8 things MSPs should look for in a broadband partner

Dropped calls. Lagging internet. Missed sales. These are the frustrating consequences of an unreliable broadband connection. Without question, quality, high-speed broadband is integral to running the day-to-day operations of any business. This means that for managed service providers (MSPs), it can be the blocker, or gateway, to success with a customer. For this reason, increasingly, MSPs are choosing to partner with broadband providers. It enables them to more effectively and seamlessly manage the entire IT function of a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), therefore improving customer satisfaction, as well as their own stickiness.

To ensure SME customers are getting the best possible broadband service, it is critical that MSPs find a broadband partner who can support the workloads and demands of a modern business. Here are eight factors that an MSP should look for when considering a broadband partner.

1) Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)

Managing multiple businesses' broadband needs and ensuring a high-quality service means MSPs simply cannot afford to partner with an unreliable broadband provider. That is why it’s crucial to ensure any potential broadband partner offers DIA –dedicated, private internet connections, reserved for a single organisation.

Unlike shared broadband, a DIA guarantees symmetrical upload and download speeds, consistent performance during peak hours, and most importantly, business-grade service level agreements (SLAs). For MSPs with customers hosting large files, cloud-based systems, e-commerce websites, or even simply video calls, DIA’s provide the stability and performance assurance that standard broadband can’t match.

2) Fast speeds

High-speed broadband is not a luxury for businesses today; it is a necessity. When evaluating different broadband partners, MSPs must ensure that they can provide high-speed connections. Fibre broadband should deliver speeds of up to and including 5,000 Mbps, depending on network availability and device capability.

3) Multiple connectivity options

For great business broadband connectivity, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Many will know that fibre-optic broadband is not always practical or even available in some locations. With this in mind, a broadband partner should offer a range of connectivity options including fibre, copper-based services, and fixed wireless such as licensed wireless access.

4) Broad geographical reach

Many MSPs have customers spread across the length and breadth of the country, making it essential to find a broadband partner that has an extensive nationwide network. A single broadband partner who can support multiple SMEs across a broad geographic reach simplifies coordination.

5) 24/7 customer support

MSPs know that network connectivity issues do not fall into the nine-to-five. When organisations are experiencing downtime, regardless of the time, they need answers fast. It is, therefore, important to look for providers that offer 24/7 technical support. This ensures they can provide round-the-clock assistance to help the MSP get their customer back online.

6) Managed installations

Some broadband providers offer fully managed installations. This ensures a smooth transition from start to finish, without draining a business’s internal resources. At Pure Telecom, we ensure a seamless and stress-free installation experience, which includes:

• An audit of current infrastructure to assess an SME’s current needs and provide a series of recommendations in advance of installation;
• Setting up and/or relocating network operations, so all IT and telecoms equipment is organised and ready-to-use;
• Ensuring broadband and telecoms infrastructure is transferred or installed with limited downtime;
• Managing cabling and network infrastructure to ensure data needs are considered and handled appropriately.

7) Value for money

Most SMEs have carefully defined budgets that enable them to operate as efficiently as possible. When exploring broadband partners, it is, therefore, important that MSPs shop around, review costs and look for value for money. At Pure Telecom, we focus on lowering the cost for businesses, offering competitive pricing plans.

8). Scalable solutions

The broadband solution that an SME requires today may not be what they need in five years’ time, or even a year. MSPs should make sure that their broadband partner is ready to grow when a business grows. Look for providers with scalable solutions from MSPs which offer flexible, future-ready connectivity, avoiding costly upgrades or service disruptions if SMEs expand, open new offices or relocate.

Scalable solutions are complemented by broadband partners who also offer site planning and project management, overseeing relocations and expansions from beginning to end.

Key takeaways

For MSPs, choosing the right broadband partner is essential. At Pure Telecom, we are passionate about providing dependable, high-quality connectivity solutions for businesses across Ireland. If you're interested in finding out what we can do for you, call us today on 01 289 55 55. We look forward to partnering with you and helping your customers find the right plan to suit their needs.