Feb 17, 2022 | Blog, Connectivity, News
Prepare for change
In the coming months and years, changes are happening in the world of telecoms to replace telephone lines as we know and love them.
This doesn’t mean we’re saying ‘see you later’ to your landline, but it does mean that traditional copper- based phone lines and broadband services are slowly being phased out, with a target for the full switch-off and replacement by 2025. In their place will be brand new fibre-optic cables, and although the target for the switch and replacement is a few years away, the changes are actually happening right now as you read this article.
For the sake of your business, it’s important you know what the changes are, and how they might affect your operations.
Hold the phones
You might not be aware of it – and you might not even care, to be honest – but up until now, your business has very likely used some kind of copper telephone line service (ISDN or Analogue PSTN) to make and receive calls. You’ve also likely relied on a copper-based broadband service to keep your operations alive and kicking online via ADSL or FTTC (often known as fibre broadband or superfast broadband).
The problem is, the use of copper is not the most reliable way to transmit data. The longer the cable, the worse the signal, for a start. In addition, if the copper comes into contact with heat or damp (welcome to the unpredictable great British weather),the more it suffers the risk of damage.
Makes a little more sense why you’ve likely spent times in the office swearing at the inexplicability of your slow-moving internet now, doesn’t it?
Listen up
Back in 2015, Openreach (in conjunction with those lovely folk at Ofcom) drew up a roadmap to transform this copper-based communication infrastructure and replace it with ultra-reliable and ultra- fast fibre-optic cable. Good news indeed, because if there is anything you want and need your internet to be, it’s fast and reliable.
In line with switching to fibre, many businesses have already started making some changes.
If that’s you – brilliant. If it’s not you – read on.
Make the call
Those who have been aware of the changes (every organisation should have an IT geek on the team) have begun their adaptation by moving their phone lines and internet access to new lP (Internet Protocol) based services. Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone systems are now becoming the standard way to communicate. Changing to a VoIP system will, as standard, increase the capability for your staff to work remotely and make and receive calls just as if they were in the office. Great news if there’s another lockdown (every cloud…).
If you make one call to better your business today, let it be to a provider who can set you up and start you off with VoIP. This is especially the case if you know that your phone line is more than 10 years old, just for info!
And what of the Internet?
Recently, Ofcom announced that 13.5 million homes and business premises (which has been the same thing for many of us since 2020) are now enabled for full fibre-optic broadband. But how do you know you’re ready to make this change right now? Most likely it will be because you have download speeds of 80Mbs or less. If you’re not sure this is the case, think about how long ago it was that you swore at your laptop.
The speed of download on offer with full fibre-optic cable can be up to 1Gbs – more than 10 times that of the old copper-based broadband services. More speed – more efficiency in your business.
Come away from the copper, people – and remember that it’s not just about your phones and computers. This stuff affects things like your card processing terminals, too. Why run the risk of losing out on somebody trying to pay you?
But seriously…
At nxcoms, we’re known for our approachability, and so we’ll often joke about the issues faced by businesses when it comes to their communications, but we’re professionals, too, so it’s only right that we give you the information you need. In this instance, if you’re sitting there and thinking you’ll make any required changes at some point in 2025 when you absolutely need to, please do think seriously about the reliability of additional services you may have, such a BT Redcare line for an alarm system or fire panel, or an emergency phone line that you may have installed somewhere such as in a lift.
An emergency really isn’t the time when you want to be finding out that your most fundamental of communication systems is not just ineffective, but a potential hazard, too.
What you need to do now
Much as we’d love to tell to sit back and relax whilst this all happens around you, that wouldn’t be the great advice we’ve come to be known for. If you haven’t already done so, put a plan in place to upgrade your phone system to VoIP. Worried about a disruption in service and the likelihood of losing your landline number in the process? Don’t be.
Good suppliers have been sorting this out for businesses for months and even years, now. Both service and existing numbers can be seamlessly transferred over for you.
The to do list doesn’t stop there. Next, check with your provider what kind of broadband line you currently have and ask whether an analogue PSTN line is required to run the service.
If this is the case, then it’s time to start thinking about a move to a full fibre-optic solution.
Wondering who to call when you need all of this sorting?
There’s a reason we wrote this article for you. Pick up the phone (if it works) and give us a call on 0161 711 1100 or email fibre@nxcoms.co.uk
Feb 1, 2022 | Blog, News
Have you heard the news? The UK’s copper telephone line network will officially be switched off in 2025. We’re sure you have many questions about this – especially if your business relies on this network.
In this blog article, we’ll discuss the reasoning for this shut off, how it will affect businesses, and how we’re working with Openreach and Faster Britain to make full fibre widely available for businesses.
It’s important that you understand why this change is taking place.
What exactly is happening and why is it happening?
Openreach is moving all of their customers from the old analogue copper telephone line network (also known as PSTN) to a fully digital network. No need to worry – they’ve already begun the process.
In fact, by 2025, Openreach plans to have moved everyone – including businesses – over so they can stop the PSTN service. This means that every phone line in the UK will be digital, routing calls over an IP rather than PSTN.
Copper-based broadband lines are what most homes and businesses are currently using, but with this project, no new lines of this type will be sold after 2023.
So, why is it happening?
For decades, PSTN has been the backbone of the UK’s phone network. Technology is constantly evolving and it’s time we advance our telephone networks to be completely digital.
You may be wondering, “Does this mean that IP is better than PSTN?”
That’s correct!
The PSTN network is no longer in line with the demands of modern technology in both homes and businesses. As they switch to mobile and internet communications, everyone is demanding much more than the traditional technologies are designed to deliver – which is why IP is needed.
What steps should businesses take now?
The project won’t be completed until 2025, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for the switch off now.
Businesses should check their current phone system and understand what technology they have. Additionally, they should identify what alternatives to switch to.
Alternatives for phone systems include on-premise VoIP PBX, Cloud Hosted PBX, and SIP trunks.
Although, you should keep in mind that this will affect more than just your phone system. Everything else that currently uses the old phone network and all of the non-voice services that are connected to PSTN or ISDN lines. This includes alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, and fax machines.
How is Nxcoms involved in this project?
We’re glad you asked! Nxcoms is already working with Openreach and Faster Britain networks to ensure that full fibre is available to businesses in the next couple of years.
However, it’s crucial that businesses don’t wait until it’s too late. At Nxcoms, we help to make your business communications easier and get connected without the fuss. We provide voice over IP, leased lines, broadband, and mobile services. To find out which option is right for you and your business, get in touch with our team of experts today.
Nov 29, 2021 | Blog, Connectivity, Faster Britain, News
Nxcoms and Faster Britain Are Working Together to bring Full Fibre Internet Connections into your business premises, for a much more reliable and faster broadband service.
Back in October 2020, we announced our partnership with the Faster Britain programme, to provide ultra-fast, reliable and low cost leased line solutions to businesses in Tameside, Glossop, Blackpool and Lytham St Annes.
Now, Faster Britain is working to bring full fibre connections into customers’ premises much quicker than traditional providers, and in many more areas of the UK.
In this blog article, we’ll give you a brief overview of this new partnership between our team and Faster Britain.
Nxcoms and Faster Britain’s partnership
Faster Britain gives access to full fibre ultrafast connectivity, supporting cloud-enabled and future proof technologies.
Faster Britain was recently awarded the joint venture contract in Liverpool city region to build and manage the 212km roll out of a full fibre, gigabit-capable network of digital infrastructure. This project will provide access to fast connectivity that will help grow some of the region’s key growth sectors. It will also drive Liverpool city region to become one of the most digitally connected areas in the UK.
Areas currently served by the Faster Britain service include:
- Manchester
- Liverpool
- Tameside
- Stockport
- Chester
- Blackpool
- Chorley
- Blackburn
- Accrington
- Burnley
- Glossop
- Burton on Trent
- Newark
- Lincoln
- Scunthorpe
- Preston
- Lytham
- Wigan
- Wilmslow
- Trafford
- Birmingham
- Camden
- Lewisham
- Mayfair
- Islington
- Enfield
How does it work?
In its initial phase, Faster Britain will create a resilient fibre backhaul network. With this network, they will be connecting three transatlantic cables and major economic clusters in each of the Liverpool City Region’s six local authority areas.
Over the next two years, Faster Britain will go on to install the digital infrastructure in carriageways, footpaths and cycleways with minimised disruption to road and public transport users.
Nxcoms provides the service to you business and helps get your business connect with the very latest voice and data technology. Working with Faster Britain means we can bring full fibre connectivity to your premises much quicker than other providers. Typical installation times are 20 days rather than the industry standard 90 days. To learn more about our telecommunications services, get in touch with our team.
Key Takeaways
- Nxcoms and Faster Britain are working together again to bring fibre connections into customers’ premises much quicker than traditional providers in many areas of the UK.
- This project will provide access to fast connectivity that will help grow some of the region’s key growth sectors.
- Businesses can connect to the Faster Britain full fibre network within days rather than months.
Nov 15, 2021 | Blog, Connectivity, Faster Britain, News
We have the world at our fingertips with our digital devices. With this kind of accessibility, shouldn’t a reliable internet connection be accessible, too?
There’s an increasing demand for digital services and a reliable internet connection to power those digital services, especially for companies that have a hybrid workforce.
Digital infrastructure provider Faster Britain is here to meet these demands. In this blog article, we’ll provide you with what you need to know about fibre connectivity, the demand for reliable internet connection, and how Faster Britain is working to solve this issue.
Why businesses need fibre connectivity
Remember the struggles of having to be in the office in order to stay connected to your team or your customers? With fibre connectivity, that is no longer the case. With fibre, you can stay connected wherever you are with nearly every business function taking place online.
If your company has yet to make the switch to fibre-optic internet access, now is the best time – especially since we are shifting to a hybrid workforce.
With fibre-optic internet access, each office or location receives its own private connection line rather than having a shared connection. This way, bandwidth is always available and dedicated only to that office or location. This is key to protecting companies because any outage could negatively affect their business.
The demand for reliable internet connection
We are able to complete almost any job or task with the help of digital services. With the demand for digital services comes the increasing demand for reliable internet connections.
When completing a task, you shouldn’t have to worry about the connectivity of your internet, the speed, or if you will be able to sit through a Zoom meeting without dealing with a frozen screen when it’s your turn to speak.
Thanks to a hybrid workforce, companies and their employees are now able to work from almost anywhere, as long as they have a reliable internet connection.
Faster Britain is working to ensure this is the case.
How Faster Britain is meeting this demand
Faster Britain has been awarded the contract to bring a full fibre, gigabit-capable network of digital infrastructure to Liverpool, providing access to fast connectivity that will help grow some of the region’s key growth sectors.
The project, which will take place over the next two years, supports the national targets to deliver gigabit-capable speeds and reliable broadband across the UK by 2033.
When you are looking to get your business connected to fibre-optic internet access with no fuss, choose Nxcoms to help your business connect and communicate better. Get in touch with our dedicated and friendly team to learn more about how we can assist you.
Key Takeaways:
- There’s an increasing demand for digital services and a reliable internet connection, especially for companies that have a hybrid workforce.
- With fibre-optic internet access, each office or location receives its own private connection line rather than having a shared connection.
- Faster Britain has been awarded the contract to bring a full fibre, gigabit-capable network of digital infrastructure to Liverpool.
Oct 25, 2021 | Blog, News
Nxcoms is pleased to announce that we will be exhibiting at the North West Business Expo on the 5th November 2021.
The North West Business Expo is set to be the most celebrated event in the business calendar in 2021. Held at the Bolton Whites Hotel, Middlebrook Stadium, this is the target exhibition for business owners, professionals, startups and marketeers, keen to connect with other businesses and decision-makers. With over 2,000 visitors expected to attend, this opportunity to showcase your business in a relaxed, fun environment, it shouldn’t be missed!
Come & see us by registering for your FREE delegate pass at https://shoutexpo.com/northwest/
Oct 6, 2021 | Blog, Cloud, Connectivity, Data, News
More and more companies are adopting flexible work conditions, allowing for employees to work both at the office and remotely.
If your company is transitioning to flexible work, or considering the transition, there are some things you can do to make tasks more efficient no matter where the work is being completed.
What are the benefits of flexible working?
Flexible working gives employees the opportunity to either work in the office with their colleagues or work from anywhere. This in itself is a huge benefit, but there are other benefits as well.
According to the Gartner 2021 Digital Worker Experience Survey, 43% of respondents report that having flexibility in working hours helped them achieve greater productivity. 30% said that less or no time spent commuting to work enabled them to be more productive. This is a win-win for both the employer and employee!
How can I make flexible work tasks more efficient?
When making the adjustment to allow your employees to choose their work environment, you should also take into account the technology to be used. Your employees will be depending on you for a reliable internet connection, telecommunications setup, and more.
Luckily, there are a few solutions you can implement to fulfill their work needs.
1. Dedicated fibre optic lines
When employees are switching between completing work tasks, logging onto yet another Zoom meeting (it seems those are here to stay), writing emails, working on documents, files, etc., they’ll need a high-speed, reliable internet connection.
Standard broadband just isn’t fast enough for these tasks.
With a broadband connection, you are using shared infrastructure to transmit data. One common challenge many employees face when working remotely is having to share bandwidth with others also working remotely in the household, delaying internet speed.
With a fibre optic leased line, the pipeline will only belong to your organisation and the travelling data will not compete with anyone else’s. The data will be able to get to its destination faster and more securely with a direct connection from home to your business premises.
2. Hosted phone system
If an employee chooses to work remotely for a day, they will most likely not want to lug their desk phone back and forth between locations — which is why a hosted phone system will greatly benefit your business.
A hosted VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) enables workers to use their office phone extension anywhere, either with a physical phone or via a mobile app. This way, your staff won’t be missing out on phone calls and they can also work smarter, faster and more productively.
3. Hosted desktop
Transporting a work computer to and from the office just isn’t efficient for your staff and can become quite annoying. Switching to a hosted desktop allows your team to run a Microsoft Windows PC in the cloud. They will be able to securely access the desktop via the internet from anywhere at any time.
Making the switch to flexible working conditions?
At Nxcoms, we want to make your technology transition as seamless as possible. Give us a call on 0161 711 1100 or email us at info@nxcoms.co.uk. Together, we can find the right tech solutions for your organisation.
Key takeaways:
- With a fibre optic leased line, the pipeline will only belong to your organisation and the travelling data will not compete with anyone else’s.
- A hosted VoIP system enables workers to use their office phone extension anywhere.
- Switching to a hosted desktop allows your team to run a Microsoft Windows PC in the cloud.
