Mobile Broadband could be about to get a lot cheaper across Europe as the EU try and push through changes to roaming rules.
The European Parliament voted last week in favour of adapting to the existing rules, meaning that from July this year it will begin to become significantly cheaper to surf the internet through a Mobile Broadband connection whilst abroad in Europe. The price of mobile voice calls and text messages will also be reduced.
Additional roaming measures will also be put in place to protect those travelling outside of the EU and to try and prevent large bills being run up accidently:
“Alerts in the EU to prevent “bill shocks” will be extended to also cover people travelling outside the (European) Union. As from 1 July 2012, people will get a warning message when they approach 50 Euros of charges in a month (excluding VAT), if the foreign network is compatible.”
The EU have also taken steps to spate out home-based tariffs and roaming tariffs to try and remove the confusing over when customers can use their phone and how much it will cost:
“From 1 July 2014, customers will be able to buy their domestic and roaming services separately, from different operators, if they so wish, whilst keeping the same phone number. They will not be charged for switching providers and their home country provider will be obliged to inform them of this right.”
The new rules will be adapted by the EU council of Ministers in June 2012 and they will come into force the following month. The European Council are set to review Mobile Broadband roaming charges again in June 2016 to ensure the new rules are successful.
Below is a table which reflects the current and new retail price caps (excluding VAT):
| Currently | 1st July 2012 | 1st July 2012 | 1st July 2014 | |
| Data (per Mb) | None set | 70 cents | 45 cents | 20 cents |
| Voice- calls made (per minute) | 35 cents | 29 cents | 24 cents | 19 cents |
| Voice- calls received (per minute) | 11 cents | 8 cents | 7 cents | 5 cents |
| SMS (per SMS) | 11 cents | 9 cents | 8 cents | 6 cents |
Internet Protocol (IP) based phone systems allow you to use your phone system as a communicative hub. The phone system allows you to work with new technologies, provide first class customer services and reduce your costs.
An IP based phone system works on the same IP network as your internet; all it does is connect the standard telephone network (also known as the public-switched telephone network or PSTN) to your internet connection.
We have connections into the telephony networks of all major phone operators, such as BT and Virgin; so you can make and receive calls from the standard phone network, while receiving all of the following benefits of using an IP-based phone system.
The advantages of using an IP-based phone system are:
1. Reduced calling charges
As your calls will be travelling along an internet connection this means the amount of time a call has to be passed through a telephony supplier’s network will be reduced. This means in particular the cost of long distance call charges will be reduced as you can deliver the call as closely to the other party as possible, without using a telephony supplier’s network for most of the journey
Another key money saving feature is if you have multiple sites or offices using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) you will experience significant savings as VoIP to VoIP calls are free on our network.
2. Network management costs are reduced
By using an IP-based phone system, you are able to operate one network management system for your data and voice networks. This allows you to save money and time as you are able to manage both systems at once.
3. Gain sophisticated features while saving money
IP-based phone systems allow you to have sophisticated features no matter what size business you are. You can add things such as conferencing rooms which allows multiple people to dial in at once and hold a telephone meeting, allowing people to teleconference wherever they are. Other features include adding voice prompts and hold music. Both of these features can be controlled via a control panel.
4. A useable phone system
Employees can change your phone system configuration through a user friendly control panel; this allows them to make real time changes any day of the week from any location.
If you are still confused or would like advice on the right phone for you, call our sales team on 01225 800 123 or email sales@gradwell.com. Alternatively you can check out our hardware store here.
The European Commission have opened a public consultation that aims to cut the costs of broadband investment by up to 25%.
They are aiming to make it cheaper for residential and business broadband users to install new superfast broadband networks in the EU. Currently, up to 80% of superfast broadband costs come from installation works, such as digging up roads or disabling traffic signals to lay the fibre optic cable used for new connections.etc).
Europe’s Digital Agenda, which the consultation is part of, aims to make sure everybody across Europe can access 300Mbps+ superfast broadband. They have set a target that; by 2020 50% of EU households are using a service that provides a minimum of 100 Mbps.
Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice President, said of the consultation’s aims:
“We need to cut the engineering costs of rolling-out broadband networks if we want to spread faster broadband across Europe. We need to test practical ideas on how to cut costs and how to make it easier to access, re-use and share this infrastructure. There is nothing more annoying for citizens than road-digging, and nothing more annoying to businesses than pointless red tape.”
Kroes also highlighted several key areas that would help bring costs down:
- better coordination of engineering projects,
- sufficient re-use of existing infrastructure
- manageable procedures for clearing rights of way
- better coordination between the various parties involved, such as the utility firms and telecoms firms
The public consultation will run until the 20th July, 2012.
If you want to see what next-generation business broadband services are available in your area, get in touch on 01225 800 123 or email sales@gradwell.com.
(Image by erjkprunczyk)
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A reliable and speedy network is essential for any modern business. As technology changes and develops, so do the needs of end users. Today, they are concerned with how fast the network works and how much downtown they are likely to experience, with anything less than 99.9% a problem.
Consumer’s expectations have become more sophisticated as technology progresses in the workplace, with services such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and cloud computing making working across several devices easier and more efficient.
The most important thing is to make sure your internet network is as cost–effective as possible for your business, while still meeting your needs. According to publisher and internet technology company Ziff Davis there are three steps you can take ensure you have a strong network for your business.
1. Speed does matter.
Having a reliable and fast internet connection means productivities for your sales people improves as they can work quickly and more effectively. Having high-speed internet means you can look into implementing services such as VoIP or cloud computing, both of which offer cost–efficiencies, while being manageable for any business, no matter what size.
2. Are you ready for the future?
It is important your LAN (Local area network) is a fast as ever as your needs change. The demands you put on will increase and it will need it to become even more reliable while being capable to handle the increased amounts of traffic.
It is important to think of the possible growth you might expect from your business and how that will impact on your network as you make your purchase plans. Although at the moment VoIP might not seem the right option for you, within 6 months or a year the flexibility and cost-savings it provides might be just what you are looking for and it is important that your internet connection can accommodate the calls you will make and receive.
3. Going mobile
Smartphone numbers are rocketing. People are becoming reliant on their mobiles and, ever increasingly, the mobile internet connection that comes with it, not only to check their work emails but their personal emails. With apps such as CSipSimple you can make and take VoIP calls on your mobile phone, allowing you to have a landline number reach you wherever you are, even while out of the office.
Mobility is key for the modern network. Allowing your employees to work remotely and log into the network is essential. The best way to do this is by creating a VPN (virtual private network), which allows your employees a secure way of accessing your network and their important data. This also means they can access the network from a remote location or device, which includes smartphone and laptop access.
It is important you make the right purchases for your company. Technology and your network is never static so new innovative products and services will be launched all the time, it is just important you choose the right ones for your business! Just make sure that your network can support all the new technology you are purchasing…
If you are confused about the right broadband package for you, call our sales team on 01225 800123 or email sales@gradwell.com.
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Ever called a 0800 number from your mobile phone, only to realise that you are paying to call the “free” phone number? Ofcom are on the case to help eradicate this problem.
The UK communications regulator announced this week that they intend to make UK call changes simpler for both fixed lines and mobile phones; including make free phone numbers just that, no matter what type of line is used to call them.
Currently, calls to 0800 numbers made from mobile phones can cost a huge 21p a minute, whereas calling that number from a landline phone is completely free. Ofcom plan to “clarify and simplify” the call charges associated with 08, 09 and 118 numbers, the prefixes usually used for banking, directory enquiry and entertainment services. Operators will be required to make all information regarding these charges both clearer and more transparent to customers.
The regulator is also targeting 0845 and 0870 numbers, attempting to remove the confusion surrounding their charges, as well as emphasising the new 03 number range which charges the same price as geographic numbers (such as numbers starting 01 or 02).
Ed Richards, CEO of Ofcom, said:
“Consumers are often confused about how much they will pay to call these number ranges. Under our proposals, people will have much clearer information and there will be greater competition on prices.
By making calls to 0800 numbers free from all phones, we will clear up any uncertainty about making calls, especially from mobiles, to the benefit of consumers and service providers alike.”
The final decision regarding new rules is due in early 2013. The related consultation will be open until 27th June 2012.
If you are looking at buying new phone numbers for your business, whether it be geographical, 08 or a special memorable number, but are confused by all the options and charges, talk to our sales team on 01225 800 123 or email us at sales@gradwell.com.
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