Graeme Gordon, CEO of IFB
A reliable and comprehensive broadband package is essential to the public sector. There are a myriad of broadband options available on the market, offering varying contracts and deals. The choice is complex and has led to the emergence of misunderstanding and myths surrounding broadband. When working in the public sector, it is particularly important to make sure that every penny is well spent; and accounted for. Therefore Aberdeen based Internet Service Provider (ISP) and ICT infrastructure provider, Internet For Business (IFB) seeks to demystify any broadband misconceptions by unpicking the top five myths that can confuse and lead to wasted time and money.
Graeme Gordon, CEO of IFB says, “Broadband doesn’t need to be complex. A necessary tool in the age of internet, Broadband is simply a path to an online virtual world. In order to receive a reliable service, company’s need to have a simple and straightforward package and need to be aware of the facts and myths surrounding broadband. “
Myth one – The speed you are quoted is guaranteed
Unfortunately, broadband providers are only required by OFCOM to ensure just 10% of their customers reach the maximum broadband speed quoted.
Your broadband speed is dependent on a number of variables – the maximum speed is not always what you will get. Variables can include distance from a BT exchange, quality of phone line and the number of people using the network at any given time.
Having more than one device connected to your broadband through wireless can also affect the speed of your broadband.
Make sure you test your broadband speed at different times of the day to get a true representation of the speed you will be able to get. At peak times the broadband speed you will get can be much slower than during off-peak times.
Myth two – Unlimited broadband is unlimited
You may naturally assume when signing up to an unlimited broadband package, that you can use the internet as much as you like. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
“This is an area where we see a lot of unnecessary ambiguity for customers”, explains Graeme, “just recently, a global corporation was publicly penalised for misleading customers with an ‘unlimited’ download advertisement. Additional charges can be added to your bill when you go over a certain download capacity, with anything less deemed as unlimited. To avoid this, always read the small print when purchasing an ‘unlimited’ broadband package.”
Myth three – Premium prices mean premium service
This myth is both true and false. While there are good broadband deals available, hidden in the terms and conditions are often catches which can double the advertised price, or half the download speed.
The broadband speed available to you is dependent on whether your location supports the broadband speed. Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC), also known as superfast fibre broadband, is the fastest broadband product in the UK, but as of March 2012, only 31% of the UK had access to the service. It is hoped that by spring 2013, two thirds of the UK will have access to this service.
There are examples of customers who want the most expensive broadband package that ensures they receive the fastest speeds. However, if the exchange does not allow for these speeds, it will never be able to go to the capacity of the package. Providers should, therefore, only recommend the package that will be sufficient for the area the broadband is being installed.
Myth four – Broadband is complicated
Broadband is simply a platform for transmitting information from one place to another. If broadband was tangible it would resemble a giant spider’s web.
Broadband packages can often appear complicated, but this is just a charade so you don’t ask questions about the fine print. Before signing a contract, always make sure you ask for the total monthly and yearly cost- unveiling all the sneaky additions.
If you want to fully understand the ins and outs of broadband, then the internet is the most accessible tool available. Look for the company that offers the simplest explanation and with the least technical jargon. If you understand what providers are selling, then it’s unlikely that there are any hidden costs. However, to be sure, always ensure you read the small print.
Myth five – There’s no point in switching providers as they all use the same line anyway
When choosing a provider or switching to a new provider, it entirely depends on what is the most important factor – price, service or speed?
Ultimately the broadband you receive will come from the same exchange regardless of the provider. However, the service you receive will depend on the supplier. Having a supportive customer service team can be a huge benefit as a broadband user, as downtime can make a big impact on business output.
IFB, founded in 1996, is a leading Internet Service Provider (ISP) and provides ICT infrastructure for businesses across the UKIFB can be contacted on 0845 270 2101 or geton@ifb.net. More about the company can be found at www.ifb.net.
Recent Comments