UK, Ireland SMEs adopt mobile operator for communication

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DUBLIN, IRELAND: Accuris Networks, an innovator in Fixed Mobile Convergence has announced the results of independent research into the SME market in the UK and Ireland. The study was carried out by University College Dublin Michael Smurfit School of Business and was commissioned to ascertain the propensity of the SME segment in the UK and Ireland to adopt mobile propositions that aim to displace PBXs and fixed phones with a dual mode GSM / WiFi service. These propositions provide advantages over traditional solutions with the ability to use a single mobile device for all communications, helping to reduce costs, while improving efficiency and flexibility.

According to John Barron, VP of Marketing at Accuris Networks "the research study was timely considering mobile operators in the UK and Ireland are beginning to bundle Broadband as part of their overall service offering to both their business and consumer customers. We wanted to find out whether the SME segment specifically, would be willing to embrace the idea of having their mobile operator as the sole supplier of all their communication requirements, displacing the need for fixed telephony with a wireless alternative. We also wanted to establish their reasons for not moving to a purely wireless based communications service, all of which are detailed in the report."

Some of the interesting research findings included:

In general, SMEs are aware of the benefits of mobile technology, with an overwhelming majority agreeing or strongly agreeing that it improves productivity and facilitates mobile working. Therefore, SMEs are likely to be open to the idea of new technologies that are released into the market, especially if they will enable them to cut costs.
According to Accuris Networks "this is a positive finding from a dual GSM / WiFi service perspective as it shows that the SME market is open to adopting the service as it delivers benefits such as: improved productivity, enables mobile working and reduces communication costs."
The primary reason that SMEs would consider moving to a single provider is cost. The opportunity to lower cost is the most commonly cited reason to switch from landlines to mobile operator service only, with nearly nine out of ten SMEs naming this reason.
"This is obviously good news for mobile operators as Voice over WiFi will allow them to deliver lower cost calls to SME customers, enabling them to compete on price with fixed telephony providers."
SMEs have shown a strong reluctance to switch from fixed line to mobile phones only, citing costs and inconvenience as the main reasons. Other reasons included business image (having a fixed number on company stationery or company vehicle for example).
"Once again this has to be viewed as a positive. With the low cost calls that Voice over WiFi delivers, mobile operators can finally shed the image of being a high cost communications provider. In terms of business image, mobile operators can offer SME clients a VoIP number as part of their package plan, cutting the cord with the traditional desk phone once and for all."
Nearly half the SMEs interviewed are satisfied or very satisfied with their current landline, mobile and broadband providers in terms of price, ease of use, reliability, product offering and customer service. The area in which there is least satisfaction is in terms of product innovation.
"Mobile operators that offer a cost savings Fixed Mobile Convergence Service based on GSM / WiFi would be perceived as being leading edge, customer driven and very innovative."
Of the SME organisations interviewed, nearly half of the UK SMEs have WiFi deployed in their offices whilst nearly two thirds of Irish SMEs have it deployed.
"There is a familiarity amongst SMEs in the UK and Ireland towards WiFi, this will assist greatly in the adoption of dual mode GSM / WiFi services."
The vast majority of SMEs are unaware of Fixed Mobile Convergence.
"Mobile Operators have an opportunity to be first to educate the market about the benefits that a Fixed Mobile Convergence offering can deliver, establishing themselves as thought leaders and innovators."



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