Stimulating broadband offer for North Shore businesses

Sick of that slow dial-up connection? Broadband helps small businesses to achieve more, and it is more affordable than you might think.

The opportunities that the Internet provides North Shore businesses to be connected to customers and suppliers globally cannot be ignored. There are also advantages for small local businesses, particularly in the responsiveness of your communications. Faster, more reliable Internet access is a key ingredient to ongoing business success.


What is broadband?
Broadband is a term used to describe internet connections, generally 256Kbps (Kilobits per second) or faster, that is at least five times faster than dial-up. There are different methods of delivering a broadband speed internet connection, however in New Zealand people use the term synonymously with ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line). This is broadband delivered over a traditional phone line, by utilising the frequencies of the phone line that voice does not use.

The speed advantage of broadband connections is frequently talked about. What is often not mentioned, and is one of the primary benefits for small businesses is that the connection is always on. No more dialling up and tying up the phone line when you need to check your email. This makes your communications with suppliers and clients almost instantaneous, and hence your business more productive.

The cost difference between dial-up and broadband is negligible when the additional costs involved with dial-up are taken into account. Many businesses on a business phone connection are paying premium per minute rates on top of their dial-up connection, and in many cases have a dedicated phone line for the internet, both of which are not necessary for broadband (you do need a phone line, but it won’t be tied up by the internet). Many people actually find that the cost of broadband is about the same as dial-up when they look at what the connection is actually costing them per month.


Limited-time offer for North Shore businesses
There has been a lot of media coverage lately of the slow uptake of broadband in New Zealand. To encourage North Shore businesses to experience the business advantage that broadband can provide North Shore based ISP Orcon is promoting a special introduction package. This is strictly for North Shore businesses only. Orcon provide a free four port router, with which you will be able to share your broadband connection with up to four computers, worth $174.90 and free installation, valued at $99. Plans start from just $49.95 per month. To take advantage of this special offer visit www.orcon.net.nz/northshore. The offer expires November 30 2005.