Small Business Telecoms Discussion Area

Former_MSE_Dan

This thread is specifically to discuss the

Small Business Telecoms

section of the Small Business MoneySaving guide.

If you want to discuss this section, or suggest any new comparisons for consideration, please click reply.

olly300

One thing the article doesn't mention is that if you have a business account with telecoms and broadband providers you are likely to receive better customer service and reliability.

For example I work from home on and off and use to have a consumer account with Tiscali.

There were issues with the connection which meant my connection went off every other day. I then tried to telephone Tiscali and had to wait a minimum of 40 minutes to speak to an operator.

I subsequently changed to NTLTelewest business. The two times I've had a problem with my connection I have got through to speak to someone within 3 rings. They have also rung me back on my mobile to state that the issue was resolved and they guarantee except in extreme cases* to resolve problems in 1 working day.

So yes I pay more for the service but I have a connection I can rely on.

*No broadband provider or telecoms company can do anything if workmen cut telephone cables which has happened to me in the past.

spandangled

Just out of curiousity, as anyone heard of Midlands Telecom? They phoned me asking if they could visit us to discuss if they could save us money, which while I'm willing to do, I do really like the customer service with NTL telewest and I can't seem to find anything about them (review-wise) on the internet.

Aaron

I've had Opal consistently deny my broadband problems. Their equipment appears to be faulty because my equipment and the line have been tested extensively. I'm off back to an IpStream-based service and won't recommend Opal-based services to anyone who needs reliable broadband.

olly300

spandangled wrote: »

Just out of curiousity, as anyone heard of Midlands Telecom? They phoned me asking if they could visit us to discuss if they could save us money, which while I'm willing to do, I do really like the customer service with NTL telewest and I can't seem to find anything about them (review-wise) on the internet.

Can't find them either.

I suggest you ask them for website details or look to see if they are registered at companies house.

Ypaymore

Do you mean http://www.midland-telecom.com/ been around for a long time ,they have lots of blue chip clients.

mgt

I have a BT business line and, like many small businesses divert calls to my mobile when out of the office. During busy times this was costing me about £100/quarter. With BT OnePlan plus, if you have a BT mobile, all calls (incl divert) between office numbers and mobiles on the plan are free, meaning huge savings. The switchover was not without hassle, but definitely worth it for the savings.

COOLTRIKERCHICK

ooooo heck i am in the middle of switching to opal, to late to cancel, will keep you informed how their service is

i am transfering my phone and broadband to them.

wuckfit

I made the mistake of signing up with Opal.
When I originally signed up it was a 5 year deal but the sales advisor assured me that if the business closed for any reason then I wouldn't be subject to any cancellation fees.
I moved my broadband over in February and unwittingly started a new two year contract that seems not to include this (for me at least) highly important selling point.
Opal now want to charge me a £300 per line (I have two lines) cancellation fee because I'm closing down and want the lines terminated.

Avoid Opal at all costs, is my advice.

SettingUp

Hi All,

First time poster, long time reader.

I am setting up a consultancy business, and probably need to have a seperate phone and fax from my "home office". Any ideas on the best company to use or any pitfalls you have experienced before to watch out for?

I know of a friend that has set up a fax line in a way that when a fax comes in, it is also sent on an email that he gets on his mobile. Any all in one packages out there?

Cheers

Swish

Hi all!

I am a new company that is now looking to go ahead and set up a business landline for my premises. The line is already on BT but I know that I can save a small fortune in this rather overlooked costcutting exercise.

I'm rather meticulous in the way I do things and I am just really wondering if there is a website out there that can give me an idea of what the majority of companies out there charge for line rental per month, minimum contract information, capped rates on local and mobile calls etc., just so I can have in my hand, a very simple list of who charges what.

I've tried to go on a few different provider websites and it is nigh on impossible just to find out rates and line rental charges for business telecoms. Is there an easier way to find out other than having someone call me up and try to pitch to me?

The closest sites I have found so far are ones who will do the legwork to find me the 'cheapest' deal. But in the minefield that is Business Telecoms, lower line rental charges does not equate to cheaper bills over the course of the contract. Is it too hard just to ask for some information on rates and charges to be laid bare by business telecom providers and their packages?

If anyone knows of any particular website that can lead me to this apparent Holy Grail or at least point me in the direction of easier ways to find out other than giving my contact details and being hassled to sign a contract I don't want, would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks in advance money savers

:j