Thank You. Two insignificant words can be the most powerful anyone can hear. This summer, Wisper Internet has sponsored two Honor Flights of military veterans to Washington D.C. to tour memorials to American conflicts, different branches of the armed forces, and other monuments to the founders and defenders of our nation. Last weekend a group of 24 Vietnam veterans and one 91-year-old Korean War veteran from Franklin and surrounding Missouri counties took their Honor Flight to the nation’s capital. Fifty years after their discharges from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, these vets finally received the thank you many of them said they never received when they came home after their tours overseas. As Wisper’s Public Relations and Advocacy Specialist, I was unbelievably lucky to accompany a veteran on this flight and serve as his “guardian” for the whirlwind 36 hours in Washington D.C. We arrived at Lambert Airport at 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning and after a greeting from USO volunteers we made our way through security to our terminal for breakfast. We were on the plane and in the air around 8:30. We exited our plane at Reagan National Airport to cheering travelers in the terminal and a high school band, football team, and cheerleaders lining the hallway from the terminal to the front doors before boarding our charter bus to lunch. At this early point in the trip, the vets and guardians were already forming friendships and the vets were exchanging stories from their experiences in Vietnam, which ranged from being a payroll clerk to flying nukes in a B-52 bomber. While at lunch, I got the first indication that this trip was going to be incredibly special for the vets and the guardians as well. I quickly discovered the vets were eager to share their stories, which in many cases had never had anyone ask to hear them. Even more powerful was hearing the vets talk to each other and connect on their shared experiences both good and bad. After lunch, our group of about 55 people headed to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia. A couple of hours were spent here giving the vets a chance to see aircraft they had flown in while in the service. This was also a fantastic opportunity for guardians to have a chance to get to know our new friends as well. My vet was Rodney Norman, who served in Vietnam as a payroll clerk on a forward base. He lives in South St. Louis County and is retired after operating a residential garage door business for many years. We departed the museum and headed to the Air Force Memorial for dinner and a wonderful view of the Pentagon. After some time at the memorial, our next destination was the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and a quick view of the Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial. The highlight of the evening was our visit to the National Mall to view the nightly illuminations of the World War 2, Vietnam and Korean War, and Lincoln memorials. Finally, the hotel and bed at 10 p.m. for a few hours of rest before a packed Sunday, starting with breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Day two began with a visit to and up into the Washington Monument. At this point in the trip the vets and the guardians were forming friendships and a comfort level with each other, and the times spent in lines and on the bus became filled with laughter, jokes, and some ribbing of the Marine vets by the other branches. Having focused on the Korean War Memorial the previous night, Rodney and I took this opportunity to visit the very somber Vietnam Memorial Wall. While there we located the name of a childhood friend of his who was killed in action which was engraved in its enduring place of honor. We then made out way over to the Lincoln Memorial and found several of the others from our group taking pictures and referencing historic events that had occurred on the steps where we were standing and a few famous movie scenes as well. Although Rodney had visited the sites before, he commented that when you are there it is hard to take it all in, because it seems like you are in a movie or a textbook. We boarded the bus from the Lincon Memorial and made a quick drive past the Capital building to the National Navy Memorial and museum on Pennsylvania Avenue, just a few blocks from the White House. After a private lunch and tour of the Navy Museum, we headed to the Pentagon to view the 9/11 Memorial to the 184 souls who lost their lives at that location during the terrorist attack on our nation 21 years ago. The simple memorial features winged-shaped benches and flowing water beneath each. Fifty-nine benches are situated facing the Pentagon to represent the victims of Flight 77. An additional 125 benches are facing outward from the impact point to honor those who were killed in the Pentagon. In keeping with somber remembrances, our next and probably most poignant stop on the trip for the veterans was a visit to Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While here, the vets witnessed a changing of the guard ceremony at the tomb and they received a fitting, secret nod from the soldiers of the Old Guard while performing their duties. As the sergeant at arms is entering the tomb area, he drags the toe of his boots (equipped with metal taps) on the ground while walking past the vets as a tribute to their service, an extremely high honor. Despite the gravitas of the ceremony and location, the vets’ spirits were high after being surrounded by their honored servicemembers in a very sacred place to our military and the country. We boarded the bus one last time and after circling the Iwo Jima Memorial honoring the Marine Corps and the raising of the American… Read More
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19 Years of Wisper
Happy Birthday Wisper: Moving Forward, Looking Back, Keeping Promises In 1905, author George Santayana coined the phrase “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” The same phrase or variation of it was made famous by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill decades later as he guided Great Britain through World War II. The past can be both helpful and hurtful to everyone. It can evoke great memories, triumphs, regrets, or traumas from which we can learn. Good or bad, we can never forget the past and in a world of forward motion and progress, we must remember our roots and foundations. Businesses must be incredibly careful to remember their past and not be blinded by future expansions and progress and let themselves forget the customers who have helped them build their business into what it is today. Without the past, there is no future. Moving Forward On September 18, Wisper Internet will celebrate its 19th birthday. Since 2003, Wisper has looked forward while never losing sight of the past. As you may guess, the wireless internet industry is changing and growing daily. Wisper has and will continue to be at the forefront of the technology wave with two decades of experience to navigate the internet ocean. The $220 million Connect America Fund II (CAF) award has propelled Wisper to the forefront of the WISP industry across six states and Wisper is known nationwide for its groundbreaking work. Since the beginning of this year (2022) Wisper has launched 108 new wireless broadband towers across three states. In Missouri, 74 new towers are serving households in 36 individual counties with some of those counties now hosting as many as seven Wisper towers. In Illinois, 32 new towers have been launched this year in 12 counties with most hosting 2, 3, and 4 new towers each. Wisper also launched two new towers in Craig and Ottowa counties in Oklahoma this year as well. In the last four months of 2021, Wisper launched 68 new CAF towers in 40 counties spanning four states. Those towers served more than 204,000 households. As reported at the most recent companywide All Hands meeting, Wisper has 80,149 CAF obligations spanning six states including Missouri (68,269), Illinois (8,907), Oklahoma (2,443), Kansas (414), Arkansas (102), and Indiana (14). As of August, Wisper has completed 176 total towers serving 33,292 of the CAF obligations. The completion rate in Arkansas is at 68 percent; 57 percent in Indiana; 48 percent in Oklahoma, 43 percent in Missouri; 42 percent in Kansas; and 29 percent in Illinois. Looking Back When a foundation of any kind is built, it cannot be forgotten in the fog of progress and the same must be true in any business, especially one as dynamic as the internet. Just think, 20 years ago we still had to dial a phone number to a modem or system somewhere and then listen to the screeching phone lines just to get “online”. Now, with Wi-Fi and wireless networks we can connect effortlessly in our homes, yards, cars, or anywhere. Wisper Internet cherishes its roots and in addition to focusing on the CAF and forward-moving projects, they are laser-focused on strengthening the foundations and core values on which the company was built and follows. In just the past six months, Wisper crews have completed 83 system upgrades and retrofits across its networks in Missouri and Illinois. These upgrades span locations served by Wisper’s headquarters in Mascoutah, Ill., and the spokes in Smith, Joplin, Osage, Smithton, Forsyth, Washington, and Kansas City, Mo. These upgrades and retrofits are proof positive that Wisper and its employees are committed to our existing customers who had faith in the company and have helped it reach its current success. Everything Wisper does is for our customers both new and old. The CAF builds are driven to connect the unserved and underserved in our coverage areas. Wisper is meeting those mandates and is committed to having the best network for our current and future customers. In furtherance of those goals, Wisper has joined with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to assist households with the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs to get people connected and stay connected to the world…. Read More
Ask for Help: Break the Stigma with the ACP
Do you ask for assistance when you need it most? Some don’t for a myriad of reasons. Too proud, embarrassed, don’t know how or who to reach out to, or they don’t know what resources are available. Resources can be physical, mental, or in most cases, financial. Money can be a struggle for many families in some form. Even the most financially stable household can run into unexpected expenses like needing a new appliance, air conditioner, medical expenses, etc. Let’s not forget the global pandemic that put thousands of people into dire financial situations they never thought possible from no fault of their own. Many adults and kids found their work and school lives turned upside down. In the worst-case scenarios, many lost their incomes completely. It has been said that the pandemic brought 2030 to 2020, highlighting the need for households to connect for work, school, and entertainment. It also highlighted the digital divide in our country on two fronts. Those who are unserved and underserved. When you think of these two categories, the first doesn’t have access to reliable internet because of their geographic locations and lack of services in their areas. Wisper is working on this connectivity issue through our ongoing Connect America Fund (CAF) commitments, which include as many as 20 new wireless towers being launched each month. The other issue that causes households to be unserved and underserved can affect families anywhere. They simply cannot afford it. Our research shows that Wisper covers areas where the free lunch program for elementary students are high as 72 percent. This program indicates households that are at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. At Wisper, we believe that in today’s world reliable internet is just as important as a utility like water or electricity. With increased emphasis placed on the absolute necessity of the internet, families should not have to choose between paying for much-needed connectivity, or other household bills. Wisper has already helped more than 300 underserved families by partnering with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the Affordable Connectivity Program (formerly the Emergency Broadband Benefit EBB). This benefit helps to connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more. About the Affordable Connectivity Program The Affordable Connectivity Program will provide a discount of up to $30 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Many of these households have children eligible for the free and reduced lunched programs offered in school districts around the country. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), before the pandemic, nearly 100,000 schools/institutions serve school lunches to 29.6 million students each day, including 20.1 million free lunches, and 1.7 million reduced-price meals (student pays $0.40). In many of the communities and school districts Wisper serves, an average of 40 percent of the students qualify for free and reduced lunches and the family would in turn qualify for the ACP. The ACP is not a handout, it is instead a helping hand for families or households to stay connected. There should be no shame or embarrassment in taking advantage of a government program designed to help us in our everyday lives. How to Apply Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan. Go to FCC.gov/ACP to apply online and to find participating providers near you. After you apply, you will need to contact a participating provider to select an eligible plan. Libraries are free and supported by tax dollars. We don’t blink an eye about using them. Look at all the other government programs that help us every day that no one thought would catch on or were a waste of money. Unemployment, WIC, Social Security, Worker’s Compensation, the FDA, and the list goes on and on. Never be ashamed to ask for help and never judge those who may need a little extra…. Read More
The Top Apps Parents Should Know Their Kids Are Using
As kids get older, they become more interested in using apps on their smartphones and tablets. While some apps are perfectly safe and age-appropriate, others can be dangerous for children. As a parent, it’s important to be aware of the most popular apps your kids are using, so you can make sure they’re staying safe online. Understanding the App Landscape: It’s no secret that kids love using apps. In fact, a recent study showed that kids under the age of 8 spend an average of 2 hours and 19 minutes per day using mobile devices and teens over 7 hours per day. That’s a lot of time spent on screens! As a parent, it’s important to be aware of the most popular apps your kids are using. Some apps are age-appropriate, while others can be dangerous and inappropriate for children. Here is a list of the top 5 app categories parents should know their kids are using: Social Media Apps: Kids love staying connected with their friends and family on social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. While there are some great things about social media, there are also some dangers that parents need to be aware of. For example, cyberbullying is a real problem on social media platforms. Parents should talk to their kids about online safety and make sure they know how to report any inappropriate behavior they see on social media. Messaging Apps: Messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage are popular among kids for staying in touch with friends. However, these apps can also be used for cyberbullying and other inappropriate behavior. Parents should talk to their kids about responsible use of messaging apps and make sure they know how to report any problems. Gaming Apps: Gaming apps are extremely popular among kids of all ages. While there are many age-appropriate and safe games out there, parents need to be aware of the dangers of some gaming apps. For example, some games may contain violence, sexual content, or in-app purchases that can add up quickly. Parents should carefully review the games their kids are playing and make sure they are appropriate for their age. Camera Apps: Camera apps like Snapchat and Instagram are popular among kids for sharing photos and videos with friends. However, these apps can also be used to share inappropriate photos and videos. Parents should talk to their kids about responsible use of camera apps and make sure they know how to report any problems. Shopping Apps: Shopping apps like Amazon and eBay are popular among kids for buying items online. However, these apps can also be used to make in-app purchases that can add up quickly. Parents should carefully review the apps their kids are using and make sure they are appropriate for their age. The Most Dangerous Apps for Kids – Are those that allow for anonymous messaging and communication. These apps can be used by predators to groom and exploit children. Some of the most popular anonymous messaging apps used by kids are Kik and Yik Yak. Predators can pose as other kids on these apps and trick children into revealing personal information or sending them inappropriate pictures. It is important for parents to be aware of these apps and talk to their kids about online safety. Another app that can be dangerous for kids is Snapchat. While the app does have some safeguards in place, like only allowing snaps to be viewed for a limited amount of time, there are ways for predators to circumvent these measures. For example, predators can take screenshots of snaps before they disappear or use a separate camera to record the video. They can then use these images or videos to blackmail or bully kids. Some apps, while not necessarily dangerous, can be inappropriate for children. These include apps that allow users to share nude photos or engage in sexual conversations. Some of the most popular apps in this category are Tinder, Grindr, and Blendr. While these apps may have age restrictions in place, it is still possible for kids to access them if they lie about their age. Parents should be aware of these apps and talk to their kids about using them safely and responsibly. Finally, there are a number of apps that can be addictive and cause kids to neglect their studies and social lives. Some of the most popular addictive apps include Candy Crush, Clash of Clans, and Flappy Bird. These apps can be extremely frustrating and cause kids to spend hours trying to beat them. This can lead to isolation from friends and family, as well as poor grades at school. Parents should talk to their kids about time management and setting limits on how much time they spend on these apps. The Top Apps Parents Should Know Their Kids Are Using As kids get more and more tech-savvy, it’s important for parents to stay on top of the latest apps and games their children are using. While some apps are perfectly safe and age-appropriate, others can be dangerous and expose kids to inappropriate content. Here are five of the most popular apps parents should know about: TikTok: This popular video-sharing app allows users to create and share short videos of themselves Lip-syncing, dancing, or performing other creative acts. While TikTok can be a lot of fun for kids, there have been concerns about its safety, as the app has been known to host inappropriate and even pornographic content. Snapchat: This messaging app is extremely popular with kids and teens, as it allows users to send disappearing photos and videos. However, Snapchat also has a number of safety concerns, including “Snap Map” which can show your child’s location to anyone on their contact list. Fortnite: This online multiplayer game has taken the world by storm, with kids and adults alike spending hours upon hours playing. While Fortnite can be a fun and harmless game, there have been concerns about its violence and addictive nature. Instagram:… Read More
Internet Safety – Someone Send Up the Bat Signal
Everybody loves a good superhero story, right? In the 1930s we were introduced to a few in 10-cent comics, the 1960s brought us the Silver Age of superheroes including corny tv shows (Pow, Wham, Boom) featuring over-the-top villains and it took until the mid to late 1980s before we got a real serious look at what a superhero movie could be (more on that in a bit). I guess you’re wondering how superheroes tie into internet safety. It’s easy. Protection, sometimes when you don’t even know it. At Wisper Internet we do our best to keep you safe before threats even reach our customers. In just the month of May, Wisper blocked 13,000 cyber threats before they could even reach customers’ homes. But as you know there are more threats out there. Depending on your age (and nerd level), there are two particularly important superhero questions that must be asked before any conversation or argument. We all know Christopher Reeve is the best Superman, so I will not even put that up for discussion. 1. Are you a fan of the Marvel Universe or the DC Universe? 2. Who is the best Batman? Can we all agree on who was the worst? For those who may not know, the Marvel Universe features characters like Spiderman, Thor, Hulk, Ironman, Captain America, Deadpool, X-men, Guardians of the Galaxy, and dozens of others. I am sure I will cause some aggravation by leaving out someone’s favorite. The DC Universe, (my personal favorite) features Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, etc. There may not be as many, but they are superior. Also, Michael Keaton, Batman 1989, is the best. My opinion only. Sorry, not sorry. Whether you like Marvel, DC, or both, we can all agree on the idea of the forces of good protecting us from threats and evil in the night make us all feel good. In real life, we have flesh and blood heroes like police, fire, EMS, and others who are there to keep us safe from threats we can see. We also know there is not a real Lex Luthor, Thanos, or Joker trying to take over our cities or world. However, every day, we are online, our phones, computers, gaming systems, etc. are bombarded with threats of viruses, malware, and bad actors with ill intentions. Why do the bad people do these things? Who knows, but unfortunately, because the threats are out there, we must take extra steps and be hypervigilant just to work, play and do the things we enjoy online. In a recent chat with Officer Casey Harget with the Dupo, Illinois Police Department, we talked about many of the threats that are out there for both kids and adults. Officer Harget is the School Resource Officer (SRO) and teaches the D.A.R.E. program which includes a small section on internet safety for kids. For the kiddos there are three simple tips: Keep Safe, Keep Away, and Keep Telling. Keeping safe means keeping your personal info off the internet and when playing games, make sure you are only playing with people you know. Keep away refers to online bullying and strangers and keep telling means to let a trusted adult know if there are strange people trying to contact you or asking you to do inappropriate things. At the end of the conversation, I asked Officer Harget what was the overall biggest internet-related complaint they get at the police department from all ages. He told me they are phishing schemes asking for personal information and money. No, they are not emailing bout actual casting lines and reeling in lunkers. These swindlers have been on the rise in recent years and can come from what look like legitimate sources like your own company as well as streaming or gaming services you may subscribe to and many other innocent-looking sources. Harget also mentioned a particular case where an elderly resident was solicited online and asked to give money. I’m sure you can imagine how the rest of the story unfolded. Just like the kids who need extra protection, seniors could also use a little oversight when it comes to internet safety as well. It’s a shame we are forced to have these conversations, and we can’t all be superheroes, but we can do our part to keep our loved ones safe. The bad guys are out there and hopefully it gives some peace of mind that Wisper will continue to stand in the gap to protect our customers. We may be good at internet, but we will leave fighting the Joker, Doomsday, and Green Goblin to the real superheroes. Does anybody know any good stores to buy a cape and mask? Asking for a friend. To see my interview with Officer Harget visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq6Top2q4hM…. Read More
Wisper Salutes the Men and Women in Law Enforcement
We have all had that sick, sinking feeling in our stomachs when we see the red and blue lights on top of a police car pull in behind us, or in some cases as we pass a sitting police car going way too fast. It sparks anxiety for us, but law enforcement officers (LEO) are just doing their jobs. Let’s take a minute to look at that job. When you leave home, do you have to strap on a bulletproof vest in anticipation you may get shot? I don’t and it makes me appreciate the work officers do for their communities every day. Now before we get started, let’s talk about the diverse types of law enforcement. If I leave any out, please send me an email to correct me, mmiller@wisperisp.com. In most communities, you have local/municipal officers, deputies from the county sheriff’s department, and troopers from the state police or highway patrol. Those are the basics but add to those bailiffs in the county courthouse, guards in the county jail, state, and federal prisons, and in some cases, even the police/fire/EMS dispatchers are sworn officers, usually of the sheriff or large cities. There are also numerous state and federal agencies with sworn officers and even Union Pacific Railroad has its own law enforcement officers in my hometown. I know this is a lot to unpack. Police and other LEO get a bad rap when they write us a ticket. I hate it too, but we were breaking the law. In all seriousness, what would we do without these brave men and women who answer the call when we need help or protection? Remember the part about the bullet proof vests? The week of May 11-17 is National Police Week. Cities, states, and counties all over the country pause to not only acknowledge the men and women currently serving, but to honor those who have given their lives in the line of duty. Ceremonies and candlelight vigils are held, speeches are given, and tears flow to remember those who left their homes one morning to go to work and never came home to their families. They were just going to work. Makes you appreciate your comfortable desk job, huh. I personally know an LEO who was killed on duty when he was struck head-on by a drunk driver. It can happen in a split second and without the tv and movie dramatics of car chases, explosions and shootouts. He was simply on the patrol, then he was gone forever. Dispatchers are the lifelines of all first responders. Every police/fire/EMS emergency begins with a dispatcher answering a 911 call. They take down information usually from distraught callers, give them directions on how they can help the situation, and usually stay on the line with the callers until help arrives. In a matter of seconds, the dispatcher determines the nature and severity of the emergency, and gets the proper agency or agencies rolling to the scene while giving them information to keep the first responders and the callers safe. Once on scene, all the responders rely on the dispatchers to contact other agencies and resources to mitigate the emergency. It is also the duty of the dispatchers to check on the responders to give status checks for their own well-being and safety. Their role from the first seconds till the last trucks and squad cars are back in service is vital. Now, let us talk about bailiffs and correctional officers. Once the police do their jobs and get the criminal off the street, their safety and that of the public is in the hands of this often unseen and overlooked group. Their work each day in detention facilities and courthouses can be just as dangerous as the officers working the streets. Escorting prisoners to and from court, making sure the bad guys stay behind bars, and let’s not forget protecting state, federal, and municipal buildings and the public visiting them. Everyone who puts on a badge and swears to protect and serve the public day in and day out deserves our respect and gratitude. All joking aside, who else are you going to call? Who answers when you call 911? Who are the people that will be first on the scene when need them? They are in most cases total strangers willing to give their lives protecting you, your family, and your property. Wisper salutes those holding the thin blue, silver, and yellow lines. Personally, I sleep better at night knowing they are out there to keep me safe. Wisper Internet thanks these brave men and women for their service. We would also like to thank the families of law enforcement for sharing their heroes with us and enduring the worries and uncertainty that must come with the start of every new shift. One week a year is not enough to truly acknowledge the sacrifices made…. Read More
Wisper Salutes the Military, Past and Present
Did you know May is Military Appreciation Month? Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day are both set aside to honor our military members living and dead, but I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t know about Military Appreciation month. Wisper Internet headquarters in Mascoutah, Ill. is just a stone’s throw (poor choice of words) from Scott Air Force Base which is home to 35 mission partners including several major Armed Forces commands including U.S. Transportation Command, Air Mobility Command, Tanker Airlift Control Center, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and many more. With those major commands comes major leadership brass. According to its website, Scott AFB is home to 39 general officers and senior executive civilians. The base has a total working force of 12,900 comprised of 5,000 active duty, 1,500 reserve, and 1,100 guard service members. They are buoyed by an additional 5,300 civilians serving their country. The base is the largest employer in Southwest Illinois and boasts a $3 billion impact on local economies. Needless to say, they are kind of a big deal in the greater St. Louis area, and Wisper thanks our neighbors for their service. Wisper itself employs several veterans and we acknowledge them for their service to our country and for bringing their expertise, leadership, and core values to our company. We would also like to give a big shout-out to the military families supporting the servicemembers. I’d like to shift gears for a moment to another group of veterans whose service days were decades ago, but no less deserving of our gratitude. There is a popular photo on social media that usually shows up around those Memorial and Veteran’s Day holidays of two World War II soldiers. One is carrying his wounded buddy to safety while the injured man is firing away at the enemy with his 1911 .45 pistol. The caption usually reads something like “the vets puttering around the VFW were once tougher than we will ever be.” I paraphrase, but you get the idea, or you’ve seen the picture. Another favorite of mine is a photo from inside a landing craft on D-Day (June 6, 1944). The caption reads: “Bravery doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. It means you go anyway.” Did anybody else just get goosebumps? Last week, as part of my PR duties for Wisper, I had the privilege of visiting VFW Post 9763 chartered in 1949 in Creal Springs, Ill. I know, you’ve never heard of that town. This leads to a side note. Wisper cares about all of these small towns you’ve never heard of because that’s where we live too. I was in Creal Springs to deliver Wisper’s donation check for the post’s sponsorship of a veteran and guardian on the next southern Illinois Honor Flight taking off in June. For those of you not familiar, Honor Flight is an organization that takes veterans on a day-long trip to Washington D.C. to view the various military and war memorials erected to honor the Armed Forces. The Honor Flight leaves early in the morning and touches down in D.C. where the vets are bussed to the National Mall, Pentagon, etc. then they head back on planes to their hometowns so they can sleep in their own beds that night. What a wonderful opportunity for these veteran soldiers, coasties, sailors, seamen, marines, and airmen. I was greeted at the post by Quartermaster Bob Owen, his wife Carmel, and Senior Vice Commander Albert Dagner. Both men were proudly sporting their Vietnam Veteran hats and the meme I had seen dozens of times flashed into my mind. Even though their years of saluting and fighting had passed almost 50 years ago, Bob and Albert still snapped to attention as we sucked in our guts and hid them behind the giant novelty Wisper Internet check. The photo-op turned out terrible because we were all laughing about it! Decades after their official service had ended these two men and thousands like them dedicated to countless groups are still serving their fellow veterans, their communities, and total strangers. Selflessly giving, holding dinners, dances, raffles, and pancake breakfasts to raise money for their brothers in arms to enjoy a day of honor, recognition, and remembrance in the nation’s capital. I didn’t get a chance to hear any good “war stories.” In fact, Bob and Albert were more excited to tell me about their next fundraiser. I totally agree with the caption of the meme. These men have served their country and have done more in their lives to help and protect others than many of us ever will. They answered the call! The VFW or American Legion aren’t just places to have a beer, play Bingo or attend a wedding reception. Wear those hats with pride guys, keep those veterans’ organizations alive (and suck in those guts). Wisper thanks you for your past service and everything you are doing for the future!… Read More
Wisper Salutes the Men and Women of EMS
Imagine meeting someone on the worst day of their lives. This happens every day for hundreds of paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in small towns and big cities all over the country. Everyone loves the stories of cops and firefighters, but the unsung “other” responders who have dedicated their lives to helping people are often overlooked. They are truly the first line of defense providing lifesaving care from a patient’s living room, the side of the road in a mangled car, and everywhere in between. They may be sick or injured themselves or looking on in horror as a family member is suffering. The life of EMS is not as glamourous as the police and fire service. You do not see glossy tv shows highlighting their calls and when you do, they are not very realistic (trust me I rode the “boo boo bus” for 12 years). We all know the iconic Ghostbusters (best movie of all time) phrase: “Who Ya Gonna Call?” We often joke if a situation arises where nobody knows who else to call, guess what, the ones who get that call are fire and EMS. Those calls come at every hour of the day or night, rain, snow, or heat. In some cases, crews can run as many as 20 calls during a 24-hour shift on the ambulance. Yes, you read that right. In addition to patient care, add in cleaning the rig, paperwork, training, etc. There really is no “typical” day. Throughout the nation and in the small towns and large cities Wisper Internet serves there are both private, municipal, fire department, and even volunteer-based EMS services. No matter where the work, training, and dedication are the same and it takes a special person to be in EMS. They don’t do it for the money. When I first joined EMS as a driver, I made $8 per call. When I got my EMT license I got a huge raise to $12 per call. We got paid two times a year. July and December. Not all calls have a positive outcome, but always know everyone involved in EMS gives everything they have to treat patients and will carry those scars and memories with them for years to come just like their patients. Each year in May, hospitals and other organizations celebrate National EMS Week. This year it happens to be May 15-21, and Wisper Internet wants to say a big thank you to all the EMS responders who give up their sleep, meals, holidays, and time to keep us safe. In case you didn’t know, it takes months and years of training to get an EMT or medic license. There are state and national licenses which both must be renewed every couple of years and with that comes hours of continuing education. Not to mention new procedures, techniques, medicines, and equipment that is added to the lifesaving toolbox each year. I remember my very first night in EMT class. The grizzled old medic, in her nicotine and coffee strained voice said: “You’re going to learn what you need to pass the test. And I’m going to teach you the way we really do it on the streets.” Absolutely true, and I have to admit I learned at least 80 percent of what I know from the other medics and EMTs I worked with for a dozen years. The days of the “load and go” are long gone. Medics can do about everything in the back of an ambulance that can be done in an emergency room (except surgery of course). Medications, bandages, and fluids can be administered. Heart rhythms can be monitored and regulated and since the ambulances are all now equipped with internet, electrocardiograms can now be sent to emergency room personnel to have proper care waiting at the door when the truck arrives. Communication is key in any medical emergency and in addition to phones and radios the internet is playing a larger role in EMS just like just about every other aspect of life. EMS can find locations easier with the help of Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD). Dispatchers can also use CAD to provide patient updates while the truck is en route and when the call is over, crews can simply upload their reports via the internet connections to the bases and the hospitals. Don’t get me wrong, EMS is not all doom and gloom. There are lots of calls with happy conclusions and there can be a lot of humor (both light and dark) in the job. One afternoon, we had a small fender bender in front of the high school in my village. The teenage patient wasn’t hurt, simply scared and shaken up a bit. We trauma packaged her just in case and while she was on the backboard in the rig, I attempted to ease her fears a bit. I asked her if it was her first time in an ambulance. Holding back her tears she said yes it was. I smiled at her and told her that was good since it was my first time in the back of an ambulance too. As you can guess her eyes got as big as silver dollars. The uncontrollable snickering of my medic let the cat out of the bag and a big smile flashed across her face and tears turned to laughter. She was fine. Thank you to everyone riding the rigs!… Read More
Wisper Salutes Firefighters and First Responders
In recent years, May the 4th has become known as “Star Wars Day” for obvious reasons. But did you know, May the 4th is National Firefighter’s Day and they have true stories from towns not so far, far away, and definitely not from a long time ago. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are an estimated 1,080,800 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States. Of the total number of firefighters, 358,000 (33%) were career firefighters and 722,800 (67%) were volunteer firefighters. Wisper Internet connects hundreds of communities across six states and has relationships with dozens of fire departments, providing internet service to the firehouses or attaching our equipment to their towers to connect the entire community. In the modern fire service, reliable internet is more important than ever. Full disclosure, I (Monte) have been a volunteer firefighter for 17 years and served as an EMT for 12 of those years, so this is a topic near and dear to my heart. There are 525,600 minutes in a year. It really doesn’t seem like that big of a number when you look at how we divide those minutes into our daily lives – family, work, hobbies, church, school. Now, imagine putting all the things we deem important in our lives and taking our time and putting them on the back burner for total strangers. Volunteer firefighters do just that every day and night they are on duty. These men and women give the most valuable thing to their communities they ever could…their time. I live in a small town of 4,000 people. It’s a lot smaller than most towns, but it is bigger than others. Nevertheless, the story is the same in any small community. There used to be about 40 of us making up the fire and EMS services for our town. So, 1 percent of the community looked after the other 99 percent. Again, this is the same in any small town. Take a minute to let that sink in. As you all know, the trucks will roll anytime we are called and these men and women drop everything to help those in need, night or day, rain or shine, weekends, or holidays. More on this later. What many people do not understand are the hundreds of hours first responders spend each year training on the skills to not only help the community but to keep themselves and others alive. I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Movies and TV shows about firefighters may be based on some level of reality like the fire trucks are red (or in some towns, yellow, green, white etc. Sorry I had to address this it’s a friendly sticking point between departments), but that’s about it. Although we’d like to think we are all as fit and good-looking as Casey and Severide (Chicago Fire reference. Look it up). On top of the nights and weekends for training and certifications, your local volunteers host Easter Egg hunts, pictures with Santa, fire prevention talks, open houses, picnics, barbecues, fish fries, and pancake breakfasts (Yes! We like to eat. Sorry, not sorry.) Oh, and let’s not forget everyone’s favorite…parades. These are just a few of the community events the volunteers do for the residents of the towns they are dedicated to protecting. I tell of our “probies” (probationary firefighters) our job is 90 percent community service and 10 percent emergency response. A lot of people join the fire service to get the t-shirt and the adrenaline rushes, but when the real work starts, they have better things to do or realize it’s not like the movies or tv. Yes, occasionally, we get that call that is like something from an action movie, but they are few and far between. This commitment is not just for the first responders climbing on trucks. We couldn’t be the 1 percent without the support of our families. All the people who have had their dinners disrupted, plans changed, sleep disturbed, and countless other inconveniences thrust upon them just so we can answer the pager when it goes off. They know we are going and who knows when we will get back. Most of the people who call 911 may never know our names, or we have known them our whole lives. Either way, they know we are coming if they need us. They are the 99 percent we are committed to helping. We are just placeholders. The fire departments, wherever they are, have been around for decades. Those who made up the 1 percent before us laid the groundwork for us. At my firehouse, we honor them by hanging their pictures on the walls and knowing they are watching over us. Those of us who are doing it now are preparing the next 1 percent. The fire department will be here long after we are gone. Being the 1 percent is not an easy task. The words “Thank You” are not enough. We care about small towns because that’s where we live too…. Read More
Wisper Internet Launching Three Towers in Cass County
April 29, 2022 – As part of the ongoing crusade to provide high-speed internet to rural communities, Wisper Internet is pleased to announce the launch of three new wireless broadband towers in Cass County, Mo., serving more than 22,000 households in Garden City, Pleasant Hill, and Belton communities with Tarana technology. Wisper is one of the first companies nationwide to use the new cutting-edge Tarana technology, offering up to 400 Mbps packages with a greater line of site wireless penetration. The expansion of these towers is part of Wisper’s pledge to provide wireless internet service to rural communities across six states as part of the Connect America Fund (CAF) which includes more than $1.8 million focused on broadband in Cass County. “At Wisper we feel internet service is vital to every home just like water, electricity, and other utilities,” Wisper founder and CEO Nathan Stooke said. “Unlike water and power, residents have a choice which company they trust to provide their internet service. This expansion highlights Wisper’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of residents in rural areas and small towns across the Midwest.” Wisper has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for their Lifeline Program, as well as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Lifeline program offers discounted services for low-income households. If you believe you are eligible for the Lifeline Program and would like to apply, please visit: www.lifelinesupport.org. The ACP offers households monthly service discounts up to $30, as well as credit for the purchase of eligible devices. To apply for the benefit, visit ACPBenefit.org. If you are approved, please contact Wisper and provide your ACP approval letter. Wisper Internet operates on fixed wireless technology. To connect people via fixed wireless, Wisper mounts a transmitter onto an elevated structure, like a communications/water tower or grain elevator. Customers receive that signal into a small dish located on the outside of their home, which then transmits their signal to their router, where they can connect to all their favorite devices! Tarana was created while trying to solve the issues associated with America’s fixed wireless system. While searching for a way to bring modern speed requirements to remote areas without going over budgets, the team at Tarana developed the Gigabit 1 system. For more information on this exciting service expansion, the new Tarana system, or to determine service eligibility, contact the Wisper Sales Team at (800) 765-7772 or sales@wisperisp.com. Wisper ISP, LLC, based in Mascoutah, Ill., is a wireless internet service provider with more than 200 employees and 20,000 subscribers across Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma…. Read More
Wisper Internet Launching New Tower in Jackson County
April 29, 2022 – As part of the ongoing crusade to provide high-speed internet to rural communities, Wisper Internet is pleased to announce the launch of a new wireless broadband tower in Jackson County, Mo., serving hundreds of households in Kansas City with Tarana technology. Wisper is one of the first companies nationwide to use the new cutting-edge Tarana technology, offering up to 400 Mbps packages with a greater line of site wireless penetration. The expansion of these towers is part of Wisper’s pledge to provide wireless internet service to rural communities across six states as part of the Connect America Fund (CAF which includes more than $1.3 million focused on broadband in Jackson County. “At Wisper we feel internet service is vital to every home just like water, electricity, and other utilities,” Wisper founder and CEO Nathan Stooke said. “Unlike water and power, residents have a choice which company they trust to provide their internet service. This expansion highlights Wisper’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of residents in rural areas and small towns across the Midwest.” Wisper has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for their Lifeline Program, as well as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Lifeline program offers discounted services for low-income households. If you believe you are eligible for the Lifeline Program and would like to apply, please visit: www.lifelinesupport.org. The ACP offers households monthly service discounts up to $30, as well as credit for the purchase of eligible devices. To apply for the benefit, visit ACPBenefit.org. If you are approved, please contact Wisper and provide your ACP approval letter. Wisper Internet operates on fixed wireless technology. To connect people via fixed wireless, Wisper mounts a transmitter onto an elevated structure, like a communications/water tower or grain elevator. Customers receive that signal into a small dish located on the outside of their home, which then transmits their signal to their router, where they can connect to all their favorite devices! Tarana was created while trying to solve the issues associated with America’s fixed wireless system. While searching for a way to bring modern speed requirements to remote areas without going over budgets, the team at Tarana developed the Gigabit 1 system. For more information on this exciting service expansion, the new Tarana system, or to determine service eligibility, contact the Wisper Sales Team at (800) 765-7772 or sales@wisperisp.com. Wisper ISP, LLC, based in Mascoutah, Ill., is a wireless internet service provider with more than 200 employees and 20,000 subscribers across Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma…. Read More
Wisper Internet Launching New Tower in Jefferson County
April 29, 2022 – As part of the ongoing crusade to provide high-speed internet to rural communities, Wisper Internet is pleased to announce the launch of a new wireless broadband tower in Jefferson County, Mo., serving households in De Soto with Tarana technology. Wisper is one of the first companies nationwide to use the new cutting-edge Tarana technology, offering up to 400 Mbps packages with a greater line of site wireless penetration. The expansion of these towers is part of Wisper’s pledge to provide wireless internet service to rural communities across six states as part of the Connect America Fund (CAF which includes more than $8.3 million focused on broadband in Jefferson County. In March, Wisper launched towers in Jefferson County serving Catawissa, Dittmer, and Bismark. “At Wisper we feel internet service is vital to every home just like water, electricity and other utilities,” Wisper founder and CEO Nathan Stooke said. “Unlike water and power, residents have a choice which company they trust to provide their internet service. This expansion highlights Wisper’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of residents in rural areas and small towns across the Midwest.” Wisper has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for their Lifeline Program, as well as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Lifeline program offers discounted services for low-income households. If you believe you are eligible for the Lifeline Program and would like to apply, please visit www.lifelinesupport.org. The ACP offers households monthly service discounts up to $30, as well as credit for the purchase of eligible devices. To apply for the benefit, visit ACPBenefit.org. If you are approved, please contact Wisper and provide your ACP approval letter. Wisper Internet operates on fixed wireless technology. To connect people via fixed wireless, Wisper mounts a transmitter onto an elevated structure, like a communications/water tower or grain elevator. Customers receive that signal into a small dish located on the outside of their home, which then transmits their signal to their router, where they can connect to all their favorite devices! Tarana was created while trying to solve the issues associated with America’s fixed wireless system. While searching for a way to bring modern speed requirements to remote areas without going over budgets, the team at Tarana developed the Gigabit 1 system. For more information on this exciting service expansion, the new Tarana system, or to determine service eligibility, contact the Wisper Sales Team at (800) 765-7772 or sales@wisperisp.com. Wisper ISP, LLC, based in Mascoutah, Ill., is a wireless internet service provider with more than 200 employees and 20,000 subscribers across Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma…. Read More
Wisper Internet Launching New Tower in Johnson County
April 29, 2022 – As part of the ongoing crusade to provide high-speed internet to rural communities, Wisper Internet is pleased to announce the launch of a new wireless broadband tower in Johnson County, Mo., serving households in Knob Noster with Tarana technology. Wisper is one of the first companies nationwide to use the new cutting-edge Tarana technology, offering up to 400 Mbps packages with a greater line of site wireless penetration. The expansion of these towers is part of Wisper’s pledge to provide wireless internet service to rural communities across six states as part of the Connect America Fund (CAF which includes more than $2.5 million focused on broadband in Johnson County. “At Wisper we feel internet service is vital to every home just like water, electricity, and other utilities,” Wisper founder and CEO Nathan Stooke said. “Unlike water and power, residents have a choice which company they trust to provide their internet service. This expansion highlights Wisper’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of residents in rural areas and small towns across the Midwest.” Wisper has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for their Lifeline Program, as well as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Lifeline program offers discounted services for low-income households. If you believe you are eligible for the Lifeline Program and would like to apply, please visit: www.lifelinesupport.org. The ACP offers households monthly service discounts up to $30, as well as credit for the purchase of eligible devices. To apply for the benefit, visit ACPBenefit.org. If you are approved, please contact Wisper and provide your ACP approval letter. Wisper Internet operates on fixed wireless technology. To connect people via fixed wireless, Wisper mounts a transmitter onto an elevated structure, like a communications/water tower or grain elevator. Customers receive that signal into a small dish located on the outside of their home, which then transmits their signal to their router, where they can connect to all their favorite devices! Tarana was created while trying to solve the issues associated with America’s fixed wireless system. While searching for a way to bring modern speed requirements to remote areas without going over budgets, the team at Tarana developed the Gigabit 1 system. For more information on this exciting service expansion, the new Tarana system, or to determine service eligibility, contact the Wisper Sales Team at (800) 765-7772 or sales@wisperisp.com. Wisper ISP, LLC, based in Mascoutah, Ill., is a wireless internet service provider with more than 200 employees and 20,000 subscribers across Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma…. Read More
Wisper Internet Launching New Tower in Ottawa County
April 29, 2022- As part of the ongoing crusade to provide high-speed internet to rural communities, Wisper Internet is pleased to announce the launch of a new wireless broadband tower in Ottawa County, OK., serving households in Fairland community with Tarana technology. Wisper is one of the first companies nationwide to use the new cutting-edge Tarana technology, offering up to 400 Mbps packages with a greater line of site wireless penetration. The expansion of these towers is part of Wisper’s pledge to provide wireless internet service to rural communities across six states as part of the Connect America Fund (CAF) which includes more than $770,000 focused on broadband in Ottawa County. “At Wisper we feel internet service is vital to every home just like water, electricity, and other utilities,” Wisper founder and CEO Nathan Stooke said. “Unlike water and power, residents have a choice which company they trust to provide their internet service. This expansion highlights Wisper’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of residents in rural areas and small towns across the Midwest.” Wisper has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for their Lifeline Program, as well as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Lifeline program offers discounted services for low-income households. If you believe you are eligible for the Lifeline Program and would like to apply, please visit: www.lifelinesupport.org. The ACP offers households monthly service discounts up to $30, as well as credit for the purchase of eligible devices. To apply for the benefit, visit ACPBenefit.org. If you are approved, please contact Wisper and provide your ACP approval letter. There are also discounts for households participating in specific tribal programs. Wisper Internet operates on fixed wireless technology. To connect people via fixed wireless, Wisper mounts a transmitter onto an elevated structure, like a communications/water tower or grain elevator. Customers receive that signal into a small dish located on the outside of their home, which then transmits their signal to their router, where users can connect to all their favorite devices! Tarana was created while trying to solve the issues associated with America’s fixed wireless system. While searching for a way to bring modern speed requirements to remote areas without going over budgets, the team at Tarana developed the Gigabit 1 system. For more information on this exciting service expansion, the new Tarana system, or to determine service eligibility, contact the Wisper Sales Team at (800) 765-7772 or sales@wisperisp.com. Wisper ISP, LLC, based in Mascoutah, Ill., is a wireless internet service provider with more than 200 employees and 20,000 subscribers across Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma…. Read More
Wisper Internet Salutes Teachers Past and Present
Do you have a favorite teacher? Not just the cool teacher everyone liked, but a teacher who played a key role in your life. This could be a teacher from grade school, junior high, high school, or even college. Now the real question…Have you ever thanked them? I’m lucky enough to have two teachers like this in my life. They both took a special interest in me and put me on the right path for my future career and life in general. If you’ve read any of these blogs, you know I’m from a small town and obviously went to small schools in my community. On a side note, because of the small community, I was in preschool at the local library through high school graduation with the same people (an aspect I cherish). Now, our kids are in school together and it’s always a treat to see each other at sporting events or other school-related gatherings and events to share memories of growing up and the awkward teen years. I first heard about my favorite teacher Mrs. A when I was in junior high. She taught history, geography, and maybe a few other courses. Her room was in the lower hallway at my school, and she had been a LEGEND for years, meaning everyone, especially lowly junior high kids, was terrified of her. In addition to fears of being stuffed into lockers and actually speaking to a cute girl, the pressure of making it down the lower hallway without Mrs. A yelling at us caused beads of sweat to form on the foreheads of even the coolest upper-classmen. Junior high kids had no chance of survival. Now, obviously, she wasn’t just sitting by her door waiting to prey on unsuspecting children who wander by and get caught in her evil web. She was teaching her classes (and she did not mess around) and if she had to reprimand a student in the lower hallway, they absolutely deserved it. Side note: I was always innocent…weird. Registering as a freshman, the inevitable happened. I had Mrs. A for history and the stomach-churning began weeks before the start of school. Another aspect of the small school (that I did not cherish) was our buildings didn’t have air conditioning until the early 2000s. So, in the early 1990s when we got to pick our seats on the first day of school, we all wanted to sit by the windows to get at least a refreshing breeze of air coming in to break the soupy humidity inside the classrooms. We began the semester learning how to take detailed notes on her lectures. This didn’t seem like a big deal at the time but put a pin in this point for later. We all just knew we hated it. As with any class, bonds began to be formed between Mrs. A and a few of us sitting together in her class. Myself and my best buddies Scott and Shelly all seemed to click with Mrs. A. Don’t get me wrong, we were by no means teacher’s pets. She was just as tough, or even tougher on us as everyone else in the class and expected even more because she saw our potential. Mutual respect formed and as a 13-year-old kid, that felt great and was never forgotten. I ended up having Mrs. A for history classes three years in a row (different classes, I didn’t flunk) and sat in my same window seat as a Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior. Looking back, I should have taken one of her advanced history classes as a senior, but I took home economics instead. Needless to say, Mrs. A was more than disappointed, but “senior-itis” is a thing. Besides, I’ll never need to take notes in my future career (newspaper reporter), or type words on a keyboard (I cheated my way through high school typing class. Sorry Mrs. T). While I was in high school, I always spoke highly of and defended Mrs. A to my classmates and they blew it off, called her mean and too tough (they may have just been jealous). This was when I realized they hadn’t given her the respect she deserved and realized her main purpose in the lower hallway every day was to make us better people and prepare us for the outside world. I literally have tears in my eyes as I type this thinking about the life lessons I learned from Mrs. A during my four years of high school. If I was having a bad day, I could go to her for comfort and advice. She was always there. She did not sugarcoat things and there was a lot of tough love. When we were not being good people, she told us. We always knew she was genuine, she cared and was there if we needed her for anything from life advice to a hall pass when we were tardy. A few years after I graduated from college, I volunteered to help the drama club (which Mrs. A was the long-time sponsor) with the annual spring play. As I was working on my tasks, I watched Mrs. A interact with the kids and could see myself 10 years prior in their same shoes learning to be a “person” with the help of this great lady. She hadn’t changed a bit. Firm, fair, and with their best interests at heart. During one of those rehearsals, she and I had a moment to chat sitting on the side of the stage, and (just like now) with tears in my eyes I got to thank Mrs. A for everything she had done for me and most of all thank her. Then, much to my surprise, I saw a tear run down her cheek. She just smiled and walked over to a group of kids and kept on doing for them what she had always done for me. We celebrate teachers during their own appreciation week each year, but that’s not near… Read More
Wisper Pledges $500,000 to Improvements in Fairmont City, IL
What were you doing in 2003? More specifically, do you remember something you bought in 2003? I’m betting, unless you had a major life event (marriage, graduation, children) or made a major purchase like a house or car, the answer to both questions would be…No. Let’s break it down even more. If you answered yes to the question about purchases, do you still have that item or product? And to drill down even deeper, is it still as good as it was (or better) 19 years ago? I may be wrong in assuming (because we all know what that does), but I’ll go out on a limb and say the answers to that last set of questions are also a big…No. In 2003, Wisper Internet was created by Nathan Stooke because his neighbor a couple of miles away needed internet service. This doesn’t sound like such a big deal today when everything we do is connected to the internet. Our entertainment, education, work, and even some refrigerators. Look it up, I’m not sure if I should be excited or terrified. I mean, have you ever seen Transformers? After maxing out credit cards and months of research, wireless internet came out on top as the best option for Nathan’s neighbor, and just a few months later Wisper was born. Also in 2003, as one of Wisper’s first ambitious projects, the community of Fairmont City was equipped with wireless internet, and about half of the households in town have been Wisper customers ever since. In recent weeks, Wisper has doubled down on its commitment to Fairmont City with a $500,000 upgrade and retrofit of equipment on both the broadcast towers and customers’ homes. This also included major work on Wisper infrastructure in St. Louis which serves Fairmont City. Now tell me what other product or service you’ve had for 20 years is going to set you up with all-new, state-of-the-art equipment with no new costs. Not going to happen! Last week I had a great phone conversation with someone who has worked in and with Fairmont City for 20-plus years. She was blunt, frank, and honest about the needs in the community and the pros and cons of Wisper for the people she interacts with every day. As a public relations agent for the company, some of what she said was right in line with what I would want to hear from a community advocate. On the other hand, some of it was quite a gut punch. She was by no means being mean. Instead, she was being real, and to be honest, I am grateful to her. In an industry based on customers and serving them (which Wisper takes very seriously), this type of feedback is good. Any person or company can pat themselves on the back and say how great we are, but who purposely looks in the mirror and comments on their warts? Wisper started with one neighbor who needed internet, and now in 2022 has grown to the top wireless internet service provider in the nation providing service to “20,000 neighbors”. As we continue to grow our network across six states using hundreds of millions of dollars through Connect America Fund, we can not forget our roots and the towns that put us on the map, like Fairmont City. I’ve written before about our love of small towns and I’ve mentioned that Wisper is a company with a soul. Our success in the future depends on not forgetting the past. A customer or community from 2003 is just as important as customers and towns we connect in 2023 and 2033 for that matter. It’s easy to get complacent when things are going well, but it only takes one spark to reignite a fire and help a company, employees, and customers stay focused on the past and the future. As the year progresses the Fairmont City project is just the first of about 40 planned for 2022. Add to that, the launch of as many as 20 new wireless broadband towers each month. The snowball is rolling down the mountain. Wisper and its workforce are growing larger every day. Fairmont City, Wisper is sticking with you, thanks for sticking with us. And we promise…no Transformers. Wisper’s Towers are located at: 2905 N 61st St, Fairmont City, IL 62201, USA 2553 N 44th St, East St Louis, IL 62201, USA… Read More
Even Sleep Overs Are Moving Online
Virtual Sleepovers? How do you pillow fight? When you were a kid, was there anything quite as fun as a sleepover, or better yet a slumber party? Now let’s set a few ground rules right away. I understand these are two very different experiences depending on if you are a boy or girl. For boys, it was more like a game of survivor where literally the last man standing would be the only one not to be drawn on with a marker, shaving creamed, or had their hand placed in warm water. It’s normal for pillow fights to draw blood…right…just me and my friends? Nevertheless, the endless hours of fighting sleep, talking about girls, and outright fighting for life were priceless and I’d give anything to do it all over again. Heck, most of us would give anything to stay awake past 9 p.m. much less past midnight and beyond. My couch is a safe space from shaving cream. Now, since I am a boy, I really have no idea what girl sleepovers consist of, but as teenage boys we assumed they were discussing us, boys, all night, doing makeup, and braiding each other’s hair. Oh, and New Kids on the Block and 90210…. right? (Our editor confirms this! And don’t forget the RomComs!) Fast forward a few decades and I’m a dad of a tween who is experiencing her first few sleepovers. Let me tell you they are nothing like the old days. Like it has affected everyday life, work, play, and school, the internet is now part of sleepovers. I had two girls physically at my house, but they were online with who knows how many of their volleyball and track teammates at different times in the evening, not to mention playing games online as well…at least until they fell asleep (more on that in a bit). With social media, face timing, online gaming, and messenger services, what a great time to be a kid. Caution: old man reference forthcoming: In my day, you saw your friends at school and church, maybe an “in town” call in the evening and once summer hit, if you didn’t live within biking distance, you might not see some of your buddies all summer, even though they lived just on the other side of town. This wasn’t a problem in the town I grew up in and live in today. Even if they weren’t technically in biking distance, what your mom didn’t know never hurt her. But if she ever found out…. So back to the slumber party, we went out to a Chinese buffet for dinner and as I do most Saturday nights, despite the extra activity between my daughter’s room and the family room downstairs, I was dozing off on the couch by 9ish. Around 10, I gave it up, said my goodnights, and headed to bed expecting to be kept up all night by giggles and loud music. When I woke up the next morning I shuffled to the living room to watch the news and caffeinate, expecting to have a few minutes of peace and quiet before everyone woke up and I was pressed into breakfast duty. Insert internet reference here: After only about 15 minutes of silent news, weather, and social media surfing on my wireless device, guess what? Two perfectly rested tweens ravenous like werewolves demanding pancakes, despite the empty bag of chips I found on the kitchen counter from the previous midnight snacks. Turns out, they never even made it to midnight, and they were both asleep by 10:40 p.m. No wonder I slept through the night uninterrupted. Oh well, no big deal, there will be dozens of sleepovers to make up for it in their futures and I must admit the pancakes were pretty good for Dad too. Although I do PR for an internet company, I’m compelled to mention one downside of connectivity with friends during a sleepover…. they can connect with boys too! But that’s a subject for another blog…. Read More
Wisper Goes the Extra Mile to ‘Spoil’ their Customers
The extra mile? When did we forget to be nice? A brighter light is shined on being kind and taking the time to go the extra mile for others. These are great things, but at what point did we as humans deprogram ourselves to not put our family, friends, neighbors, and sometimes total strangers first? During a recent meeting with Wisper associates, the phrase “spoiled customer” came up in the conversation. Why exactly are they spoiled? The easy answer is that our employees put them first and legitimately care about them and the services we provide them to make their lives easier. Wow. What a good problem to have. Right? It’s inspiring to know that I work with more than 200 other people who share the same core values of service and caring for others. Wisper is a company with a soul. Every day on both personal and professional social media there seems to be some post about someone helping an elderly person cross the street or rescuing a stray dog. You all know at I’m talking about. Don’t get me wrong, these are great things, most times done without gratitude, recognition, or second thoughts. Hopefully, posting acts of kindness will inspire others to act accordingly. Are those actions and posts for the right reasons? What happened to just being good humans? Are these acts of kindness really so rare that they need to be publicized and documented like a bigfoot sighting? Personally, I wish there were more of both. A great expression I’m sure you’ve all heard is “What do you do when no one is watching?” Can kindness, donations, volunteering, and just generally taking care of each other happen without a social media post? Kind of like working out…but that’s another blog! In a recent magazine interview, Wisper’s Chief Technology Officer Chris Sigley said Wisper wants to provide “not just the last mile, but the last foot” of a customer’s experience. That’s why our customers are “spoiled”. Wisper goes that extra distance and when they do have an issue, they are even more distraught and frankly frustrated because they are used to great internet and customer service. Plus, Wisper brings them something no other companies will….kindness. In addition to my duties at Wisper, I’ve been a first responder for nearly 20 years. A few weeks ago there was a snowstorm in our area which made driving, let’s say, challenging. About two in the afternoon we get a call for a car spinning out in the median on the highway. Long story short, the driver was fine and luckily her car didn’t suffer any damage, she was just shaken up as you can imagine. Her husband quickly arrived on the scene and then something very funny happened. Since the shoulder of the road was a bit treacherous both myself and one of the police officers asked the driver if she’d like one of us to help her to her husband’s vehicle while he negotiated a tow truck. I asked her, “Bet when you woke up this morning, you never dreamed you’d have a cop and a fireman fighting over who got to walk you to your car”. As you can imagine it brought a smile to her face and hopefully put a better spin on what could have been a very bad day. When I got back in the firetruck I took the opportunity to give a non-textbook lesson to one of our “probies” (probationary firefighters). This was an extra mile moment. A little bit of effort from us went a long way. It didn’t need a social post or thank you. It should be organic. It doesn’t cost us a thing to be a good person and to “spoil” everyone we encounter. Take an extra second, open that door for someone, let the other driver go first, or just flash a smile in the store. It goes a long way and it might even be contagious!… Read More