Network Help

Context

Broadband has a foothold in the homes of leading consumers. It has been held back by technological constraints – no cable or unreliable ADSL – but will become increasingly popular. Consumers have an insatiable appetite for bandwidth when they can get it. Soon we will all be getting sound and movie clips from the web.

Problem

Broadband encourages the use of home networks and LANs, the configuration of which is outside the expertise of the average consumer. There are going to be huge numbers of users wanting either preliminary advice or how to get connected and how to set up their systems. Often users will not know that they have a problem until they have tried to install a system themselves.
In the majority of cases the configurations for these systems will be fairly standard. The problem for the user is that they have no basic knowledge of networking.

Solution

The solution is to do what plumbers and electricians have been doing for years: rip off consumers with no practical knowledge by doing a standard simple job effectively. A roving team of “network doctors” could provide the service. Currently this is being done on an ad hoc basis by numerous contractors but these services are poorly advertised and uncoordinated.

Inspiration

The solution to this problem was a result of looking down the barrel myself. Firstly, I didn’t do the research well enough when signing up for broadband. The sites were there providing the info but I didn’t dig deep enough. Secondly, I was give erroneous advice on how to configure my network. Thirdly, I had no idea where to get the hardware. I finally managed to get up and running but it was painful and I’m no IT mug. I would gladly have paid money when faced with the problems. I may have paid money up front if I knew that the service was reputable.

Implementation

A team of roving contractors shouldn’t be too difficult to find: current contractors, part time students. Need a domain expert to ensure quality, provide training and troubleshoot difficult issues.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Growing market is the main strength. Disorganised competition is another. The main problems will be ensuring quality “doctors” and ensuring that they are “available”.

Business Model

Sign up the “doctors” and pay them a reasonable amount but nothing too great. Charge the clients the most they can bare for a simple and effective service. It is a business which could possibly be sold after a couple of years.

Outcome

This is an idea which really can be acted on. It is the one idea which doesn’t rely on the internet as its major channel. It needs people on the ground and strong central coordination.

Tags
idea
home network