RUNCORN, UK – ITS Technology Group has today announced that it has launched Connected Business Services. This new scheme has been designed to make access to broadband more affordable for SMEs that lie within the reach of its networks, as well as give them access to IT managed services.
ITS has already connected more than 1.8K digitally deprived small businesses located on business parks, as well as in rural and urban areas, and one of the common barriers to entry is the cost of the £2,650 connection fee itself.
With this in mind, ITS has made access to broadband for SMEs more affordable by lowering the overall cost of connection and splitting the fee into two parts. Customers will pay an upfront fee and can chose from two options: £499 for a standard connection (within 45 working days) or £629 for connection within 5 working days, and the balance is recovered in the monthly payment over the course of the initial contract taken up¹.
Roy Shelton, Group CEO of ITS said: “The industry has known for some time that the enormously successful BDUK voucher scheme was coming to a close. More than that, there were many areas that weren’t eligible for the scheme in any case. For that reason we have developed a sustainable commercially viable solution for the many thousands of SMEs within the reach of our networks that still suffer from inadequate connectivity.
“In addition to superfast broadband, ITS’ Connected Business Services offers online data storage, support and access to Microsoft Office 365, and VoIP services. SMEs can choose the right package for their needs and access affordable business-grade connectivity without incurring a hefty upfront connection charge. We are able to offer this because we have an existing network footprint that we have heavily invested in, as well as acquired networks which we have upgraded, in order to serve the digitally deprived. This approach, in our experience, results in a more loyal customer base.”
Services are initially available to businesses in Sheepbridge, Pride Park in Derby, Knowsley, Manchester and the FibreSpeed network in North Wales. Further areas will be announced in January 2016. 20, 30 and 50Mbps (up to 100Mbps on some networks) services with unlimited data allowance will be offered over 12, 24 or 36 months, with or without IT services. Availability will be subject to survey and prices start from £59 per month¹. Businesses can register their interest by emailing info@itstechnologygroup.com or call 01928 291 000.
ITS uses a combination of technologies to deliver affordable business-grade internet to SMEs, and has a track record of delivering to digitally overlooked areas. Depending on where a business is located, it will either receive services over fibre, wireless infrastructure, or a combination of both.