Mar 25, 2020 | Blog, News
By now, you’ve probably come to terms with the fact that you’re going to be working at home for the foreseeable. Your commute has been replaced with a lie-in and your dog is happier than ever.
However, one thing you may be struggling to manage is your productivity. What’s more, digital communication isn’t always as effective as face-to-face communication with messages being misread, misinterpreted – or in some cases, ignored.
But we’re here to help! We pride ourselves on connecting people, and if you’re unsure on the next best step for optimising performance, we’re on-hand to recommend a solution.
So, let’s work together
Easy steps to getting agile
You might not be used to having staff out of the office. But we’ve got a few tips and tools we think might help:
• Use cloud desktops and servers to operate your computers from any location
• Have morning video calls with your team to keep up business continuity
• Use Microsoft Teams app to chat or video call colleagues through your computer
• Adopt project management software like Trello to visualise your team’s workflow
• Create a channel for staff comms that isn’t on social media
• Connect your devices anywhere via 4G using e-SIMs
• Switch your phone calls to voip to operate from anywhere
• Cut line costs and turn personal devices into work phones with our voip softphone
Each of the above will help keep you connected, with the latter being an option we can set you up with ourselves today.
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If you need urgent support or are struggling with your connectivity,
please call 0161 711 1100 and we’ll help get you back online.
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VoIP makes working from anywhere easy
One solution to the drop in productivity that could result from remote working is VoIP phone systems.
Ideal for businesses seeking a feature-rich device without paying upfront cash, these phones are simple to use and easy to install.
And, as a result of choosing hosted phone systems you get to cut line rental costs and enjoy free calls to other VoIP users.
Using our hosted phone system you can get up and running in seconds and access your calls through our softphone app from anywhere!
Get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to install
Safely access company data from your own home
Ask any expert and they’ll tell you the same thing. Remote working or even bring your own device policies aren’t safe, unless you’re using hosted desktops.
Using the cloud, hosted desktops allow users to access their company desktop via the internet without relying on hardware.
You get to enjoy lower maintenance costs, your staff benefit from flexible working and everyone can rest knowing their actions are covered entirely by the company’s cybersecurity procedures.
Find out more
We want you to know that like every other business, we’re doing everything we can to get through this and help others.
Which is why if you’d be interested in more tips and techniques for increasing your connectivity or communication, you can check out our blog or speak to a member of the team.
Until then, stay safe.
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.
Nov 5, 2019 | Blog, Data, News
Alright, brass tacks: business internet is boring. We know it. You know it. Let’s not pretend it’s any more invigorating than watching paint dry.
But here’s another fact: failing to upgrade your network is going to seriously set your business back… if it isn’t doing so already.
If you sit there and do nothing about your internet, you’re courting disaster. Don’t wait for these problems to fall on top of you like a tonne of bricks. Read our bull-free blog to find a resolution.
Your current solution is probably insufficient
Do sluggish internet speeds ever bring your business to a crawl? You’re not alone. While 95% of the UK now has ‘superfast broadband’, the reality of what ‘fast’ looks like isn’t keeping pace.
Most ‘superfast’ connections still depend on copper telephone wires, which are limited to speeds of only 80Mbs – at best. It’s easy to see why companies settle for less-than adequate speeds. Shopping for a new provider is a pain, while upgrading to fibre-optic broadband might seem like an overhaul you can’t face or afford.
However, when you consider that fibre-optic based broadband lines can go from 100Mbs up to 1,000Mbs, it’s hardly surprising that your business is trailing behind by sitting tight with copper telephone wires.
The future of business internet lies in fibre
Fibre-optic lines offer added convenience, better call quality, and increased cost-efficiency in the long-term. The logic to switch is there, but if you’re reluctant to make the move you should know the government is going to ban copper lines altogether.
In three years’ time, new copper lines will no longer be sold, and by 2025 the aim is to phase them out for all customers.
In summary: finding a provider is impossible and your internet connection is soon to become obsolete. If you don’t act – your business is going to slow to a crawl.
The solution? Switch to fibre ASAP – the lines that carry the fastest internet speeds. The government are actually pushing to move everyone over to digital services by 2025. While that may sound like a pain, it’s actually a good thing.
You’ll need to install fibre very soon because the big guys say so – but you’ll enjoy a better connection as a result.
Keeping this in mind will make picking a provider much simpler, too. Narrow your search down to people who’re going to help you set up and get going – with added funding from the government…
The secret to grabbing better value gigabit
To encourage businesses to abandon their commitment to copper wire, the government are offering grants (temporarily) to small businesses to help them fund the switch to fibre optic.
The Gigabit Voucher Scheme doesn’t ask for anything from you in return; the government are just desperate to integrate gigabit connections across the UK as fast as they possibly can.
There’s only a bit of money left in the pot though, so you’ll need to take action quick. Or, Nxcoms can do all the work and apply for you. If you’re eligible – and you probably are – then you’ll bank a whopping £2,500 spending money for your gigabit connection.
Our guys will even throw a free router into the deal so you can get going ASAP for less.
Connect with Nxcoms
There’s no denying your SME should be looking at the higher end of the speed scale. The good news is that upgrading doesn’t need to be difficult – and it definitely doesn’t need to be out of your price range.
Grab the government grants through Nxcoms today. If you’re unclear about what the switch involves, just get in touch and we’ll explain the process without those convoluted telecoms buzzwords. We focus on fast, simple, clear communication – both in customer services and solutions.
Oct 11, 2019 | Blog, Connectivity, News
You may have heard a lot in the news recently about Full Fibre Broadband…
There have been quite a few stories in the news recently about the Government’s push for Full Fibre Broadband, and the aim to get most of the country on a fibre optic internet connection by 2025, but what exactly is it, and how does it benefit your business?
The UK now has more than 95% coverage for “superfast broadband” with speeds of 24Mbs (megabits per second) or higher. However, most “superfast” connections still depend on copper telephone wires, which are limited in the speeds they can support. The maximum speed you can get on a copper-based broadband connection is 80Mbs, however with a fibre optic based broadband line you can go up to 1000Mbs. So, if your business requires faster and more reliable broadband, capable of delivering gigabit speeds, then a full fibre connection is required.
One gigabit is the same as 1000Mbs (1,000 megabits) – so it’s a big leap forward in connection speeds that could benefit you and your business into the future. Full fibre also supports symmetrical connections – meaning your upload and download speeds are exactly the same. There are huge benefits to business, as this means your external internet connection is as fast as your internal network. You can run more computers in remote locations, take advantage of more cloud services, and even download or upload files much more quickly.
What you may not realise is that the full fibre broadband rollout has been going on for quite some time now, and the main telecoms providers have been supplying this kind of technology for a number of years. Its only recently that prices have come down to make it more viable for more businesses to use as their main connection to the internet.
In order to help businesses utilise this technology, the Government Gigabit Voucher scheme is a grant to cover the installation costs associated with installing a fibre optic cable into the premises. UK Small and Medium sized businesses can apply for the grant of up to £2500 through one of their approved suppliers. Nxcoms is an approved supplier of the scheme and can help businesses to apply and obtain the grant as well as installing the line and equipment needed.
Jun 3, 2019 | Blog, Connectivity, News
Did you know you can claim a grant of up to £2,500 towards an ultrafast, Gigabit internet connection?
We live in a world where fast, resilient internet is a must. We often think we’re ahead of the game, but have you heard that Britain’s average internet speed ranks 31st in the world, falling behind most of Europe, Thailand and New Zealand? The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have launched a £67m Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme to help small businesses keep up with the larger players.
You may have heard about the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. It’s a grant the Government’s offering to small and medium sized businesses with less than 250 employees. For a limited time only, these companies can claim up to £2,500 towards the installation of a gigabit-capable internet connection. We want to make sure you understand the facts and don’t miss out.
The technical bit
Standard broadband delivers speeds up to 20Mbs (mega-bits per second). Fibre-optic broadband, also known as BT infinity or superfast broadband can deliver speeds up to 80Mbs. Fibre-optic broadband isn’t available in all areas, and there are many “not-spots” where it can’t be supplied at all. Gigabit or ultra-fast broadband provides a dedicated full-fibre optic connection to the premises with speeds available from 100Mbs to 1000Mbs.
What this really means for your business
A Gigabit connection simply enables you to complete tasks quickly and efficiently. Usually downloading large numbers of photographs, videos or streaming media can take time, slowing down business productivity. Gigabit connections allow 100 photos or songs to be downloaded in just 3 seconds and a HD movie can be downloaded in 7 seconds.
Tasks like transferring large files, presenting a webinar or watching large training videos suddenly become pain free and seamless with no delays or glitches.
Gigabit internet is often used by organisations that have a large number of users or that engage with a lot of multimedia content. It’s brilliant for supporting HD streaming, it has improved support for multiple users and devices, video conferencing and fast data transfers and multimedia uploads and downloads.
The benefits of claiming a voucher
Businesses should be thinking seriously about taking advantage of this offer and here’s why…
Keep up to speed
Over 95% of the UK now has coverage for superfast broadband with speeds of 24 megabits per second or higher. This isn’t being used to its potential when most connections still depend on copper telephone wires, which are limited in the speeds they can support. BT Openreach has already stated that they intend to phase out all copper-based traditional telephone lines by 2025 and they plan to start this process in 2020. By taking advantage of the voucher scheme now, you can future-proof your business against these changes.
If your business depends on reliable broadband, capable of delivering faster speeds, with a guaranteed uptime and a full-service level agreement, then taking the leap towards a full fibre connection is a must.
Increase productivity
The last broadband voucher scheme saw 50,000 businesses upgrade their internet connections and of these 50,000, 86% reported the internet upgrade had significantly increased the productivity of their employees. That’s a statistic you can rely on.
Slow, unpredictable internet can cause delays and frustrations in the workplace which can impact on the productivity of your staff, staff morale and the culture of your business. When broadband goes offline, your business can grind to a halt quite quickly, impacting your business and resulting in lost revenue. With a Gigabit, ultrafast connection which comes with an ultra-reliable 99.9% uptime, you can turbo-charge your business and your productivity, knowing that down-time is virtually non-existent.
Customer satisfaction
As we’ve discussed, slow internet and delays can cause frustration and friction for your staff, but this can also directly affect your customers.
Your customers will have a better experience if your staff are happy at work. They’ll be greeted by a positive and helpful team and their experience overall will be more efficient and enjoyable.
Seamless connectivity also means you get the best out of the other services and platforms you’ve invested in. Marketing, sales and finance experiences can only be as good as the connectivity they’re provided with and Gigabit internet means your customers always see the very best of your business.
Save thousands of pounds
Gigabit internet can seem like an expensive investment which is usually something only larger businesses can afford to install.
Small and medium-sized businesses with less than 250 employees, and an annual turnover of less than £45M could qualify for the Gigabit Voucher grant to save thousands of pounds on the initial infrastructure costs.
As well as the obvious initial saving, once installed businesses will continue to see money saving through their increased productivity and customer and staff satisfaction and retention. The monthly rental of a new connection is often less than the cost of your current internet and phone lines combined, so by utilising a Gigabit internet connection for both voice and data, you can not only have a faster internet, you can have a more reliable phone connection too!
Why nxcoms?
We care about each and every one of our customers and excel in providing a bespoke, personal service.
Our experience and expertise in telecoms means we understand how critical the internet is to your business. We can assist you along every step of the way, from arranging for your connection voucher, to installing, configuring and maintaining your gigabit ultrafast internet connection. So that once you decide to proceed, the whole process is simple and straightforward as possible.
To find out if you qualify and to take advantage of the scheme, click here or email info@nxcoms.co.uk
