’s what mom does.” I decided to make this is a teachable moment. I responded, “Yes, the other car cut me off, but he didn’t hit me. Maybe he was rushing to the hospital for a family member, or maybe he didn’t know he cut me off. Getting upset about it and saying he’s an idiot doesn’t affect anything or change the outcome.” I could have very easily agreed that the person who cut me off was an idiot, but I chose to put myself in the other person’s shoes, instead of making an assumption. If you do well on the small decisions, it makes the big decisions easier. Do others follow you? Take a look at your followers. It doesn’t mean you are a good leader or a bad leader. It just means you are a leader. Recognizing that you have followers is one of the first steps towards working to become a great leader. How do you influence your environment? The best books I’ve read on leadership are The 5 Levels of Leadership and 360 Degree Leader, both written by John C. Maxwell. In the books, he discusses all things leadership and how to develop your influence on a person. You may not realize it, but despite your title or role, you make an influence one way or another. Do others look up to you? Being a leader may not be up to you, but you do have a choice on the type of leader you are going to be. A leader has great responsibilities. Others constantly observe your words and actions. You have to be intentional about the type of leader you choose to be. As a leader, you are expected to be on your a-game 24/7 because you never know when someone is watching. It takes years for a leader to build respect, but it only takes seconds to lose it. To learn more effective way to measure your leadership, watch this video featuring me, Nathan Stooke – CEO of Wisper Internet…. Read More

To be the most efficient and successful version of itself, Wisper Internet has adopted the EOS Model. The EOS Model outlines the idea that there are six key components to every business, no matter the size or industry. The six components are vision, data, process, traction, issues, and people. The model then continues to say that if businesses continuously work to strengthen these six components, they will achieve success. Don’t worry. The model doesn’t stop there. It provides insight on the necessary roles and steps to strengthen these six components. Let’s start with the basics, the leadership team. A successful business is much more difficult to build, if not impossible to build, without a strong leadership team. One of the fundamental leadership roles named by the EOS Model is that of Integrator. The EOS Model defines Integrator as “the person who is the tie-breaker for the leadership team, is the glue for the organization, holds everything together, beats the drum (provides cadence), is accountable for the P&L results, executes the business plan, holds the Leadership Team accountable, and is the steady force in the organization.” Sound like an important role? It is. We knew choosing a person for the role of Integrator wasn’t going to be a light-hearted decision. After much time and consideration, we choose Ginny Wood to serve as Integrator, or Chief Operations Officer (COO), as we refer to her. The addition of the role allows Wisper Founder and CEO, Nathan Stooke to hone into his strengths and be a true visionary by relinquishing his Integrator responsibilities. Ginny is an entrepreneurial COO, EOS Integrator, and general manager experienced in building and growing businesses ranging from start-ups to $2 Billion in annual revenue. It’s no surprise that she thrives in rough waters. Even though she serves in a high-level role, she is equally comfortable collaborating with peers, leading or managing, being accountable for the P&L or systematically attacking a company’s toughest operational challenges. It’s safe to say that you can call her a Jill of all trades. To help us get to know her better, we asked Ginny a few questions. Here are 10 Valuable Things To Spotlight About Our COO. 1. What was it like growing up? Although I was born in Iowa City, IA, and spent some early years in San Diego, most of my formative years were in Lincoln, Nebraska. I’m blessed to be flanked by an older sister and younger brother who are each a neighbor of mine now. My parents both drove and inspired my growth and continue to model a good life. 2. What’s your morning routine? I fill my proverbial cup before 8 am. After 8 hours of sleep, I make strong coffee in a mocha pot and meditate for 20 minutes or so. Depending on the time zone I’m in, I’ll either start working right away or get a cardio workout in. 3. What’s your educational background? I have an undergrad Business degree + 36 hours of Japanese language study + M.B.A., Finance + Full-stack software development boot camp (5-months) in San Francisco. 4. What’s your career journey? My past P&L responsibility includes five businesses — one grown from nothing to a $1.8M run-rate in 8 months and one where I served as President driving $14M in sales and an expanded 45% net margin. For fun, I took a career break to attend the premier full-stack development school, Dev Bootcamp in San Francisco, where I graduated in the top third of my class. 5. Do you have professional goals? Learn, grow, improve. 6. What are your work habits? Block the time to get the most important things done. Take time to listen and serve the people on my team. Plan a week in advance + review tomorrow tonight. Focus on my health so I am present in my work. 7. What are your hobbies? Family, wonderful friends, running, swimming, biking, yoga, reading, avocados, playing outside, a good night’s sleep, and a love of learning new things every day makes me feel like the richest person on the planet. 8. Tell us about your family! I’m Mother of 3 adult children, a sister, and a daughter. I’m a member of a kind, funny, and loving family. 9. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Take the time to know yourself. Knowing who you are allows you to live your life with purpose and meaning. 10. How do you find balance? Balance is a daily dose of good sleep, exercise, healthy food, good work, and love…. Read More