{"id":823,"date":"2019-01-17T21:24:10","date_gmt":"2019-01-17T09:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wispa.nz\/?p=823"},"modified":"2026-01-21T16:37:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T04:37:01","slug":"one-business-many-markets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wispa.nz\/?p=823","title":{"rendered":"One Business, Many Markets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wireless Nation<\/a> \u2013\u00a0a WISP Profile by Ernie Newman<\/p>\n

\"\"
Tom Linn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cCharming and Modest.\u201d <\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

That\u2019s how Wireless Nation Founder and CTO Tom Linn was described recently by the National Business Review. As I sit down with him for lunch in a Takapuna restaurant I have to agree that sums him up to perfection. He\u2019s charismatic and personable, with a gentle but firm style. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was in 2002 that Tom realised that he was never going to get a university education in his native Myanmar due to the military dictatorship having closed down the colleges. So having looked around for a country with a reputation for freedom, Tom chose New Zealand. Fast forward a few years and armed with a Masters in Engineering from Auckland university, specialising in Artificial Neuron Network, Tom started Wireless Nation.<\/span><\/p>\n

There were two drivers. First, his frustration in not being able to get naked broadband (internet without also paying for a landline phone) in his Auckland apartment. \u201cTelecom ruled the country in those days,\u201d he says. Second, a friend farming in the Waikato could not get any broadband at all, leading Tom to realise that for many parts of rural New Zealand high quality satellite was a highly viable option. <\/span><\/p>\n

So at the Waikato Home and Garden Show in 2006, Tom launched satellite broadband with the support of business partners and investors in Hamilton. <\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t all smooth sailing from day one. Gamers quickly made it known that latency was unacceptable in their world which ruled out satellite, so reselling Kordia Extend fixed wireless product was introduced as a successful alternative. But with that issue solved, Wireless Nation expanded quickly across rural New Zealand from a Waikato stronghold. The company later introduced 3G and 4G fixed wireless nationwide through the government-funded Vodafone RBI-1 network.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile the apartment sector became the second market for the business. The company worked with apartment block Body Corporates to bring \u201cfibre to the basement\u201d years before the government introduced its Ultra Fast Broadband. Most owners were very keen. However, there\u2019s always an exception – even today there is a minority of apartment complexes where fibre has been rejected for aesthetic reasons, mostly in top-end, student accommodation or heritage properties.<\/span><\/p>\n

More recently, motor homes have entered the picture. The NZ Motor Homes Association has a whopping 80,000 plus members, many of whom spend most of the year living in their vehicles for a few weeks at each location and then moving on. Broadband can be a challenge \u2013 campers want to stream Netflix as much as anyone but existing service plans didn\u2019t contemplate the possibility that users would be forever moving to a different town or rural site. So Wireless Nation became the Association\u2019s official provider and offering an affordable wireless broadband service to thousands of happy campers .<\/span><\/p>\n

Motor home people often cluster together for rallies or get-together events which can raise challenges with short term periods of heavy demand. Wireless Nation stays ahead by foreseeing these events and in conjunction with Vodafone, establishing extra capacity ahead of time. \u201cWhen we can\u2019t do this we tell the customers up front,\u201d Tom says. \u201cOur industry so often doesn\u2019t communicate well with end users \u2013 we do \u2013 we are getting better at communicating than a lot of players and we find customers are very forgiving about capacity issues if they know ahead.\u201d Motor home owners, he says, are great customers \u2013 they pay regularly, use the service responsibly, and generally don\u2019t have lots of kids hogging the network during the evening peak.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Chathams<\/span><\/h3>\n

But it was the isolated Chathams that captured the interest of many WISPs when Wireless Nation got involved around 2013. With no undersea cable and little prospect of one, the best solution was satellite backhaul and a WISP last mile service. And it was there that I travelled to see the difference Wireless Nation is making.<\/span><\/p>\n

Its my first trip to the Chathams. The 1950s Air Chathams Convair flight out of Wellington is pretty much full. About half the passengers appear to be locals returning. The rest are obviously visiting, mainly in relation to provision of infrastructure \u2013 IT people, engineers, DoC rangers, other government officials, and me.<\/span><\/p>\n

Driving from the airport gives a first impression of the landscape. Flat, lots of scrub and tussock, few trees, unsealed but well-maintained roads, sparse habitation. The declining population, sinking through 600 on Chatham Island and 40 on Pitt, is a serious issue. In earlier times when kids reached secondary school age parents sent them to boarding schools In Christchurch, but these days they move the whole family across to the mainland. They don\u2019t return.<\/span><\/p>\n

Armed with a rental car (expensive, over 200,000 km on the clock but running well) I go exploring. This feels like a friendly community. Drivers wave cheerfully when you pass. Nobody seems to be in a rush. (One exception \u2013 I\u2019m on a dirt road doing 85km\/h and am overtaken by a maniac on a quad bike who a few minutes later skids to a halt, does a 180 turn, and charges back towards me before swerving off into a paddock!)<\/span><\/p>\n

My Android phone is getting an unaccustomed 2 day rest \u2013 there\u2019s zero cellular coverage in the Chathams. Those lucky enough to be on 2degrees can get voice over WiFi when they\u2019re in range of a WiFi connection, but there is nothing for Spark nor Vodafone customers. The government has funded the Rural Connectivity Group to build some towers in the medium term future, but the backhaul will still be satellite.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Internet is another matter. Since Wireless Nation \u201cadopted\u201d the Chathams many businesses have Internet almost at city standards, the speeds constrained only by the satellite backhaul. However, in my room at the popular Hotel Chathams I\u2019m on Farmside satellite Internet. Speeds on some occasions are adequate, but then without warning go into freefall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hopefully as Wireless Nation roll out more extensively that will change.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Typical
Typical Chathams landscape<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cHere on the Islands we\u2019re 45 minutes ahead of the rest of New Zealand in time, but 20 years behind in connectivity,\u201d says Iain Torrance, CEO of the Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Sitting with Iain \u00a0\u2013 a telecommunications veteran with history in the UK, internationally and TelstraClear in New Zealand – I get to understand the challenges, priorities and solutions surrounding development of the Chathams. We\u2019re in his unpretentious office a few minutes out of Waitangi.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Trust is one of four organisations working on development, he tells me. Central government formed it in 1991 after the Council went broke. Owned by all Chathams residents, the Trust is a public benefit entity that controls the airport, the new $50 million Waitangi wharf, electricity supply, fuel, some fishing quota that it leases out, and the shipping service. Beyond those overtly commercial interests its mandate is to work for the social and economic benefit of the Chathams. Ever since an initial government grant at the time of formation it has been self-funded.<\/span><\/p>\n

The other three economic development stakeholders are the Chatham Islands Council, the Moriori iwi Hokotehi, and the Maori iwi Ngati Mutunga.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to the development priorities, the four agencies are in general agreement. Top priority is the airport \u2013 that seems to be on track with a 500m extension of the runway needed to accommodate Class 4 jets including the B737. Air Chathams have bought a B737 simulator from Air New Zealand ready for the phase out of the aged Convairs which have serious limited ability to support a thriving trade in live crays and other fish to Asia. <\/span><\/p>\n

Second priority is renewable energy to replace the current diesel generators on which the electricity supply depends. <\/span><\/p>\n

Third priority is 21<\/span>st<\/span> century telecommunications \u2013 Internet and cellular. Within the Islands the current copper network is way past its end of life, expensive to run, and far short of the needs of the Islands today. And connectivity between the mainland and the Islands is satellite only – way short of 21<\/span>st<\/span> century needs. I\u2019m left wondering why, while New Zealand is <\/span>investing $22.2 million to connect Tokelau\u2019s atolls to the world with undersea fibre optic cables, our own Chathams are left with 20<\/span>th<\/span> century satellite with no improvement in sight. <\/span><\/p>\n

Yet Iain Torrance concedes that its hard to justify an undersea cable for a community while it has a declining population.<\/span><\/p>\n

Torrance pulls no punches about the state of connectivity. \u201cWe can\u2019t use SaaS. The copper is aging. Everything is satellite which is expensive, atmosphere-sensitive and unreliable. Voice and Internet calls drop all the time. Most Islanders can\u2019t access TeamTalk. Farmside is now part of Vodafone and isn\u2019t compelled to accept new customers. The emergency services have very slow log-in times. The Ministry of Primary Industries will have issues with fishermen struggling to comply with reporting catches within the required time because of unreliable or non-existent connectivity. Some high-end farmstays and other tourist ventures turn off the Internet for guests because it\u2019s too expensive. That\u2019s why telecommunications connectivity is very much on the list.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quite an indictment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to stop talking about the technology and talk about outcomes,\u201d he urges. \u201cWe need to get across that our people want to work, access information, be able to use Facebook, and do school homework on the Internet, like mainland New Zealand. Safety is a big factor too \u2013 the ability for workers on isolated sites to be in contact when they\u2019re out on a job. \u00a0Fundamentally it\u2019s about the social and economic benefit to our remote community. Its quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWithin the Trust we\u2019ve had a silo mentality when it comes to technology. There\u2019s a server here that our electricity company can\u2019t access. So we\u2019ve brought in a consultancy to spec our IT needs and consolidate them.<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019s also hoping the islands will get a 4G mobile network in the next few years as part of RB2. \u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ve worked with MBIE and CIP in the past year and the announcement before Christmas of $6.3m investment in \u2018the Islands\u2019 to address mobile black spots and accelerate RB2 gives us a cautious optimism but it\u2019s still an unknown as to what it may bring our community and when.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile Wireless Nation is filling a vital need. There\u2019s a three-year window for Wireless Nation to consolidate and establish themselves as the preferred supplier, he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key users on the Chathams underline the crucial importance of telecommunications. Rana Solomon heads the emergency management operation for the Chathams Council. She works a lot from home, monitoring a stream of tsunami or earthquake warnings and other alerts from GNS or NIWA that could pose a threat to the low-lying Islands. \u00a0When the Council team are in isolated areas or off the Islands they need to be accessible remotely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\"Rana
Rana Solomon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIn most places civil defence have teams rostered on to monitor alerts 24\/7, but on the Chathams there\u2019s just me.\u201d <\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Luckily now she has Wireless Nation at home on an unlimited plan, but the big challenge is how to notify the Islands population if a big one is coming.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t rely on the basic phone system,\u201d she explains, \u201cbecause its only capable of handling 15 or 20 conversations at a time. So we rely heavily on Facebook \u2013 in an emergency, or the threat of one, we can easily have 10,000 people looking at our page. So I carry a mobile and use it to access people\u2019s home WiFi systems when I\u2019m passing a home or business. I don\u2019t use it lightly because some people\u2019s plans are very data-constrained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Sally
Sally Lenauze<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The importance of telecommunications is also the focus in the health centre. Sally Lenauze manages the Chathams hospital. At first glance it looks like a typical rural health clinic until you realise the nearest specialist is many hours away. It falls within the Canterbury District Health Board<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re incredibly lucky to have telehealth services from Canterbury,\u201d Sally tells me. \u201cWe use it about 6 times a month for a mix of patient consultations, follow up appointments with specialists, mental health consults, dental advice, shoulder reconstructions and clinical education. The drawback is that when we switch on the video it takes most of the Island\u2019s telecommunications capacity so we have to be considerate. But when we use it, the value is huge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Down the road, Monique Hagedoorn is a recent arrival. As the first SPCA person on the Island she works with South Island inspectors dealing with animal welfare. She\u2019s also a qualified veterinary nurse and practices as a volunteer in her spare time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got a 2degrees phone provided by MPI,\u201d she tells me. \u201cLuckily 2degrees allows voice calls across WiFi, though I have to be within a few metres of the office. But the broadband is awful \u2013 Skype is unsatisfactory and often goes down. And no way will the home TV get Netflix. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Monique
Monique Hagedoorn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cSo much of life today is Internet-dependent. I really want to stay in touch with my family in the Netherlands but its very hard. And there\u2019s a safety issue where there\u2019s no connectivity too.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

Over a beer at the Henga resort Jason Somerville, Commercial Solutions Manager for Wireless Nation, is optimistic about changes to come. \u201cThe lodge here at Henga now has unlimited broadband which will be great for guests,\u201d he says. \u201cBefore now many tourist places didn\u2019t offer Internet to guests because of the cost. There are lots of businesses waiting for affordable, unlimited Internet \u2013 at last we are bringing it here. The biggest hurdle is often the setup cost but its surmountable for most. And Jason should know \u2013 his current visit includes providing public WiFi at the airport among other jobs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Jason
Jason Somerville<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Jason\u2019s a huge fan for his company. He enthuses about modern satellite. There\u2019s almost literally nowhere, in any part of New Zealand, that the company can\u2019t connect. \u00a0He quotes town centres in the Waikato, a marina in Wellington and education applications as recent examples. \u201cOtorohanga is a great example,\u201d he says. Free community WiFi in the town centre is a reason for tour buses to stop. It enables CCTV in the town centre to reduce crime. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s the sheer diversity of markets that makes Wireless Nation a successful company. How big is it? Tom Linn wont quote the customer count – but he does let slip that the business is about to become liable for the Government\u2019s Telecommunications Development Levy, which has a threshold of $10 million turnover. That\u2019s certainly not small.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom is not about slowing down. He\u2019s brought well-respected William H. Smale QSM, known as Bill, of Smales Farm Technology Park fame in as managing director. He\u2019s spoken publicly of turning Wireless Nation into a multi national. Back in Myanmar he comes from a highly entrepreneurial family. <\/span><\/p>\n

Finishing the coffee after an excellent lunch in Takapuna I have no doubt he will succeed. Tom has a very strong business ethic \u2013 \u201cto me its not just about making money; its about pursuing our passion without limits.\u201d He runs a happy and motivated team and encourages location-independent working. He\u2019s a natural deal-maker, has a gentle footprint on the planet and comes across as a genuinely nice guy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lunch again? My shout next time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wireless Nation<\/a><\/p>\n

\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Wireless Nation \u2013\u00a0a WISP Profile by Ernie Newman \u201cCharming and Modest.\u201d That\u2019s how Wireless Nation Founder and CTO Tom Linn was described recently by the National Business Review. As I sit down with him for lunch in a Takapuna restaurant I have to agree that sums him up to perfection. He\u2019s charismatic and personable, with … <\/p>\n

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