Examining the Equipment Selection Process

Traditional telephone carriers go through a laborious formal process of qualifying and selecting
equipment. First a request for proposals will be issued to vendors deemed suitable, and
then the equipment submitted will be subject to an exhaustive testing process. Finally, a bidding
process will be initiated, and the carrier will make its selection.
A wireless broadband service provider, particularly a startup, may lack the lab facilities
and staffing to do anything nearly as thoroughgoing, but a careful systematic process is still
indicated and indeed is essential.