5 reasons for choosing a small telecoms company over the telecoms giants

Why your business may be better off with a smaller telecoms company than a larger corporation

As Daisy group prepares to take over rivals, Alternative Network, one of the UK’s largest independent providers of IT managed services and business-to-business communications, it is set to secure its position as a telecoms giant.

However, BT have recently been criticised for profiting over investing, companies such as Vodafone fined for failing its customers and U.S giants, Microsoft, have announced they will be raising prices to compensate for the post-Brexit slump in the value of the pound. Big-name corporations may dominate the industry, but in the world of telecoms, small businesses have much to offer.

We examine what companies can gain from looking to smaller telecoms providers for their business communications’ needs.

1. Response time

With efficiency being one of the top concerns amongst customers, particularly businesses relying on communications’ services, small telecoms providers have the advantage of being able to respond more quickly to customers. Larger companies can receive vast numbers of calls, which can make response times slower and if a customer finds they have a technical error that needs fixing, they may have to wait to get it fixed. Errors in business communications can mean loss of custom, and business owners need to know they can rely on their communications provider to deal with a problem as soon as it arises. With a smaller company, they are more likely to find caring, attentive and punctual technical support staff, who will take the time to understand the setup of the company. This means that, should there be a problem, there is a much greater chance of getting a fast diagnosis on faults, as well as being able to get an answer to a query at the first time of calling.

2. Locality – building relationships with real people

Smaller telecoms providers tend to build quality, long-term relationships with other businesses within their community. They are generally more welcoming and personable than corporations, leading customers to feel that they are ‘real’ people who care. The communications industry has suffered from dishonesty and mistrust and it is for this reason, many businesses look to distance themselves from the bigger household names. Fostering business partnerships leads to a positive reputation in the regions in which the companies operate.

3. Supporting the community

Whilst a small business is likely to look for other small businesses with which to foster relationships, customers, too, appreciate the need to support the businesses within their own community. As well as stimulating the local economy, utilising the services of the companies nearest to you has many advantages, including creating jobs, minimising carbon footprints and often supporting local causes.

4. Tailoring solutions

Business owners want to be treated as individuals, not just a number and when it comes to finding the right communications’ solutions, they need a company that understands that one size does not fit all. A smaller telecoms provider is more likely to offer services that can be tailored to the customers’ needs and requirements. There is no ‘off the shelf product’ from a smaller firm and they would be more inclined to supply a service that suits the company rather than a pre-packaged product which might be costly and be ‘overkill’ for what is actually required. In addition, they will be able to offer the support to go with it, most likely in the form of a dedicated project manager.

5. Customer service

One of the biggest complaints of telecoms customers is the poor customer service and lack of care provided by the big telecoms operators. Often outsourcing their customer service professionals, this tends to result in language barriers and communication difficulties. When it’s critical for a businesses to have reliable communications so they can operate their business, communicate with customers and keep employees in touch both internally and externally, they rely on a seamless telecoms service with dedicated support. People often seek out smaller, local telecoms companies for this very reason. They want to feel confident the company will meet their needs quickly and efficiently when they need it most.

MF Communications is a full-service business telecoms solutions’ provider. We have been supplying new, remanufactured and refurbished business phones, telephone systems, parts and telecommunications services for 15 years. We have built a strong reputation for high quality products, support and excellent customer service to businesses both locally and in over 100 countries.

What we do:

• Supply new, remanufactured & refurbished telecommunications equipment
• Asset management, recycling and purchasing of used telecommunications equipment
• Remanufacture telephones and PBX systems to the highest quality
• Telephone system and line maintenance, installation and fault fixing
• Low cost calls, leased line rental and business broadband & data contracts
• Hosted telephony solutions and business mobile contracts