Re-posted from Nov. 2007
I seem to find myself answering questions about who the “best” telecom carrier is. My answer is usually something like…..”best at what?” The real answer is that they are all good AND they are all bad at certain things. Obviously, people are asking me this question because they want to know who the best carrier is for their business. The answer to that question depends on specifics to their situation such as the ones listed below.
1) Address – I say “address” and not “location” on purpose. The exact address of a business can mean a world of difference in terms of what services they can get from whom and for how much. Even with a company as large as AT&T, there are certain addresses where customers still cannot get a PRI. Or, even if they can get it, they may have to pay double for it because it is served out of a remote terminal. Whereas other companies may offer a PRI at that location a their standard prices. On the other hand, if you are located in an area that AT&T is targeting for one reason or another, you may be able to get PRI service at half the price of their competitors. This is one example but there are many others that your address determines such as:
3) Who – I could write multiple posts about this category…..and I probably will some day. But for the sake of space, I’ll just say that “who” writes the order will absolutely have an effect on your probability of success.
4) Preferences – Some people prefer a large company like AT&T. They believe that with all of their resources, they will be better able to provide service. Others believe that a smaller company will care more about them and provide more personalized service. The reality is that they are both right and wrong at the same time. I could tell horror stories about every company you would think about doing business with and I could tell wonderful stories about each company as well.
There are certainly other factors that go into choosing the right provider and the right carrier. So, what’s the point of this post? I guess it’s the same as my other posts; to provide valuable information to business owners and senior management. I think the real point is that there is no one company whom I believe is the “best”. Your individual circumstances will dictate what your best option is. My advice is the same as it always is; find someone you trust who knows the marketplace and has a vested interest in your success…….. and trust their advice.
1) Address – I say “address” and not “location” on purpose. The exact address of a business can mean a world of difference in terms of what services they can get from whom and for how much. Even with a company as large as AT&T, there are certain addresses where customers still cannot get a PRI. Or, even if they can get it, they may have to pay double for it because it is served out of a remote terminal. Whereas other companies may offer a PRI at that location a their standard prices. On the other hand, if you are located in an area that AT&T is targeting for one reason or another, you may be able to get PRI service at half the price of their competitors. This is one example but there are many others that your address determines such as:
- availability of DSL or Cable for Internet.
- availability of an Integrated T-1.
- availability of Fiber
- availability of Ethernet over Copper
- …..and much much more.
3) Who – I could write multiple posts about this category…..and I probably will some day. But for the sake of space, I’ll just say that “who” writes the order will absolutely have an effect on your probability of success.
4) Preferences – Some people prefer a large company like AT&T. They believe that with all of their resources, they will be better able to provide service. Others believe that a smaller company will care more about them and provide more personalized service. The reality is that they are both right and wrong at the same time. I could tell horror stories about every company you would think about doing business with and I could tell wonderful stories about each company as well.
There are certainly other factors that go into choosing the right provider and the right carrier. So, what’s the point of this post? I guess it’s the same as my other posts; to provide valuable information to business owners and senior management. I think the real point is that there is no one company whom I believe is the “best”. Your individual circumstances will dictate what your best option is. My advice is the same as it always is; find someone you trust who knows the marketplace and has a vested interest in your success…….. and trust their advice.