Nov 16, 2020 | Blog, Connectivity, News
Last month, we announced our partnership with Faster Britain. Powered by ITS, the initiative aims to provide ultra-fast internet to businesses. But what does it mean for you? And how will you benefit?
Until now, businesses across the UK have had to choose between affordability and quality when it comes to their connections. But not anymore. Faster Britain is repurposing existing infrastructure so that businesses are able to utilise more advanced technology at a fraction of the cost. Here, we explain more…
What Faster Britain do
Faster Britain is designing, building and operating ultrafast networks that are driven by genuine business requirements. How? By leveraging their existing infrastructure across the UK to expand connectivity, with the support of local authorities and partners. This reduces set-up time, meaning connectivity can be installed in a matter of weeks.
From your perspective, this means that instead of paying to be connected to a new network, you’re now being paired to infrastructure that already exists. This reduces the cost when it comes to adopting new technologies and also allows Faster Britain to level up parts of the country, quicker.
What we do
Our role is to provide leased lines. Where before these handy, dedicated connections were reserved for only the wealthy or large-scale organisations, now all businesses local to Faster Britain infrastructure can enjoy guaranteed uptime and high-speed connectivity.
As suppliers of leased lines, partnering with Faster Britain, we can offer our solution for less. As one of the most cost-effective suppliers of leased lines in the UK, this makes our services especially affordable. Plus, we also include a 99.99% uptime guarantee, 4-hour repair and 24/7 support as part of our offering.
What leased lines do
Where standard internet speeds slow your productivity down, leased lines give you a competitive advantage by ensuring continuity and offering scalable speeds of up to 1 Gb/s. In other words, with a dedicated line, you’ll have a direct fibre optic connection to the premises.
What’s more, with symmetrical upload and download speeds, you also get a choice between shared bandwidth or fully uncontended connection. This is the ultimate internet connectivity, and thanks to Faster Britain, it can be yours for less.
How you can apply
Faster Britain is still in the process of rolling out areas, however Tameside is one such location set to benefit from their infrastructure. So if your business is local to Tameside and you’d like to find out more about dedicated leased lines or our partnership with Faster Britain, please get in touch.
If you’ve got any other questions about our services or want some advice on business connectivity, don’t hesitate to get in touch on info@nxcoms.co.uk.
Oct 26, 2020 | Connectivity, News
Nxcoms is pleased to announce that we are now working with the Faster Britain programme, powered by ITS, to provide ultra-fast, reliable and low cost leased line solutions to businesses in Tameside, Greater Manchester.
Businesses in Tameside have often had to make the difficult choice between slow broadband which fits their budget, or ultra-fast leased lines which are vastly expensive. However, this doesn’t need to be the case any longer. Using the Faster Britain network, with speeds of up to 1Gbs, businesses in the Tameside area can quickly supercharge their internet connection and have all the benefits of a leased line without the associated higher costs.
How is this done? Through its approach to re-using existing infrastructure, Faster Britain builds are deployed faster than the competition by minimising disruption through intrusive, and often prolonged, digs. It also means connectivity can be installed in a matter of weeks, rather than months. By connecting to a network which has already been installed and its there ready and waiting, the costs are vastly reduced when compared to dedicated new leased line connections.
If you have a business which is based in the Tameside area and would like to find out more on how you can benefit from the Faster Britain network, contact nxcoms or call 0161 711 1100
Jul 27, 2020 | Blog, Connectivity, News
Demand for internet access on sites has been steadily rising for years. Before, only a handful of site managers would be equipped with some level of connectivity. Now, as programmes become more demanding and site employees require more information and collaboration, connectivity is vital.
Everything from office equipment to cameras and 3D mapping devices need to move freely around your site. By limiting their connectivity, your team works less effectively and you risk not being compliant with current security standards.
So, to help you get to grips with it, we’ve provided a complete guide to connectivity and its role on modern construction sites.
Keep teams connected
If you’re in charge of operations for a construction site, you need to be able to check in with various projects – occasionally across multiple locations – to ensure that work is being carried out on time and within budget. Architects, contractors and clients all require updates and information too. And you may need to provide immediate access to plans and surveys. If not, everything could grind to a halt.
The same is true of technical and health and safety information. If your site workers can’t read relevant documentation, you’re acting unethically. And if they make a claim, on your head be it. There’s also the issue of supplier management, geolocation and workflow…
Trouble is, construction sites are still at the mercy of carriers and infrastructure providers. Which means whenever there’s downtime, client relationships suffer, on-site safety is threatened and so is the success of the project. Only by realising the true value of connection, and the role it plays in the smooth exchange of information on-site, will you realistically address all of the above challenges.
Ensure systems are secure
Even if communication between teams isn’t your number one priority, it’s likely that site security is. CCTV alone requires a stable connection in order to keep your site under constant surveillance. But it isn’t just your standard CCTV that you’ll need. In fact, there’s two forms of security most sites offer – physical and operational.
Operational is the human-enforced measures of protection, for example having guards on-site 24/7. Physical security though, which includes intruder detection and access control systems, requires a stable internet connection in order to truly protect the site. Which in most cases, is a stakeholder requirement.
Speaking of protecting the site, only by investing in construction connectivity can you safely support risk assessment and hazard identification technologies. This ensures that firstly, you’re not at risk of a claim and secondly, you’re protecting your assets from damage. How? By enhancing your processes so that you can run more comprehensive security measures.
Enjoy cloud-based software
Virtual desktops and cloud computing allow for more than quality connection however. They enhance your facilities so that you’re able evolve your site development into something more dynamic. Where before, a site manager may be shackled to their desk in order to monitor progress. Now, they’re able to update schedules, perform time entry and generate reports from the field with their mobile devices.
Whether you’re in need of a project management solution or an ERP system that can help you to better manage your resources, only by embracing cloud technology are you able to utilise them. Of course, with cloud relying on a stable internet connection, there’s no use shopping for software unless you’re confident you’ll remain fully connected while on-site.
Likewise, tethering your smartphone to these devices won’t be enough to sustain your team, rendering a project management tool useless. Instead you need a solution that isn’t hampered by data restrictions, network coverage and the inability to transfer data internally. Plus it will need to be protected from on-site activity, while flexible enough (in terms of its contract) to marry up to your project time constraints.
Often site managers will be forced to travel around overseeing various locations – some with very poor connection. This is where eSIMs come in. eSIMs allow any mobile data device to connect to any provider in the UK or abroad. So, whether you don’t know who the best provider is for the area you’re in or simply move around a lot, our eSIM product will always connect to the carrier with the strongest signal – no matter where you are.
How Nxcoms can help
In need of a better connection but don’t know where to start? Give us a shout. At Nxcoms, we understand that in order for you to deliver a project to the timeframe outlined and meet the demands of your clients, you need access to reliable internet speeds with increased bandwidth potential. And we have just the thing…
In fact, as experts in connectivity, our team have supported construction leaders with exactly that. Not only are we able to recommend solutions which are tailored to your project, but also your sector. So, whether you’re hoping to get a direct broadband connection established or looking to protect it with a private APN, we’ve got you covered.
If you’d be interested in learning more about connectivity options for construction sites, get in touch with us on info@nxcoms.co.uk or by calling 0161 711 1100.
Jun 29, 2020 | Blog, Cloud, Connectivity, News
If lockdown has taught us anything, it’s that it pays to be flexible. With a little ingenuity and agility, remote working has allowed many to carry on with business as usual. Even those previously skeptical of working from home policies are now – understandably – converts.
But with more reaping the benefits, we believe that when lockdown eases, individuals will not just seek out opportunities to work from home but wherever it suits them.
Here, we explore how you can enable your team to do just that…
Keep connected with dedicated broadband
Now, it’s all well and good having a PC upstairs but if your employee’s presence on a Zoom conference is little more than a blur, you’re not exactly running at full capacity. Trouble is, most home set-ups have standard wireless connection meaning that full capacity isn’t always possible. That’s where a dedicated second broadband line comes in. No longer will you have to contend with the kids for connection while they’re playing games or watching videos. There are some circumstances where a second broadband connection isn’t available. But, if this is what’s stopping you from staying connected, we’ll provide a 4G router instead.
Ensure security with remote desktops
Back to your employee’s computers for a second… ask yourself, do you want your data stored on them? And, we’re not accusing your team of corporate espionage. Your employee’s devices are much easier to hack into than what you have in the office. After all, they’ll likely have varying levels of cybersecurity – and, in some cases, none at all. Remote desktops reduce your data exposure instantly. Your employees simply log into their computers, then into a portal that securely gives them access to their work computer. The result? All their files are now within reach and your data remains under lock and key – regardless of where they are or what their internet connection is like.
Free up resources with cloud software
If installing remote desktops has helped strengthen your team, why stop there? You’ve only just dipped your toe into the cloud water. Cloud is much more convenient – and cost-effective – for businesses. The way it’s delivered, in comparison to hardware, means that your usage often determines your bill. So if you’ve battened down the hatches these past few months, cloud allows you to minimise your infrastructure costs and dedicate money elsewhere. What’s more, data will be more secure, users will have even greater flexibility, and you’ll effectively be future-proofing your business all at the same time.
How we can help
At Nxcoms, we’re passionate about getting you back on track. Our experts are capable of not only setting up any of the above solutions, but also ensuring that they actually make a difference in your workplace – wherever that may be. Simply get in touch with a member of our team on 0161 711 1100, or email info@nxcoms.co.uk today.
Jan 20, 2020 | Blog, Connectivity, Data, News
It’s annoying, isn’t it? Having to pace around the office until you find that one sweet spot where your network can actually get signal. As you’re tied to a specific mobile provider, you can’t always get the best signal for the area that you’re in. Instead, you have to get the best signal that your supplier provides, and sometimes that might be weaker than other mobile networks.
But now, just like roaming abroad, you can move dynamically between providers in the UK using our secure eSIM! No hassle, no hardware, just seamless swapping. We’re finally giving meaning to ‘dead as a dongle’.
Still no idea what we’re on about? Let us break it down.
So… what is an eSIM?
In short, it’s what it says on the tin. An electronic SIM card that can be programmed to accept any mobile phone provider.
They come in two formats – a traditional card-based SIM card which will work with any provider, or an eSIM virtual card which is rooted within a mobile device.
In fact, if you’re the proud owner of any of Apple’s latest iPhones or Google Pixel 3, you’ll notice there’s already support for an eSIM.
Okay. But why is that useful?
These clever eSIMs can automatically switch networks, according to the one which has the strongest signal. It’s unlikely that you’ll ever be in an area without a signal. If one network has a very weak signal, another network may be stronger and the eSIM will automatically switch without you needing to do anything at all.
For example, if you run 4G mobile data locations such as building site offices, CCTV sites, parking meters or traffic control systems, you no longer need to go out and change SIMs if your existing carrier goes offline. Your devices will switch automatically saving a huge amount of downtime.
Plus, if you transfer your devices to a new location, for example a new building site, you may find that a different carrier has a better signal in the new location. Using an eSIM means you don’t have to change anything in your setup – the carrier will be automatically changed to the best signal in your area. Our eSIMs also work internationally with 450 networks over 190 countries worldwide.
In essence, you can enjoy optimal connectivity anywhere in the UK – and globally!
I’m on-board. What’s the next step?
Just a short chat with a member of our team!
Poor signal shouldn’t prevent you from meeting your business aims, which is why at Nxcoms, we’ve made it as easy as possible for you to get connection wherever you are.
Whether you’re on the move or looking to streamline your internal comms we’ve got the solution for you.
So, what are you waiting for?
Enhance your communication today by dropping us a line on info@nxcoms.co.uk or calling 0161 711 1100.
Jan 16, 2020 | Blog, Connectivity, Data, News
Nowadays, most businesses enjoy the flexibility of remote working. And, even when your staff are on site, they’re probably using their mobiles to deal with work-related matters.
Sure, it’s boosted productivity. But it’s left a gaping hole where security is concerned. And, if you want to get serious about cybersecurity, you need to turn your attention to all devices – on and off the desk.
Enter into the picture: Private APN.
Ok, fair enough – that might not mean anything to you. But, when you realise what a Private APN can do for your business, we guarantee you’ll want to know even more about where to get one…
Go on, then – what’s a Private APN?
Before we dive into Private APNs, we should probably explain what APN itself stands for: Access Point Name.
In short, it’s a point of entry onto an IP network for a mobile device allowing your staff to connect to the mobile network, and wider internet beyond.
So what?
To get onto the internet, mobiles devices use the APN provided by the mobile carrier, but you are sharing this network with thousands of other mobile users. Furthermore, you cannot remotely access your device externally as the mobile provider prevents this. In order to remotely access a device, such as a router, CCTV device, smartmeter or server, you have to request a fixed IP connection from your mobile provider; this is not only much more expensive, but leaves your device fully open to the internet without any protection from hackers whatsoever.
That’s where a Private APN comes in. This type of connection gives you your very own private network on a mobile device – securing all your data, offering easy but secure accessibility, and the ability to connect all of your devices together as if they were on your internal office network.
Do I need one?
If you’re dealing with any type of delicate information, or require secure remote access to your devices, then a Private APN is a game changer.
Customer data is like catnip for cyber thieves. And when you’re accessing company data from a mobile device, you’re opening the door to opportunists.
In just minutes, they can dip in and take all the digits needed to make a fortune – and when that happens, your business is liable. Your reputation is in tatters, customer trust is crushed, and the company bank account is left dry as you’re forced to pay big fines.
A Private APN, however, establishes a secure line on devices and keeps data protected 24/7.
Right. So, is a Private APN suitable for me?
Well, that depends.
If your team are a modest size and mobile data is working just fine for the odd task you’re using it for, then you can afford to work off standard data SIMs.
However, if you need to access mobile devices remotely, the only option up until now has been to use fixed IP data SIMs. There’s no avoiding that cyber criminals see these kind of connections as an open goal.
Private APNs replace fixed IP SIMs, prioritising security and allowing you to access your devices remotely without opening them to the wider internet.
Unsure of your needs?
No worries. At Nxcoms, we’re happy to walk you through the benefits of a Private APN without selling you what you don’t need. So, let us paint a clearer picture and email info@nxcoms.co.uk or call 0161 711 1100 today.
