Posted: 05th Nov, 2004 By: MarkJ
Tiscali's latest survey of 250 firms has found that half of the UKs' small and medium sized businesses are confused by the Telecoms terminology used to explain broadband:
Almost two-thirds of respondents found it difficult to compare different broadband solutions - making it difficult for them to choose the right broadband package for their business. Close to half the SMBs involved are not confident they are using the best, most cost-effective broadband solution for their business.
As the survey shows that a staggering 38 per cent are using a consumer broadband solution (a figure that jumps to 49 per cent among businesses with less than 10 employees), this lack of confidence is well founded. Consumer products do not offer the levels of bandwidth, technical support and security that businesses of any size require.
Nathan Francis, General Manager of Tiscali Business Services stated: "Broadband offers many benefits to SMBs. However, if they aren't getting the right broadband package to support their specific business needs because of confusing technical jargon, it is a bad thing for everybody concerned - the supplier, the carrier, the UK economy - but most of all for the small businesses."
SMBs recognise the value of broadband, with 37 per cent stating access to broadband is "important to the success of small businesses" and over a quarter (26 per cent) considering it "Key" to the success of small businesses.
Francis continued: "Educating small business to ensure that they get the right, most cost-effective broadband solution for them must be the priority of suppliers to this sector and the UK government. This is certainly going to be a key area of focus for Tiscali in the next 12 months and beyond."
According to the latest statistics from the Small Business Service, a DTI agency, over 95 per cent of British businesses employ less that 50 people - and over 80 per cent have less than 10 employees - highlighting the importance of the small business sector to the UK.
Obviously the press release is timed to coincide with Tiscalis own business broadband package launch.