Thanks for the article! Well written I think. I agree with the top post that if you're a engineer who hasn't dealt with low level networking stuff, worked in a DC, or had to be on call, this probably isn't a good first project. But golly, I can't wait to have the free time and capital to try starting one. (I live in a spectrum dominated area) Maybe try and make the whole operation solar powered.

Also fun, for anyone else who's interested taking "DIY self hosting" to new extreme, it's possible to start your own cell phone company! I don't have a link handy, but search "starting an MVNO" will yield tons of links. When I did the math, it worked out to require only ~100 customers to hit break even. (assuming your time and labor is free, of course)

I have unreasonably happy giggle-fit inducing day dreams about some day using my own designed and manufactured smart phone (easy, because IDGAF about trendy features. running stock debian is fine.), which gets service from my own service provider, and my homemade laptop, getting internet from my own ISP, in my solar powered house.

Also also, for anyone who lives in the SFBA, monkeybrains internet is the best ISP evar. I was one of their first customers, and I miss my ~4ms ping times to the office, and ~8ms ping time to my colo box.