What is a Broadband Expert?

Why use the term 'Broadband Expert' when you have three decades of experience in the Telecoms Industry?

Simple, because everyone on the planet has an idea of what it is. Find me a person who does not use the internet? When you have finally found one, ask them, do they know someone who does. - I can help these people.

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But isn’t Telecoms about phones, accessing the internet?

Telecoms is complex; it covers a wide spectrum of categories and within each, there is a wider range of topics. Even people who work in the industry, most do not understand fully, let alone the average person in the street.

If I mention the word Vodafone, most will instantly think of a mobile phone. However, [when the company started] it only sold airtime. The handset is the device required to access Vodafone’s network. Third parties sell the hardware.

What is the biggest misconception in the Broadband sector?

Consumers believing all services are the same. - Broadband is NOT the same. There are many product variants, delivery methods, which all contribute to a QUALITY serivce. Even if all factors are constant, which Internet Service Provider (ISP) you purchase from can make a huge difference.

How do you explain to people what Telecoms is about?

Firstly, do NOT use acronyms. If a term provides an element of confusion, they are already not listening…I prefer to draw them a picture.

• Imagine a business [Insert customers hometown]
• The company will make calls to speak to customers [OUTBOUND VOICE]
• They receive calls to listen to their customers [INBOUND VOICE]
• Employees use computers to access information stored in the cloud [INTERNET]
• If an employee needs to share data with another office location [CONNECTIVITY]
• And finally, if that office should need to close suddenly [DISASTER RECOVERY]

Dependant on the size and budget of the customer, there is a product or solution that will meet their specific requirements.

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Is there a difference to sell to a business owner or a consumer?

I have spent 20-years of my life advising businesses of their telecom options or training those who sell telecoms to businesses or consumers. The key is to view the world through the lens of each party. Uncover what is important to the individual and construct a plan that is agreeable for all.

Of all the disciplines which fall under the Telecoms umbrella, my biggest strength is identifying how to find the most efficient method to deliver quality connectivity. Connectivity being the foundation which all other products and services function.

What do you feel is necessary to succeed in the industry?

I have been fortunate to observe and work in this ever-changing environment. There are countless products and companies which are now obsolete. Those who succeed; are the ones which can adapt to change quickly, not afraid to make, but willing to learn from mistakes.

Like so many other industries, trends keep repeating. Experts can foresee trends, then take advantage when the opportunity arises.

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Do you see any trends happening today?

I see THREE major opportunities:

1)??????? The SWITCH-OFF of Openreach’s old [PSTN] legacy network and how businesses and consumers must upgrade to the new [IP] network.

2)??????? The race of Alternative Networks [Altnets] to deploy FULL-FIBRE infrastructure across the UK (i.e. The alternative companies to the incumbent networks of BT and Virgin Media).

3)??????? How we create secure networks that will protect and support future technologies [e.g. the benefits of Artificial Intelligence; the threats of CYBER ATTACKS - Talk by Keren Elazari - The Friendly Hacker].

Of these three, which should the people prioritise?

All are equally important, and now, is the time for consideration. However, the lynch pin is improving your connectivity.

If Full-Fibre is available in your area, take it.