What to Expect During Fiber Circuit Installation

 

I would like to explain the process involved in deploying dedicated fiber and what you can expect from the ISP. There may be slight variations in the procedure, so the following is a general summary.

Once you order a dedicated circuit, for example a 100x100 circuit, the ISP will deliver the fiber to your location and a team of field personnel will visit during the installation process.

The first step will involve an Outside Plant Engineer who will assess the best point of entry for the fiber and determine if any additional requirements are necessary from your side.

Next, a construction technician will physically install the fiber. You may or may not see this technician, depending on their need for access to the building.

A third technician will be dispatched to splice the fiber and install the Network Interface Device (NID). Finally, an installation technician will complete the circuit installation. If public IPs are required, the ISP will send them to you prior to the final installation.

As a customer, you are primarily concerned with the "completion date," which is when your service is turned on and billing begins. The splicing is set to occur prior to the installation of the physical circuit.

SOL Communications manages the interaction with the ISP by maintaining regular communication with the ISP's project manager. We also alert your Managed Service Provider (MSP) or IT personnel to any information that may help ensure a smooth installation process. We currently collaborate with 92 MSPs throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington. This additional support is provided at no extra cost to you. You simply pay a monthly fee for the circuit, the same as you would if you went directly to the ISP.

Summary:

• Once you order a dedicated fiber circuit (e.g. 100x100), the ISP will deliver fiber to your location and a team of field personnel will visit during the installation process
• An Outside Plant Engineer will assess the best fiber entry point and check for any additional requirements
• A construction technician will install the fiber, you may or may not see them depending on their need for access
• A third technician will splice the fiber and install the Network Interface Device (NID)
• An installation technician will complete the circuit installation, public IPs will be sent if required
• The "completion date" is when your service is turned on and billing begins, with splicing set for a date before the physical circuit installation
• SOL Communications will communicate regularly with the ISP's project manager and inform your MSP or IT staff of any information to ensure a smooth installation process, at no extra cost to you
• You pay a monthly fee for the circuit, the same as you would if you went directly to the ISP.

John@SOLCommunicationsLLC.com

The Benefits of Upgraded Technology: Better Operations, Increased Productivity, and Competitive Advantage

I advise businesses to adopt technology to boost processes and productivity. Upgrading technology, either through new solutions or hardware, is crucial to avoid negative effects of outdated tech on daily operations. Part of my role in consulting a business is to ensure they are quicker and more efficient than their competitors.

I recommend upgrading computing systems if there are persistent complaints of slow technology and computing issues. Outdated technology can negatively impact operations and security. It is common for companies to upgrade their computers every 3-5 years and servers every 4 years. I advise against delaying upgrades, as this can result in an increase in time being wasted or lack of productivity. A well-planned upgrade process can ensure a seamless transition. If there is a concern for budget, as their should be, that is where SOL Communications can help.

We Take the Headache Away

Even if you want coax internet, it never hurts to check fiber optic rates. We can make this process easier for you. SOL will determine which fiber optic providers can service your address. We manage the quoting and research on the front end.  We manage the sale, provisioning, and installation on the back end. We do this by following up continuously with the ISP throughout the process. As we are familiar with how different ISPs operate, we can use our expertise throughout various scenarios. For some businesses, investigating fiber can seem like a headache, let alone installing it. 

We'll remove the headache. 

SOL Communications is a partner with Spectrum Business. We are able to quote, sell, review, negotiate with, and provide guidance on all Spectrum Business services. The following content on POTS to VoIP is taken from the Spectrum Voice product. 

The FCC has mandated that providers transition from POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) to next-generation technology, such as VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). In fact, most providers are already removing the copper wire on which POTS relies and are minimizing support.

VOIP is a digital voice service that enables you to make phone calls while also enjoying greater functionality and productivity. VOIP also supports your existing systems, minimizing disruptions to your business.

You need a solution that will support business phones, security systems, POS and fax machines and elevators

It is important to have a phone system that boosts your business's connectivity and productivity. But you also need a lower cost to set up and maintain that system.

Make sure your provider is offering advanced features, such as auto attendant, voicemail to email, call hunting and more. If you have questions on any of these features, don't hesitate to reach out. 

SOL Communications wants to make sure that each business understands the value of competing phone systems. The most expensive voice solution is not always the right fit. Let SOL Communications work with your business to find a phone system that will work for you. 

John@SOLCommunicationsLLC.com

207-815-2011

Paying too much for POTS Lines?

There are many options now for POTS Line replacement. Some organizations are paying north of $40 per month for each POTS line, not including taxes and fees. If you're in need of a simple evaluation process, let SOL help. We can look at replacing all of your POTS lines by finding the right supplier in your area. We work with multiple suppliers, but we know which ones work best with small business vs larger corporations. 

Fire and Security Alarms - Voice and Wireless

The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code 2019 of Maine - 29.10.9.10.6 writes the following:

A dedicated cellular telephone connection shall be permitted to be used as a single means to transmit alarms to a constantly attended remote monitoring location.

Both radio and cellular are safe ways to set up an alarm system in Maine but it is best to review this with both your carrier and trusted alarm system provider. Radio may actually be the best because there will be no sunsetting the technology (like there will be with POTS, 2G, or 3G).

While SOL Communications is a Maine-based business, we specialize in helping business owners from anywhere in the United States manage their technology. Let us know if your business is in the middle of trying to figure out how to associate your telecommunication needs with your fire detection or security alarms. Our goal is to ensure you have the best technology for your needs at the most affordable rate.

Who should I reach out to? Reaching the right person when calling vendors

 

SOL Communications is your technology partner. We not only help select the right provider (for data, voice, cloud, colo, 5G and AI), but we also help you throughout the lifecycle of your relationship with the provider during the term of your service. Let SOL Communications handle these type of interactions so your time is spent focusing on your business. Best of all, we don't charge you for this extra management layer of service. 

Robust Quoting Solution

SOL Communications has a robust quoting solution that provides scalable circuit quoting and carrier serviceability from multiple internet service providers. You will benefit from having a single source with a deep understanding of telecom experience in qualifying and quoting your carrier services. SOL Communications simplifies your quoting operations by improving accuracy and decreasing time and costs. This ensures your business is focused on more important tasks. As there is no charge for this service, let SOL check to see what options are available at your address and handle the interactions with the ISP.

SOL 4 - Why SOL Communications services are free

 

Rewind and Fast-forward your Voicemail

All businesses should have a voicemail system that allows them to easily rewind and fast forward voice messages. Even better is having a VM sent to you by email so you can listen to it on any device. Whether you're opening the voicemail in a softphone application or email, every business should have this capability. Regardless of your size, I can help you price out options for your business.

8x8 Certification

 

SOL Communications can work with any sized organization to ensure their voice environment is up to par. We can help you assess your existing voice environment to find areas of improvement and efficiency.

Digital transformation has changed how we work. Video conferencing, mobile devices, instant messaging, SMS, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and real-time collaboration tools are becoming the norm for interaction.

Unified communications (UC) solutions combine all these channels and make them available through a single, cohesive application so organizations can streamline workflows and improve productivity.