Posts

, , , , ,

Home Broadband Or Business Broadband?

business bb vs home bb ft image blog

Do you need business broadband?

Business broadband is a dynamic solution for professionals who rely on the internet.

The internet has evolved into the foundation of both personal and professional life in today’s interconnected society.

Reliable broadband is necessary for handling critical corporate processes as well as streaming our favourite television shows.

Did you know that as of 2023, there are 28.1 million fixed broadband lines running up and down the UK?

Of course, we’re all familiar with Wi-Fi for our homes.

However, are these plans suitable for business owners?

In this blog, we’ll examine the major distinctions between business broadband and residential broadband and explain how the right deal will completely transform your company.

What makes business broadband different?

Business owners need strong, reliable, and consistent internet speeds.

As a result, broadband deals that are designed for business use come with a guarantee of high-speeds and minimal downtime.

You also receive dedicated customer service should the unexpected happen.

Typically, this means a more expensive cost too – but we’ll explain why it’s worth every penny.

Benefits of business broadband

Here’s why you should invest in a business broadband plan:

Enhanced dependability and Uptime

The major goal of business broadband is to maintain a high level of dependability. Business broadband providers often provide solid Service Level Agreements (SLAs), in contrast to household broadband, which may be more susceptible to speed variations during peak hours. These SLAs provide minimal downtime and fast reaction times. You also receive a powerful router and a static IP address, allowing you to host your own server, website and more.

Symmetrical Upload and Download Speeds.

The symmetry in upload and download speeds is one of the key distinctions between commercial and home broadband. We all love to stream music and films with speed at home, however, symmetrical upload and download rates are essential in a professional situation where data is handled. Ultrafast internet enhances file sharing, cloud-based collaboration, and video conferencing.

Enhanced Security and Data Protection

Businesses have very different security needs than the average household. To protect sensitive data from online dangers and unauthorised access, business broadband services frequently include cutting-edge security measures, such as strong firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and encryption methods. A secure business internet connection is now essential to protect your precious assets due to the rise in cyberattacks that target businesses.

Flexibility and Scalability

As a company expands, so do its bandwidth needs. The scalability and flexibility of business broadband services enable you to update or modify plans as necessary. Business internet can adapt to your company’s shifting needs, ensuring that you’re always prepared to take on new challenges, whether you’re adding more staff, moving to new locations, or adopting bandwidth-intensive apps.

More Cost Effective Than you Think

If you’re struggling with downtime because of bad Wi-Fi, the cost quickly pays off! Although business broadband is typically more costly, we’re here to help you find an affordable deal.  It’s also important to remember that your business broadband bills may be classed as a business expense.

What else Should I Look for in a Business Broadband Deal?

Just like your home broadband deal which may come bundled with your landline, your business broadband deal can also include a VoIP system.

If you haven’t already transitioned to VoIP over landline, it’s crucial to start considering it! VoIP lets you host seamless conference calls remotely and guarantees clear audio quality with every call.

If you’re running a large business with 100+ employees relying on fast internet, we consider looking into a leased line connection.

This is a dedicated fibre connection that runs directly to your premises.

If I’m Self-Employed, Can I use Home Broadband?

Even if you’re self-employed, or working from home, you should still consider a professional broadband plan.

You get to enjoy all the benefits mentioned above, plus it becomes easier to keep your work and personal internet usage separate.

This is especially true if you live with other people connected to your internet – you don’t want to experience bandwidth hogging when you’re busy with work!

What do Our Business Experts Think?

Although providing internet connectivity is the same objective for both home and business broadband, they are designed to meet different demands.

A home of four Netflix users certainly shouldn’t be on the same plan as an internet-reliant business of 10+ employees!

With its exceptional dependability, symmetrical speeds, specialised support, cutting-edge security, and scalability, business broadband stands out.

By giving your employees the resources they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced environment, investing in a business-grade internet connection is an investment in your future success.

We’re here to help you take advantage of the full potential of business broadband, achieving growth in a world where staying connected is essential.

Find a new Broadband plan Tailored to your Business

Using our free deal checking tool, you can find the latest business broadband deals in your area today.

Our team of experts are on-hand to guide through the entire switch.

We can also help you consider other business solutions to help you thrive.

These include VoIP, mobile, card payment machines and more.

Get started today and optimise your business for less.

/by
, , ,

The Pros and Cons of Fibre Broadband

fibre wires on laptop fibre broadband ft image for blog

Key points to know about fibre broadband

Fibre broadband is the next-generation broadband technology, changing the way we connect to the internet.

That said, it’s still not a completely perfect solution for everyone.

Read on to see our expert deep-dive into all the pro’s and con’s of fibre broadband.

We’ve explained all the drawbacks and positives below.

What is fibre broadband?

It provides high-speed internet access through a fibre-optic network, which uses light to transmit data.

This technology is far superior to traditional internet connections that uses copper wires, as it can offer speeds of up to 1Gbps, making it one of the fastest and most reliable forms of broadband available.

Instead of copper wires, fibre infrastructure uses thin plastic or glass strands.

Most suppliers nowadays also offer fibre broadband only deals, meaning you don’t need your landline bundled in anymore either!

See what makes fibre so revolutionary below:

The undeniable pro’s of fibre broadband

Here are some reasons to switch from ADSL to fibre broadband:

  1. Speed: Fibre broadband offers much faster speeds than ADSL, with speeds of up to 1Gbps, making it ideal for homes and businesses that require fast and reliable internet access. This is especially important for activities that require a lot of bandwidth, such as online gaming, streaming high-definition video, and downloading large files.
  2. Reliability: Fibre broadband is more reliable than ADSL, as the fibre-optic network is not affected by interference from other devices and provides a stable connection without any dropouts or interruptions. This makes it ideal for businesses that need a dependable internet connection for critical operations.
  3. Security: Fibre broadband is more secure than ADSL, as the fibre-optic network is much harder to tap into, making it more difficult for hackers to steal sensitive information. This is especially important for businesses, which are often required to protect sensitive data.
  4. Environmental friendliness: Did you know that fibre broadband is more environmentally friendly than ADSL? Fibre-optic cables are made of glass, which is a renewable resource, and do not emit harmful electromagnetic fields like traditional broadband cables. 70% less energy is needed to transmit the same amount of data though a fibre cable, in comparison to a standard copper wire. Using less energy means less heat is generated, meaning that equipment doesn’t need to be kept cool. This drastically reduces the network’s carbon emissions.
  5. Future-proof technology: Fibre-broadband is the next-generation broadband technology, and is the future of internet connectivity. By switching to fibre, you can ensure that your home or business has access to the latest technology and will be able to keep pace with future demands for high-speed internet.
  6. With its high speeds, reliability, and the dedicated and consistent connection (instead of battling for bandwidth with other users during peak hours), you can understand how fibre appeals to busy homes and heavy internet users.

With this in mind, it’s important to know the cons of fibre broadband.

The drawbacks of fibre broadband

While fibre broadband offers many benefits, there are also some negatives to consider:

  1. Cost: Fibre broadband can be more expensive than traditional broadband, especially for consumers who live in areas where fibre-optic networks have not yet been widely rolled out. The cost of installation and the cost of the service itself can be a barrier for some consumers.
  2. Availability: Not all areas have access to fibre yet, especially rural and remote areas. This can leave some consumers with limited options for high-speed internet access.
  3. Complex installation: The installation of fibre broadband can be complex and time-consuming, and may require excavation and disruption to existing infrastructure. This can be a barrier for some consumers, especially those who live in urban areas where space is limited.
  4. Limited service providers: In areas where fibre broadband is available, consumers may only have access to a limited number of service providers. This can result in less competition and higher prices.
  5. Technical difficulties: While fibre broadband is generally more reliable than traditional broadband, there can still be technical difficulties with the fibre-optic network, such as power cuts or network issues, which can result in disruptions to your connection.

Our expert conclusion

Fibre broadband is the future of internet connectivity.

It’s the perfect choice for homes and businesses that require fast, stable and secure internet access.

So, if you want to stay ahead of the curve and enjoy the benefits of the latest technology, you should look into fibre deals near you.

Ready to make the switch?

If you are looking to upgrade your internet connection, we’ll help you find a low priced deal today.

Fibre broadband isn’t as expensive as it once was, and we’ve compiled deals from a wide range of suppliers.

Don’t get lost in competitors and endless quotes – search fibre offers in your area now.

/by
, , ,

Why VoIP is the Future

voip landline ft image

VoIP is the future of the telephone

You’ll likely have heard all about the national landline switch off by now.

Don’t get left behind – you’ve only got two years to prepare!

With the right VoIP solution, you can revolutionise and streamline the way you work.

Is VoIP right for my business?

Regardless of your industry, you’ll find that there’s a lot of ways in which the right VoIP system supports your productivity.

As with all business suppliers, it’s important that you compare before you buy – especially if you’re new to VoIP.

Noisy office environment? Make high quality conference calls to remote staff.

Want to re-route customer calls? Create a seamless self-service phone option. We’ve got deals from every VoIP supplier in one place, so you can find a new deal with ease. Speak to our experts for professional advice today.

Small business? VoIP could be an asset to you too

Don’t overlook VoIP – it’s not just for big teams or large businesses!

In fact, recent research finds that more than one-third of all businesses now use a VoIP phone system.

The vast majority of those being businesses have less than 50 employees, proving you don’t need to be a large brand to access the best tech.

What is VoIP and how does it work?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is internet-based phone system.

Instead of transmitting voice conversations over copper phone lines, you make calls through the internet.

Although it might sound technical, it’s simpler than you realise – and not too dissimilar to Skype.

If you have internet, you’re already halfway there!

Not only will VoIP replace your traditional business landline, but you can also make calls from your laptop, mobile or other smart devices.

All of this happens instantaneously.

Benefits of VoIP

There are several reasons why more businesses are switching to VoIP phone systems, which don’t necessarily revolve around cost.

Call quality

VoIP calls don’t use a lot of bandwidth, which means you get to enjoy clear and crisp audio quality. As long as you have stable internet, your calls will be higher quality than landline.

Simple installation

In addition to better sound quality, the cloud is also making VoIP a more viable option for small businesses.

Rather than having to install special equipment or wiring, companies can simply choose a cloud-hosted VoIP phone solution. This means you don’t need to buy any more equipment or employ IT staff to maintain it.

Ease of use

VoIP systems are very user-friendly. You also get a dedicated level of customer service from your supplier, in the rare event of any downtime.

Flexibility

Depending on your needs, you can scale up or down with ease.

This is especially true if you choose a cloud-based solution, which is easy to tailor and grows with your business. Say you hire new employees and need more phone lines – it can easily be arranged with your supplier!

Remote connectivity

One of the biggest advantages of VoIP is that it allows you to collaborate seamlessly with remote staff. Your team can take their business phone line anywhere they go, meaning higher rates of productivity.

You can also stay in close contact with your customers on the go by having business calls re-routed to your personal mobile.

Cost benefits

Cost is another reason businesses are making the switch from landline.

VoIP technology can also be relatively low cost, making it ideal for small businesses – but you still need to research before you commit!

Most VoIP providers charge a monthly fee per-user, making it a lot cheaper to maintain than old-school landline systems.

Add-ons

VoIP plans are highly customisable. It’s crucial you compare and research beforehand to make sure you pick a deal with the right features for your business.

These include conference calls, call logging and routing, customer insight, call recording, a virtual receptionist and many more.

You can even integrate VoIP systems with other business services, like email.

We can also find you a solution to disguise your personal mobile number for professional use – so you can still work on the go.

Ready to find a VoIP deal?

We’ve got every VoIP plan from every supplier in one place.

The package you choose will significantly impact price, features and installation – all of which we can help you consider.

Compare VoIP suppliers for free.

/by
, , ,

Always check your broadband end date

never forget about bb end date ft image

Broadband contract ending soon? Lucky you

Receiving that end date notification means you’ve got a chance to save more money.

What’s more – it doesn’t take half as much time or effort as you might think either.

Given how the cost-of-living crisis has affected us all, it’s never been more crucial to compare and switch.

We see a lot of customers being pleasantly surprised at how much they could save on their broadband.

Despite this, it’s often overlooked – and for reasons that surprise us.

Did you know you could save nearly £200 a year by switching your ISP?

What about auto-renewal?

Unfortunately, loyalty doesn’t help you save money!

Although it became law in 2020 for energy suppliers for notify customers when their end date is due, this doesn’t mean you don’t have to act on it.

In most cases, you’ll continue your current plan – but not necessarily for the same price.

Say you chose your current 12/18/24 month contract because of its low monthly price, this will only be for a limited time.

Despite Ofcom making it law to notify customers, a lot of people are still facing an unpleasant surprise when their fixed term ends.

Why don’t more people switch?

We see a lot of customers reluctant to switch, either out of misguided loyalty or because switching seems like a lot of hassle.

According to a recent Which survey, 43% of people say they stay put because they’re happy with the service. This is fair enough, but is it worth paying more for? Fibre is more widespread and affordable than ever before, so you might find a new supplier makes you even happier!

37% are afraid they’ll lose their current email address. These days, losing your email is unlikely – but it’s quick and easy to set up a separate one.

32% say they fear the whole process is “too much hassle”.

We’re here to compare and switch for you, so you get to enjoy a seamless change over.

A bit of bargain hunting pays off – especially when you do it with our experts.

Switching is easier than you think

A lot of broadband networks now share the same infrastructure, making a switch over quick and easy. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be left without an internet connection during your switch, even if you’re upgrading from ADSL to fibre.

Generally, you’ll never be waiting longer than 2 weeks for the transition to be complete – and this for the most complex switches.

Saving doesn’t mean downgrading!

More properties are eligible for fibre than ever before. In fact, 95% of properties can now access superfast Wi-Fi – but a lot of homeowners don’t know this!

If it’s been a while since you last changed deals, you’ll be surprised at how many suppliers have upgraded their service. Because fibre is readily available, prices are competitive – making it all the more crucial to compare.

Find the best deal today

Once you’ve given us your postcode, we scour the web to find every available deal in your area.

We handpick deals from a range of suppliers (including bundles and 4G routers).

Plus, you’ve got our friendly, impartial advisors to help guide you through the process too!

Search for your new broadband deal in a few clicks.

With the help of our experts and our free tool, you can also find your next mobile deal with us too.

/by
, ,

11 Million Homes Now Connected to Fibre

11 million homes connected to fibre

Repost from Digital TV Europe.

Are you living in a newly-upgraded full fibre area?

Some 11 million UK homes now have access to fibre broadband, up from seven million a year ago, according to regulator Ofcom’s Connected Nations autumn update.

According to the report, 37% of households can now get full fibre, capable of delivering download speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

This is an increase from 24% a year ago, when just under seven million homes were covered.

The number of properties unable to get a broadband speed greater than 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload has meanwhile fallen by 38% since last year to 83,000.

The number of homes able to get gigabit capable broadband is now almost 20.2 million homes or 68% of all UK homes, up from 19.3 million or 66% at the time of Ofcom’s last update.

Full fibre coverage now reaches 37% of homes, up from 33% in the four months between January 2022 and May 2022, an increase of four percentage points, with just over 11 million homes now covered. Superfast broadband coverage across the UK stands at 96%, with Northern Ireland, the leading region both for full fibre (83% coverage) and gigabit broadband coverage (85%) saw an increase of a percentage point in superfast coverage.

The number of premises unable to get decent broadband, when factoring in fixed wireless and fixed line, has dropped from 99,500 to 83,000 premises since Ofcom’s Spring update.

However, those unable to achieve decent broadband over a fixed line has increased from 506,000 to 513,000 over the same period.

Could you be eligible for fibre?

You can find out for free.

We’ve compared broadband deals from every ISP across the UK.

Tailor results today – all we need is your postcode to find you your next dream broadband plan!

/by
, ,

Here’s Why you Need to Embrace 5G

ft image 5g blog

You may have noticed some tall masts in your area.

Sure, we know they’re a bit of an eye-sore.

But if you rely heavily on mobile internet, you’ll soon realise you’re actually in luck!

5G is set to change the way the entire world communicates, so here’s our expert deep dive.

First there was 3G – now we’re on another level

It was 10 years ago when 4G networks started taking over from 3G.

Fast forward 7 years to 2019, when 5G was first introduced by mobile networks EE and Vodafone.

5G was designed to be up to 10X faster than 4G.

Using smaller wavelengths and higher frequencies, this means that more users can connect simultaneously – without sacrificing speed.

This means the average mobile user connected to 5G could download nearly an hour of Netflix content in less than 20 milliseconds!

The issue of availability

You might be thinking, if 5G is so great, why aren’t we all connected to it?

There are two main issues preventing this being from being the case.

The issue of availability is still prevalent, with some more rural parts of the UK yet to see any developments.

New areas are becoming eligible every week, and 5G is expected to be available nationwide by 2025.

There’s also the issue of price – seeing as a lot of networks need you to buy their latest model.

This can quickly become off-putting if you compare alone, which is why we’ve made it easy to see every deal in one place.

Which networks offer 5G currently?­

EE, O2, Sky, Three, Vodafone and Tesco Mobile currently boast the most 5G coverage across the UK.

What’s more, major phone makes including Samsung, Apple and Huawei all offer 5G compatible models – and the list is always growing.

Why don’t you check your eligibility for free today?

What about 5G broadband?

5G broadband is already on the way. However, 4G broadband has been popular for years – and it’s not going away any time soon.

With 4G broadband, you essentially use a mobile router, which relies on air waves instead of a wired signal.

If you have strong mobile service where you are (but maybe not the best Wi-Fi options), this could be the solution for you.

Currently, EE, Three, Vodafone and Neatley, an independent supplier we’re proud to support, all offer 4G broadband deals.

If your network already offers 5G and mobile broadband, you’ll get the best of both worlds!

Will 5G replace 4G for good?

As previously mentioned, 5G isn’t predicted to be used across the UK until 2025.

Until then, 4G remains the go-to in a lot of areas.

This doesn’t mean incredible developments aren’t in the works every day. Plans for 5G use include high-tech bus shelters, street/traffic lights and modernised healthcare, just to include a few.

It also has the power to improve energy sustainability across the UK, with large businesses looking to invest.

Ready to upgrade?

Have we caught your attention?

It’s understandable – who wouldn’t want the fastest mobile speeds possible?

Regardless of how you plan on using 5G, we’ll make sure you get the right deal.

Before diving headfirst into plans and providers, you should compare with our friendly experts to ensure you find the right price.

 

/by