Wireless Project Budget Items

When your church looks to improve the wireless access in their building, there are various items that need to be considered from a budget and planning perspective.

What is your Internet speed?  In many areas of rural Newfoundland, their are significant speed differences between the various services provided by these companies: BellAliant, Eastlink, Rogers and Xplornet.  Not all locations have "high speed" which I would classify as being greater than 50Mbps.

For churches with 100 or more people in their congregation, you should be looking for Internet download speeds greater than 50Mbps. DSL speeds are typically between 2Mbps to 5Mbps.  Cable modem speeds can range from 2Mbps to more than 900Mbps. Note:  Higher numbers don't necessarily mean your connection is faster.  It means that it can potentially handle more traffic and more users at one time.

What is the status of your current data cabling?  If multiple wireless access points need to be placed throughout the building, then any existing data wiring will need to be examined as to whether it is reliable and in the right locations.  Many churches have persons who can assist with pulling data cabling and thereby reduce the project costs, when suitable directions and guidance is provided.

Does your church have business class network switches/router?  As the size of the church increases, the need to have intelligent devices that connect the network together, "managed network switches," this becomes increasingly important and in many situations for larger churches results in additional equipment to be purchased.

Does your church have persons in your assembly with some technical knowledge?  After the new equipment has been deployed in your church, it will require periodic monitoring to update software in the devices and to help troubleshoot basic issues.  Much of this work can be done remotely but would involve added costs to the church to have this work completed throughout the year.  With willing volunteers, this can become a growing area of ministry that can further support the church programs and activities.

Does your church need to spread out the wireless upgrade over multiple years?  If your church is looking to spread out the cost of a wireless upgrade over multiple years, then be careful!  Consultant costs for hardware, installation and ongoing support can be significant, but typically a wireless upgrade is just one of many other technology upgrades.  Once your church proceeds down the path to put in good quality wireless connectivity, this will likely create an appetite for other technologies.  This is not a bad thing!  This can be a very positive journey when done properly and planned well.

Who will be the point person for the project?  Depending on the church size, consideration should be given to who will be assigned as the local lead person to work with any contractor.  Any technology upgrades will likely create added workload for the local church and this needs to be considered when moving these projects forward.  Phone calls, questions, scheduling, ordering materials, arranging meetings, ... these can be burdensome and need to be recognized.

What happens when the wireless is not working?  I know it is hard to believe, but plan for something to go wrong.  If it does not happen then rejoice, but when the day comes, who are you going to call?  You will need to have an understanding with whomever you intend to provide advanced support of the deployed solution.  You maybe fortunate to have local volunteers who can fill that role and that is strongly desired and should be encouraged.

Ask questions!  Many church leaders and pastors may not be comfortable with asking questions about technology as the answers could be filled with "techno" language.  If you can not get understandable answers to your questions, give pause before you proceed and ask for an explanation that you understand.

So besides the equipment costs, their maybe other equipment and materials needed.  There will be the contractors labour costs and travel.  There will also be ongoing costs to support and maintain the technologies.  There will be costs to provide documentation related to the completed solution and any requested training.  In the end, working with the right contractor / solution provider is an important decision to be made.