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Say goodbye to slow internet with simple fixes!

If you’re facing sluggish or unreliable broadband, the culprit may not always be your Internet Service Provider.

Your trusty router, that little box that blinks incessantly all day long, is crucial for a fast and stable connection, and a few common errors can cause streaming to stutter and downloads to slow down. Fortunately, these errors can be avoided with ease.

Here are some tips to optimise your internet connection and steer clear of these pitfalls.

Move your router

If your router is situated in the kitchen or on the hallway floor, it’s time to consider moving it. The placement of your router is key to better speeds. Kitchens are full of metal objects and appliances like microwave ovens that can interfere with the signal. Similarly, placing your router on the floor is a no-no.

The higher up it is, the stronger the signal that will spread around your house. While relocating your router can be a challenge, it’s worth a try if your speeds are significantly affected.

Don’t turn it off

It might be tempting to switch off your router to save on electricity bills, but most UK internet service providers, recommend leaving your Wi-Fi equipment on all the time.

Constantly switching off and on the router can signal to your provider that there’s a fault on the line, which can lead to an emergency speed restriction on the service. Moreover, important security updates may not be received during the night, when many ISPs release upgrades. Leaving your router on will ensure that it gets these vital security updates.

Out of sight, out of signal

Your router and the wires protruding from it may not be aesthetically pleasing, but hiding it inside a cabinet or behind the TV can negatively impact your downloads. Most ISPs recommend keeping your router out in the open and away from other tech, such as baby monitors, as they can disrupt the signal. You can also buy boosters to help the internet reach every nook and cranny of your home.

No wifi?

If your router looks like it’s working but you can’t connect due to no wi-fi the chances are that you have accidently knocked off the Wi-Fi button. This can cause disruptions to your home network and prevent devices from connecting to the internet.

If you find that the Wi-Fi signal has been turned off, you can simply press the WLAN button again (this button is located in different areas of different routers) to turn it back on. It’s important to be gentle when handling the router and avoid bumping into it or moving it around too much to prevent accidental button presses.

Of course, if you’re still relying on an old internet connection that’s not giving you the speeds you need, it’s time to upgrade!

At Deep Blue, we can help you get connected to the latest full fibre technology in your area, providing you with faster speeds and more reliable connections than ever before. Don’t let slow downloads, buffering videos, or dropped connections hold you back any longer.

With just a phone call to 0333 240 9100, our team can help you make the switch to a better broadband experience.

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Bank Holiday Call Plans on Horizon and Inbound

Horizon

Use Call forward and Divert options to send calls to mobiles. Set up Voicemail to email alerts so you get copies of your Voicemail messages sent to your email for you to listen to where ever you need to. Use the Hunt Group schedule facility to plan your call plans in advanced.

Horizon Call Forward Hunt Group

Send calls to your mobile or home phone using the Hunt Group Call Forward options. Go to Call Groups>Hunt Group, click Edit next to the Hunt Group you wish to forward. To send calls directly to your Divert number, go to Advanced Settings and use the call forward option (make sure to hit Save whenever you make changes!).

To forward to another number after first ringing on your Horizon handsets go to Options and Use the Forward after x seconds option.

Voicemail to Email Hunt Group

Receive an email notification whenever someone leaves you a voicemail, including the date, time, callers number and a copy of the recording. Go to Call Groups>Hunt Group and click edit next to the number you wish to make changes to. Go to the Voicemail tab tick the box for ‘Notify me at this address’, type the address you wish the email to be sent to and click save.

Hunt Group Schedule

Add Bank Holidays into your call Schedule. Under Advanced settings, click Edit Next to Schedule, then click the plus sign next to Additional Routing.

Name your Schedule and click Create. On the Add Event screen give your event a name and specify the start and end dates (these are displayed in month/day format). If you untick the box marked All day event you can specify your start and end times.

Once you have set your date and time you can then click create. You can add further events by clicking on Add event again. Once all your events are created, close the window. Finally, click Save.

Not sure

Just email details of the dates, times and forward number to theteam@deepbluetelecom.co.uk with the subject Bank Holiday Horizon Call Plan and we will set it up for you.

Inbound

Create a Bank Holiday call plan using the date and time control nodes to send calls where you need them, when you need them. Add in a Divert node to build additional destination numbers if your main destination is busy or unavailable. Use the ‘Schedule Activate Option’ so you can build your Call Plan in advanced, knowing it will activate when you need it to.

InBound Date and Time Control Nodes

These nodes allow you to set different termination points on different days and at different times (e.g. one for Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and one for evenings and weekends). When you add these nodes into a call plan two boxes appear, one called control and one called default. Click on the control box to specify certain days and times and then drag a destination node onto the box to specify your termination number. Drag a destination node onto the control box and any days/times not listed on the control box will follow this routing.

InBound Divert Node

This allows you to set alternative destinations if a destination number is busy, not answered or suffering from a network error. Simply drag a divert node onto a destination node and then add destinations for each of the three options.

InBound Schedule Activate

Once you have built your call plan, instead of clicking Activate, click Schedule Activate. In the window that appears specify the start date and time for this call plan then click Done. Your call plan will appear as if it is already active but if you go back to the call plan list it will show your call plan with the date and time it is due to activate next to it.

Not sure

Just email details of the dates, times and forward number to theteam@deepbluetelecom.co.uk with the subject Bank Holiday Inbound Call Plan and we will set it up for you.

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Challenge the Captain to beat your bill!

Are you tired of rising prices and increasing bills? Well, fear not, because Captain Comms is here to save the day!

As a superhero who loves a challenge, Captain Comms has taken on the mission to help people who are struggling with their telecoms costs to beat your bill.

Captain Comms wants to beat your bill

But how does he do it, you ask? Well, Captain Comms has a unique set of skills that allows him to analyse your bills and find areas where you can save money. He knows all the tricks of the trade.

So, if you want to challenge Captain Comms to beat your bill, all you have to do is upload a copy of your latest invoice using the form below. Then he’ll work his magic and come up with a plan to save your business money.

But Captain Comms doesn’t just stop at lowering your bills. He also wants to help you stay connected and productive. As a superhero who values communication, he knows how important it is to have access to reliable phone and internet services.

That’s why he works with the best in the industry to offer you affordable and reliable communication solutions.

So, don’t let rising prices get the best of you. Challenge Captain Comms to beat your bill and start saving money today. With his help, you can finally take control of your expenses and focus on the things that matter most. Contact Captain Comms today and let him be your superhero in the world of communication!

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Business Telecommunications in Wetherby

Deep Blue Telecom’s home town of Wetherby, a historic market town in West Yorkshire, has experienced significant economic growth over the past few decades. With an expanding population and a thriving business community, it has become a hub of activity for companies across a range of industries. As businesses continue to adapt to the fast-paced demands of the digital age, effective communication has become increasingly important. So let’s explore the various telecommunications options available for businesses in Wetherby, and how they can help companies to stay connected and competitive.

The Basics of Business Telecommunications

Business telecommunications refers to using technology to communicate between individuals and organisations, including voice, data, and video transmission, as well as messaging and collaboration tools. It’s critical to the success of any business, allowing employees to communicate with each other and with customers, partners, and suppliers. It also allows businesses to access information and make decisions in real-time, which is essential for staying competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.

The Current State of Business Telecommunications in Wetherby

Wetherby is home to businesses of all sizes, from small start-ups to large multinationals. The town is well-connected, being just off the A1(M) motorway with easy access to major towns and cities such as Harrogate, Leeds and York.

In terms of telecommunications infrastructure, Wetherby has been going through a period of development over the last few years, with the roll out first of Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) and more recently SoGea and Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). While there are many parts of the town now benefitting from these improved services, some areas are still limited to traditional ADSL or more costly leased line solutions.

Choosing the Right Telecommunications Provider

With so many options available, choosing the right provider can be a daunting task. While Deep Blue provides products and services up and down the country, we are, and always have been locally based. By working closely with our Wetherby based customers, as well as getting involved in local business groups and events, we know the town inside and out. So why not contact us today and join the other Wetherby based businesses benefitting from business telecoms with a local touch.

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Switching to VoIP: Benefits and Challenges of the PSTN Switch Off

The UK is currently in the process of phasing out the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which is a network of interconnected telephone lines and switches that has been in use for over a century. The PSTN switch off is part of the wider transition to digital communication technologies, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

The switch off of the PSTN is being driven by several factors, including the high cost of maintaining the ageing infrastructure, the growing popularity of mobile and internet-based communication, and the need for more efficient and cost-effective telecommunications systems.

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has set a deadline of 2025 for the complete switch off of the PSTN network. This means that traditional phone lines that rely on copper wires and fixed-line telephony will eventually be replaced by internet-based alternatives.

The switch off of the PSTN networks is expected to bring a number of benefits, including improved call quality, faster data transmission speeds, and a more reliable and efficient telecommunications system. However, it may also create challenges for some users who rely on traditional phone lines, particularly in rural and remote areas where internet connectivity may not be readily available.

To address these challenges, the UK government is working to improve the country’s digital infrastructure and ensure that all areas have access to reliable and high-speed internet connectivity. This includes initiatives such as the Universal Service Obligation (USO), which aims to provide every household in the UK with a minimum broadband speed of 10Mbps.

Overall, the switch off of PSTN in the UK represents a significant shift towards more modern and efficient communication technologies, but it also highlights the need for continued investment in digital infrastructure to ensure that everyone can benefit from these advances.

If you would like help with the Big Switch off and moving to VoIP, contact us on 0333 240 9100 or at theteam@deepbluetelecom.co.uk for assistance. We can provide you with the expertise and resources you need to make the transition to VoIP, ensuring that you can continue to make and receive high-quality phone calls. With our help, you can take advantage of the benefits of VoIP while avoiding the potential challenges and complexities of making the switch on your own.

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Captain Comms is lacing up his running shoes and getting ready to dash to the finish line for a good cause

Our very own Captain Comms will be participating in the Sue Ryder Mascot Race, at Wetherby Racecourse on 30th April to support Martin House Children’s Hospice, his chosen charity.

Captain Comms is not just any ordinary runner; he is a fearless superhero who is always ready to tackle challenges head-on. He is determined to go above and beyond to support Martin House Children’s Hospice and their mission to provide comfort and care for children and families who are facing some of the most difficult times of their lives. By participating in the Sue Ryder Mascot Race, Captain Comms hopes to raise awareness and funds for this incredible charity and help make a positive impact in his community.

Running in a mascot race is no easy feat, but our hero is up for the challenge! His enthusiasm and passion for the cause are infectious, and he hopes to inspire others to get involved and support Martin House Children’s Hospice in any way they can – every penny counts!

Please join him in this incredible journey and support him in his fundraising efforts. Click here to donate.

Let’s support those who need it most.

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Openreach Rolls Out Full Fibre to 10 Million Premises – What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for faster and more reliable internet, you’ll be excited to hear that Openreach has now rolled out full fibre to 10 million premises across the UK. This major infrastructure upgrade will transform the way we connect to the internet, with lightning-fast download and upload speeds, lower latency, and more reliable performance.

What is Full Fibre, and Why is it Important?

Full fibre is a next-generation broadband technology that uses fibre-optic cables to deliver internet signals directly to your home or business. Unlike traditional broadband, which relies on copper cables, full fibre can provide symmetrical speeds, meaning that you can download and upload data at the same fast rate. This is particularly important for businesses and people who work from home and need to upload large files or stream videos.

It is more reliable than traditional broadband, as it’s less susceptible to interference from electrical equipment and weather conditions. This means you’re less likely to experience dropouts, slow speeds, or buffering when you’re using the internet.

How Can You Upgrade to Full Fibre?

If you’re excited about the benefits of full fibre, you’ll be pleased to know that we’ll be contacting the next round of our customers over the coming weeks to start the process of moving to full fibre. Our team will guide you through the process of upgrading your connection, including installation and any equipment changes that may be required.

In some cases, upgrading to full fibre may require a visit from an engineer to your property. However, the process is typically quick and easy, and we’ll do everything we can to minimize disruption to your service.

Conclusion

The full fibre rollout is a game-changer for the UK’s digital infrastructure. By providing faster and more reliable infrastructure to 10 million premises, Openreach is helping to transform the way we connect to the internet and unlock new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. If you’re interested in upgrading to full fibre, please get in touch with us today on 0333 240 9100 or at theteam@deepbluetelecom.co.uk to learn more about how we can help you take advantage of this exciting new technology.