Wireless-First: Cord-Cutting for Business
Digital business demands consistent reliable, secure connectivity, and now more than ever the best approach to delivering optimal network services is to adopt a wireless-first strategy in some use cases.
Similar to when a business decides to support new applications and services with a cloud-first approach, a wireless-first strategy enables companies to more quickly attain the robust network services they need to support new initiatives, end users, and customers. Wireless-first can mean more agility, more mobility, and more flexibility when businesses are looking to build out new network infrastructure and enable disparate, remote locations to access the same level of network services as they would at the corporate headquarters. Wireless-first gives branch locations access to the business internet they need without being tethered to a specific location.
For instance, businesses located in underserved broadband areas could benefit from tapping into managed wireless network services. Small or midsize businesses could also see better results choosing wireless when upgrading to business internet plans. Businesses adding new locations could also more quickly set up shop at lower costs with wireless.
Here we examine a few of the key drivers to a wireless-first network and discuss why managed wireless services could work best for your business.
Why Wireless-First Now
With Hughes Managed Services multiple transport options, we can offer 4G/LTE, 5G, and many of our satellite solutions to wirelessly connect business locations. Technologies such as 5G wireless WAN change how enterprises can equip locations and employees with the best connectivity options at lower costs. With wireless network services, businesses gain connectivity options and a robust network infrastructure on which to run their business with secure and reliable technology. This helps businesses in any location provide excellent employee and customer experiences.
In rural areas, fiber or cable broadband may not be available depending on build-out projects and funding, as well as location and population. Time to install is a critical differentiator for a wireless-first approach. Longer time to install means slower time to market for the business, and the delayed ability to add new customers and increase revenue. Moving locations or adding new sites can also be delayed, which again would impact bottom line.
Consumer-grade devices can lead to poor network performance because devices that consumers deploy at their homes often do not have the same level of performance, reliability, or scalability as enterprise-grade devices. Backup connectivity may not be supported with these devices that are purchased off-the-shelf. Businesses have a lot to consider when choosing wireless, and the benefits could tip the scales in favor of the untethered approach.
Business Benefits to Wireless-First
The benefits of a wireless-first WAN approach range from a speedy deployment to a more agile environment to being able to support more diverse use cases. Building out additional fixed wired broadband networks could introduce limitations that simply aren’t there with wireless.
Rapid deployment. With Hughes Managed Services, customers can get up and running quickly without having to wait for extensive broadband buildouts. Depending on the location, distance, and other factors that add to construction costs, fiber-only deployments can be costly and take months or years. Securing approvals, permissions, and permitting can also slow the process.
Lower costs. Wired networks can be expensive to install due to broadband buildout costs. With increased inflation and complexities of deployments, the costs of wired broadband continue to go up.
Diverse locations. It’s not always possible to pull cable to every location that a business needs network connectivity. Wireless hardware can also withstand some of the more rugged conditions in remote locations longer, needing less frequent upgrades.
Easier maintenance. Just as with deployment, maintaining a wireless network is less labor-intensive and costly. Replacing cable would be more expensive and time-consuming. With Hughes, customers get turnkey service that provides 24x7 customer support and maintenance options.
Enhanced flexibility. With Hughes, businesses get the option to have multiple carriers at a single location, one for primary and one for backup. Businesses can also enjoy day-one connectivity with Hughes rapid deployment.
Reliability. Hughes offers connections for primary-only or with backup options, providing reliable network performance. This eliminates the worry that wireless could become unavailable.
Wireless-first offers cost-effective and rapid deployment options for your business.