The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 15: Spring 2020 | Page 31

WHY FULL FIBRE IS ESSENTIAL IN KEEPING BUSINESSES ON TRACK When we talk about slow, unreliable broadband, we generally associate it with remote, rural locations. But as we’ve heard from a plethora of local businesses, the great broadband divide isn’t quite that straightforward. Bristol for example, was ranked in second place in Management Today’s ’21 Best Towns and Cities for Business’ because of its world-leading business sectors and hosting the second largest proportion of digital tech companies outside of London. However, for its neighboring cities Bath and Wells, the digital landscape isn’t quite so bright. A multitude of city-based business users find themselves worse off than their rural counterparts, being subjected to regular drop-outs and slow speeds. Delivering full fibre to historic towns and cities full of listed buildings and narrow streets has been seen as too expensive and too challenging from a network build perspective. Until now, that is. Is fake fibre putting South West businesses at a disadvantage? The truth is, you can’t afford not to care about full fibre broadband if you want to compete effectively in the digital economy. The growing necessity of cloud-based platforms and video-based technology as replacements for face-to-face meetings is undeniable. Not to mention the increasing levels of time and data sensitive information being uploaded and held online. Yet in many cases, standard ‘superfast’ or ‘fibre-to-the cabinet’ broadband connections are simply not fast or reliable enough. These part copper offerings masquerading at ‘full fibre’ connectivity, are putting companies at a significant disadvantage when competing on local and national scales. Not to mention, many businesses are forced to pay top level prices for sub-standard performance that delivers inconsistent ‘up to’ or average speeds. Broadband performance issues take their toll on business users, and firms are left to contend with a frustrated workforce as well as lower than necessary productivity. Ultimately this might also impact a company’s ability to recruit and retain the best talent and ensure growth, with employees choosing to work for businesses based in full fibre broadband-blessed cities instead. Moving businesses into the digital fast lane It’s imperative our region has the infrastructure to attract and retain investment and talented employees that allows for a flourishing digital economy. In this digital age, where every second counts, it’s vital that our businesses have the right connections to stay not just on track but keep one step ahead. If your business is suffering with unreliable broadband that hampers productivity, it’s time to equip yourself with connectivity that supports growth and easily handles all your online needs for years to come. Truespeed is a full fibre broadband provider that supplies guaranteed speed connectivity directly into premises. Offering a variety of business packages to suit the needs of any business, Truespeed delivers truly reliable connectivity that allows you to focus on the things that are most important to your business. To arrange an initial consultation on how your business can benefit from Truespeed’s full fibre, call Clive Thomas on 07951 214334. ULTRAFAST BROADBAND FOR GREATER PRODUCTIVITY GET ON BOARD. CALL CLIVE THOMAS 07951 214 334 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2020 31