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Maximising Sales for Estate Agencies

In the highly competitive real estate industry, estate agencies rely on a dependable telephony system to meet their sales targets effectively. With the fast-paced nature of property transactions, swift and reliable communication is paramount to secure sales. Deep Blue offers comprehensive telephony solutions tailored specifically for estate agencies, empowering them to optimise their operations and maximise profitability.

The Challenge:

Estate agencies face numerous daily pressures, demanding a telephony system that can rise to the occasion. Whether it’s buying, renting, or selling properties, seamless and rapid communication is critical. In a market where potential buyers and tenants are actively searching for properties, missing a call can mean losing a valuable opportunity. Similarly, delayed contact with sellers could result in them choosing a competitor, directly impacting your bottom line. For larger agency networks with multiple offices, centralised call management becomes essential to efficiently handle call plans. Additionally, when multiple office locations are involved, ensuring clients can reach the appropriate office promptly becomes crucial to maintaining a competitive edge. Furthermore, call recording is indispensable in this sector, enabling accurate documentation and avoiding costly delays caused by miscommunication or inaccurate fee quotes. As estate agents are often on the move, attending appointments and viewings, the ability to make and receive calls while remaining mobile is vital for maximising efficiency and securing sales.

Deep Blue Solution:

Deep Blue recognises the unique telephony needs of estate agencies and provides the essential tools to drive success. Our hosted phone system offers the following benefits:

Rapid Call Handling

With our reliable telephony solution, calls are swiftly connected, ensuring no opportunities are missed in the fast-paced real estate market.

Centralised Call Management

For agency networks with multiple offices, our system offers a centralised portal to efficiently manage call plans across all locations, streamlining operations and enhancing coordination.

Efficient Office Routing

Clients can easily reach the appropriate office without delay, facilitating seamless communication and improving customer satisfaction.

Call Recording

Our system includes comprehensive call recording capabilities, enabling accurate documentation of important details and preventing potential errors that could disrupt the buying process and impact profits.

Mobile Flexibility

Estate agents can seamlessly make and receive calls while on the go, maximising productivity and responsiveness.

Deep Blue’s hosted phone system equips estate agencies with the necessary telephony tools to operate successfully in today’s competitive market. By ensuring reliable communication, streamlined operations, and enhanced flexibility, our solution empowers estate agencies to achieve their sales targets and drive growth.

Call the team for more information on 0333 240 9100.

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Ofcom victim of third party Cyber attack

Ofcom has confirmed that they were one of the victims of the cyber attack on MOVEit.

MOVEit provides software for moving sensitive files, such as payroll and banking information. Following the attack, confidential data of several companies that Ofcom regulates, as well as personal information of over 400 of their employees was downloaded.

The attack occurred when MOVEit was breached by hackers exploiting a critical vulnerability in their software.

In a statement, Ofcom said:

A limited amount of information about certain companies we regulate – some of it confidential – along with personal data of 412 Ofcom employees, was downloaded during the attack.

The security of commercially confidential and sensitive personal information provided to Ofcom is taken extremely seriously.

We took immediate action to prevent further use of the MOVEit service and to implement the recommended security measures. We also swiftly alerted all affected Ofcom-regulated companies, and we continue to offer support and assistance to our colleagues.

No Ofcom systems were compromised during the attack.

The attack just goes to highlight that any company, no matter the size or job they do, can fall victim to these kinds of attacks.

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Full fibre rollout – an update from Deep Blue

With technology moving at an unprecedented pace, staying ahead of the curve is vital for businesses to thrive. This is especially true of telecoms, where users demand faster, more reliable, and future-proof services. That’s why Deep Blue are working hard to move our customers onto full fibre and SoGEA broadband.

The PSTN switch off

Openreach has been planning to switch off its legacy network, including the PSTN and ISDN, for some time now. The switch-off is currently scheduled for December 2025, and this means that businesses need to start preparing for the change sooner rather than later.

At Deep Blue, we believe that the switch-off presents an opportunity for businesses to future-proof and get the most from their telecoms. That’s why we’ve been encouraging our customers to make the switch to full fibre and SOGEA services. These services not only offer faster speeds and greater reliability, but are increasingly more cost effective than their legacy counter parts.

What are we doing to assist our customers?

We’ve already moved a number of our customers onto these services, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive; with improved performance and reliability, as well as cost savings. They’ve also appreciated the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they have made the move ahead of the rush as we approach the big switch off.

For those still on ADSL and FTTC we are in the process of contacting sites that can move to start the upgrade process. The next batch of upgrades is booked for the end of May and emails for those we hope to move in June will be going out shortly.

Do you need to do anything?

You do not need to do anything as we will contact you to arrange the migration process, however, if you don’t want to wait and would like to request a move sooner then you can contact a member of the team at theteam@deepbluetelecom.co.uk or on 0333 240 9100.

In Summary

The switch-off of the PSTN and ISDN networks presents a great opportunity for businesses. Full fibre and SOGEA services offer faster speeds, greater reliability, and future-proofing, they can also lead to significant cost savings. At Deep Blue, we’ve already moved a number of our customers onto these services, and we believe that they are the way forward for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve.

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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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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.

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Are you paying too much for your broadband?

If you’re a customer of BT, EE, Plusnet, Sky or TalkTalk, you may want to pay attention to the latest news from Martin Lewis. Following December’s inflation statistic, it’s been highlighted that these providers will be raising their broadband rates in the coming months.

What can you expect?

According to reports, customers of BT, EE, and Plusnet can expect a typical increase of 14.4% in April, while Sky will be raising prices by 9%. TalkTalk will also be increasing their rates by 14.2% for non-fixed tariffs. Three broadband customers can expect a smaller increase of 4.5%, while Virgin Media and Vodafone have yet to announce their prices.

There is a more local way!

If you’re concerned about these price hikes and are looking for a better deal on your broadband, Deep Blue can help.

Our team of experts can discuss your options and help you find a more affordable and reliable deal. With FTTP available, you can expect better speeds too!

Simply give us a call on 0333 240 9100 to get started.

Don’t let rising prices hold you back from the fast and reliable broadband you need!

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Streamlining your business communications in 2023

Less is often more, but in this case we do have to put into words the importance of the information below, so have a read and let us have your questions.

Choosing the right tools and technology to boost productivity, achieve employee satisfaction, and improve customer experience is essential in today’s world where communications and collaboration are key components of business success (primarily due to the growing reliance on remote and hybrid working practices).

Communications technology has grown and improved rapidly, going from a nice-to-have to a must-have in order to continue operations (highlighted more during the pandemic).

As we continue to adapt to this new reality, it may be time to consider if your communication solutions are suited to the demands of your business and the hybrid working era.

Bringing everything under one roof

We have all been there, our telephones with Bloggs, while our broadband connection is with Smith and all IT is run by Jones. All devices and services need each other to work but which one do you contact when one goes wrong?? You can feel caught up in a game of cat and mouse, as Jones blames Smith, Smith says it must be Bloggs and Bloggs insists it has to be Smith, etc!

You may have heard the phrase, Integrated voice solutions? Put simply, these are a type of communication solution that allows companies to manage all of their communications in one place – heaven right!

From VoIP calls, messages, broadband, mobiles, cabling and more, these unified solutions fully integrate all communications into one platform, while cloud telephony focuses on the voice aspects, and delivers telephone calls and other communication services over the Internet instead of through traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN) technologies.

With the switch off looming, you should be already thinking about reassessing your telephone supply, and potentially making the move (read more about this here).

If the above has made streamlining your business your number one New Year’s resolution, changing providers is easier than you think….

Why work with us?

The fact is that having the ability to make and receive calls, access data and business documents, and get online is crucial for every business. In a world where broadband is increasingly seen as a commodity, it can be difficult to understand what makes one provider different from any other.

Making changes when you have an established business is always difficult, this is especially true when it comes to something as critical as your telecoms.

That’s why here at Deep Blue we look after the complicated side of your communications, from the initial installation to ongoing support.

Our services are built bespoke to you and designed to make your business communications easier to manage, administrate and cost. What’s more, we only offer services that you need right now, with the functionality to grow as your business does, so you stay in complete control.

With Deep Blue, you’ll also have access to a range of other products and services. Like VoIP, Business Mobile, Hosted Voice, Structured Cabling, Ethernet leased lines and more (read more about working with Deep Blue here).

If you’re looking for a great networking and connectivity provider (and streamlining your business in 2023), call our team for a no obligation quote today 0333 240 9100 or visit www.deepbluetelecom.co.uk for more information.

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Latest postal strikes that may cause possible delays in our deliveries

Royal Mail workers have announced further strike dates which could mean delays in our deliveries.

When will these take place?

14th December

15th December

23rd December

24th December

How does this affect you?

Royal Mail state they will be doing all that they can to keep services running, but customers can expect significant disruption. There will also be a notable impact on the delivery services in the days following the industrial action due to the backlog that it will create.

What to expect


As always, we are working closely with our third-party providers to mitigate impacts where it may be possible, but unfortunately, there could be delivery delays during and after the industrial action.

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More strike action planned

BT and Openreach’s workforce announce the latest strike action is to take place on; Thursday 6 October, Monday 10 October, Thursday 20 October and Monday 24 October 2022. The strike will involve a number of Openreach frontline engineers and support staff.

What does this mean for you?

BT and Openreach have confirmed that they have tried and tested plans and processes in place to help them deal with the impacts of reductions in their available workforce.

The response from BT and Openreach, remains the same in they are confident that they have put in place the right measures to minimise disruption to customers where possible.

We will continue to monitor the situation by working closely with BT and Openreach, communicating any further updates if and when they occur.

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Why VoIP? 9 reasons to make the change

Why VoIP? Making changes when you have an established business is always difficult, this is especially true when it comes to something as critical as your telecoms. If you’re not sure whether you are ready to take the plunge with VoIP, here are 9 reasons that might persuade you that now is the time to make the change:

Flexibility

Freedom from fixed lines!

 Take your numbers with you if you move site with no delays: simply uplift your equipment from one location and connect it in another. Choose your number; select the area code you want to use, set up blocks of numbers, add additional numbers whenever you need them.

Manage more than one business? Control all your calls from one place. Set up numbers and call plans for targeted campaigns and special promotions to track call volumes. Manage calls for your London sales office, your Leeds tech team and your Manchester warehouse all from one online portal.

 

Managed Transfer

With full training included as part of your setup, Deep Blue make sure that you hit the ground running when you switch to a VoIP system.

Pre-build and test set ups allow you to get your call plans in place before your numbers move. With options to have your telephone numbers migrated at fixed time slots or even out of hours, impact to your business is minimised.

 

Growth

Fully scalable solutions.

Systems that are designed to grow with your business. Get new staff set up quickly and easily. Adapt your call routing to suit your needs. Move users in and out of hunt groups with a few clicks to manage busy periods and promotions.

 

Security

Built in peace of mind.

Built in fraud protection monitors your call volumes 24 hours a day to keep you safe from potential fraud. Sending out alerts and even automatically applying call barring, it limits your exposure should the worst happen. Multi-layer security protocols and compulsory passcodes close off the hackers most common routes of access.

 

Features

With a range of features available, even on entry level setups, VoIP solutions from Deep Blue offer so much more. You can build call plans, create Hunt Groups, even create your own auto attendant. As your business grows, so too can your telephony. Call queue features and wall board integration make building your own call centre a breeze.

Need to be MiFID II compliant? No problem! Feature rich call recording keeps your customers and business safe.

By taking advantage of the option to self-manage you can control all your telephony functions in house. No more waiting around for engineers and call out charges.

 

Continuity

Get disaster recovery that kicks in automatically, rerouting your calls to keep you up and running. No need to rely on the local exchange or your onsite system to divert your calls.

Send calls to mobiles or alternative phone numbers. Change your voicemail message from your mobile or home phone to keep customers informed. Get new equipment delivered the next working day*.

 

Mobility

Free yourself from the desk.

Set up home workers with their own handsets so they can work as if they were in the office. Use desktop soft clients and mobile apps to make and receive calls wherever you are. Manage your DDi with just a few clicks.

Your workplace is wherever you want it to be.

 

Cost

If your business grows faster than you expect and you need to increase your call capacity, traditional setups like ISDN can throw up all kinds of unexpected costs. Relying on Openreach to install, there are both activation and engineering charges which can quickly mount up. And that’s before you even get into the time costs.

With VoIP solutions from Deep Blue there are no activation fees for new SIP trunks and if you have a compatible set up, they can be up and running in a matter of minutes.

 

Withdrawal of the PSTN

From 2023, Openreach will stop selling ISDN lines and from December 2025 it is their intention to fully withdraw the PSTN network: ISDN included.

While that gives businesses plenty of time to make the change, when you consider that 16 million lines and channels will need to be migrated to alternative products it’s worth starting to look at other options sooner rather than later. That being said, there is no need to panic or rush to make the change (as some providers would have you believe!).

Our article ISDN withdrawal – the key questions answered has more information about the withdrawal and it’s potential impact.

If all of this has got you thinking maybe your business is ready to take the next step then speak to Deep Blue. We’ll go over all the details with you, arrange a site survey if needed and give you all the information you need to make the decision.