Question 1

What is meant by download speed?

Accepted Answer

Download speed is the rate that information is received over your broadband line. For example, the time it takes to download software from the internet onto your computer is determined by the download speed available.

Question 2

What is meant by upload speed?

Accepted Answer

Upload speed is the rate that information is sent over your broadband line. For example, the time it takes to send high resolution images from your computer to another is determined by the upload speed available.

Question 3

How is broadband speed measured?

Accepted Answer

Broadband speed is measured in Megabits per Second (Mbps). Daisy always aim to get the best broadband speeds possible.

Question 4

What factors can affect broadband speed?

Accepted Answer

From time to time you may experience slow broadband speeds. This can be caused by a number of internal and external factors:

The length of the line from the exchange or from the Primary Connection Point (PCP) can cause some speeds to be slower than others
Not being connected directly to the master socket on the premises
Correct filters needing to be used on all sockets relating to the broadband line
A fault on the broadband line
A faulty router is being used
Connecting via WiFi rather than Ethernet
Number of people sharing the bandwidth internally
One-off, high-usage events such as Microsoft/Apple updates – a large number of people connecting at one time
Electrical interference from other devices in proximity to the connection
Peak time congestion – may experience slower speeds during the evening when more people are connected
The processing speed of your device, router or modem
The quality of the wiring inside your premises
Weather conditions

Question 5

How can I check if I am eligible for broadband?

Accepted Answer

https://daisycomms.co.uk/broadband-availability-checker/

Question 6

Is SD-WAN or MPLS better?

Accepted Answer

Before software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) came along, there was Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), a protocol for efficient network traffic flow between two or more locations.

Question 7

Which connectivity is best for my business?

Accepted Answer

We are carrier agnostic so we can get you the best connection and price with DDoS protection included and firewall services available.

Question 8

A reliable connection to the internet is vital to my business, how can Daisy help?

Accepted Answer

There are a variety of technologies that provide connectivity to the internet and most businesses have a variety of options available to them. Fibre connectivity is available at over 90% of premises and is always recommended for both its faster speeds and reliability – giving you a better, more reliable experience. Superfast and Ultrafast Fibre Broadband are fantastic products that provide a cost effective solution typically suited to less than 50 users. Ethernet/Leased Line Fibre services provide a dedicated service for connecting to the internet with service guarantees, typically suited to more than 10 users. Daisy offer all these services through our business class network providing the highest quality, reliability at a price to suit you.

Question 9

When will Openreach start withdrawing services?

Accepted Answer

We’re one of only a handful of providers that are actively involved in industry planning meetings regarding the PSTN switch-off so, rest assured, we’ll keep all of our customers in the loop.

Openreach started trialling the withdrawal of services in two exchanges in September 2019, the first being in its Salisbury exchange, Wiltshire. There is a second site, the Mildenhall exchange, Bury St. Edmunds, which will also begin trial shortly.

Both sites are focused on a complete withdrawal of services by December 2022 with other exchanges not due to enter withdrawal until much closer to December 2025.

Question 10

PSTN Switch off: Will my broadband be impacted?

Accepted Answer

If you currently have a broadband service that is supported on a single line, your provider will be in touch to migrate this to an alternative single order broadband. This means that your broadband will move to a single service with no line rental. If you’re using your line for voice you will be offered a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) alternative. If you already have an ultrafast broadband or ethernet product and do not use any traditional voice services, you won’t see any changes as you’re already using new digital technology.

Question 11

PSTN Switch off: What happens in 2023?

Accepted Answer

From September 2023, Openreach will issue a full ‘Stop Sell’ of new supply and there will be no new line installation for Single PSTN Lines or ISDN. Consumer rights during this period will still be upheld so line transfers will be accepted, providing there is no change to the installation when the line moves from one provider to another.

Question 12

PSTN Switch off: What should I do now?

Accepted Answer

If you’re currently on an ISDN contract, you don’t need to do anything at the moment. But, be mindful that when your contract is up for renewal, you’ll probably need to switch to a hosted telephony solution. However, if you’re looking to upgrade and futureproof your business now, you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a business-grade broadband solution and you’ll need to assess your hosted telephony options to make sure you’re getting the most out of your services.

Question 13

PSTN Switch off: What happens in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Your provider will strive to migrate all PSTN services to alternative solutions before the December 2025 deadline. However, if services still remain on the PSTN network, then they will be withdrawn in December 2025. If any businesses or consumers have failed to switch to alternative telephony, they will ultimately be left without service.

Question 14

Who is affected by the 2025 switch off?

Accepted Answer

The 2025 switch-off will affect all businesses currently operating ISDN or PSTN and will likely have consequences for anyone still relying on fixed landlines for communication. If your business has Ethernet in the First Mile, Fibre Ethernet or FTTP services will not be impacted.

Question 15

PSTN Switch Off: What replacement products are available?

Accepted Answer

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), is a phone system that allows you to make calls over the internet. This will replace traditional PBX telephone systems. A variety of products will also be released over the next few months that will provide businesses with a broadband equivalent without the analogue phone services they currently receive.

Question 16

I want to carry out a desktop refresh but worry about the downtime during the deployment?

Accepted Answer

Daisy’s bespoke service for delivering desktop refresh via our world class logistics centre and bespoke desktop practice ensures a smooth deployment to your users. Starting with Proof of Concept to ensure that the deployment is managed in the right manner for your needs, means minimal downtime for your users. Leaving the users to do their day job.

Question 17

How do I choose the right technology platform for my business?

Accepted Answer

With so many new technologies and solutions, the rise of cloud computing and the convergence between IT and communications, it can be difficult to determine which products and solutions are worth the investment. In a competitive market that’s rapidly evolving, choosing and adopting new technology can be quite challenging.

Question 18

How long do I have to wait for a quote?

Accepted Answer

Simple quotes can be turned around within 2-4 hours, dependent on the vendor, technology and route to market.

Question 19

What’s the difference between Office 365 subscription plans and Office as a one-time purchase?

Accepted Answer

With Office 365 subscription plans you get the fully-installed Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, and Access. You can install Office 365 across multiple devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets and mobile devices. When you have an active Office 365 subscription, you always have the most up-to-date version of the Office applications. Learn more about Office 365. Office as a one-time purchase includes applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for use on a single PC or Mac. The applications are not automatically updated; to get the latest version, you must purchase Office again when the new version becomes available.

Question 20

Do I retain control of my documents with an Office 365 subscription?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Documents that you have created belong only to you. You can choose to store them online on OneDrive or locally on your PC or Mac.

Question 21

Can people with an earlier version of Office open documents I created using Office 365 or Office 2016?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Office 2007, Office for Mac 2008, Office 2010, Office for Mac 2011, Office 365, Office 2013, and Office 2016 applications can open earlier versions of office documents without any additional action.

Question 22

Can I use my existing desktop phone with a VoIP phone system?

Accepted Answer

With Daisy Hosted Voice, you will need to upgrade to IP handsets which run over the internet. These are similar to traditional landline phones and we offer top of the range handsets from Polycom and Yealink.

With a VoIP phone system such as Daisy Hosted Voice, you are also able to re-route calls to a mobile or PC via the mobile app or online portal.

Question 23

How do I add or remove extensions on my VoIP phone system?

Accepted Answer

With a VoIP system such as Daisy Hosted Voice, it is easy to manage your users via the online portal. If you require changes such as adding or removing extensions you can simply do so online. There is no need for an engineers help and therefore no extra maintenance fees.

Question 24

How many extensions does Daisy Hosted Voice hold?

Accepted Answer

With Daisy Hosted Voice you can have from 5 to over 250 users on your phone system making it the perfect system for any sized business!

If you are a smaller business, we offer Daisy Hosted Voice Plug & Play, which holds up to 5 users.

Question 25

How secure is Daisy Hosted Voice?

Accepted Answer

As Daisy Hosted Voice and Daisy Hosted Voice Plug & Play is hosted in the cloud, it may not seem the most secure. However,the cloud encrypts the apps you use to access it to protect your data from hackers, and by storing your data in the cloud and not a physical system, you are protecting it against theft or damage.

Question 26

Is Daisy Hosted Voice easy to set up?

Accepted Answer

With Daisy Hosted Voice, you will need an engineer to come and install your system for you. The engineering visit comes with no extra charge and ensures your system is installed correctly.

 

With Daisy Hosted Voice Plug & Play there is no need for an engineer as the system is a lot smaller, it simply runs through a WiFi dongle so you can easily set it up yourself. There are video guides and written instructions available to help with the set-up.

Question 27

How reliable is a VoIP phone system?

Accepted Answer

It may sound strange having a phone system run over the internet, however, it's not much different to how your smart phone works. The reliability of the system relies on your internet connection, so if that's good, your phone system will work perfectly.

A VoIP system is also more reliable than a traditional system that runs over copper wires that are susceptible to damage and therefore faults.

Question 28

What is the PSTN and ISDN switch off?

Accepted Answer

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has been in use in this country since 1876, so it’s understandably grown old and tired, and it’s becoming increasingly costly to maintain. Therefore, it needs replacing with new and modern technology, fit for the digital world we now live in. As a result, the PSTN will reach end of life in December 2025 and will cease operation after then. However, the PSTN supports several products from Openreach which are sold to businesses including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines. Depending on the size of business you operate, you could have either ISDN2 or ISDN30 lines. However, at the end of December 2025, these fixed lines and services will be switched off and services withdrawn. Find out more about the switch off here.

Question 29

What are the key dates for the PSTN switch off?

Accepted Answer

November 2017 - BT Group announces its intentions to switch off the PSTN network in 2025.

Septemeber 2018 - Openreach commences workshops with service providers that responded to the initial consultation. Daisy were a part of this and continue to be involved.

Summer 2019 - New single order broadband products undergo an early marketing launch. The products will replace existing line rental and broadband offerings.

December 2019 - Six years until the switch off.

December 2020 - Five years until the switch off.

December 2023 - Customers cannot install a new line or increase the number of lines they have on ISDN or multi-line services

December 2025 - PSTN network is permanently switched off.

Question 30

PSTN Switch off: What do I do if I’ve got an ISDN line?

Accepted Answer

If you have an ISDN line you will need to consider new options for your business telephone communications such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Telephone services no longer have to rely on the degrading copper infrastructure from the past and instead, services can be provided using VoIP where your data transmits over the internet However, for your new VoIP system to work, you’ll need a good quality internet connection so that your VoIP solution can run seamlessly. If you’ve currently got an ISDN line, you’ll have to upgrade your telephony before December 2025.

Question 31

When will Openreach start withdrawing services?

Accepted Answer

We’re one of only a handful of providers that are actively involved in industry planning meetings regarding the PSTN switch-off so, rest assured, we’ll keep all of our customers in the loop.

Openreach started trialling the withdrawal of services in two exchanges in September 2019, the first being in its Salisbury exchange, Wiltshire. There is a second site, the Mildenhall exchange, Bury St. Edmunds, which will also begin trial shortly.

Both sites are focused on a complete withdrawal of services by December 2022 with other exchanges not due to enter withdrawal until much closer to December 2025.

Question 32

PSTN Switch off: Will my broadband be impacted?

Accepted Answer

If you currently have a broadband service that is supported on a single line, your provider will be in touch to migrate this to an alternative single order broadband. This means that your broadband will move to a single service with no line rental. If you’re using your line for voice you will be offered a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) alternative. If you already have an ultrafast broadband or ethernet product and do not use any traditional voice services, you won’t see any changes as you’re already using new digital technology.

Question 33

PSTN Switch off: What happens in 2023?

Accepted Answer

From September 2023, Openreach will issue a full ‘Stop Sell’ of new supply and there will be no new line installation for Single PSTN Lines or ISDN. Consumer rights during this period will still be upheld so line transfers will be accepted, providing there is no change to the installation when the line moves from one provider to another.

Question 34

PSTN Switch off: What should I do now?

Accepted Answer

If you’re currently on an ISDN contract, you don’t need to do anything at the moment. But, be mindful that when your contract is up for renewal, you’ll probably need to switch to a hosted telephony solution. However, if you’re looking to upgrade and futureproof your business now, you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a business-grade broadband solution and you’ll need to assess your hosted telephony options to make sure you’re getting the most out of your services.

Question 35

PSTN Switch off: What happens in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Your provider will strive to migrate all PSTN services to alternative solutions before the December 2025 deadline. However, if services still remain on the PSTN network, then they will be withdrawn in December 2025. If any businesses or consumers have failed to switch to alternative telephony, they will ultimately be left without service.

Question 36

Who is affected by the 2025 switch off?

Accepted Answer

The 2025 switch-off will affect all businesses currently operating ISDN or PSTN and will likely have consequences for anyone still relying on fixed landlines for communication. If your business has Ethernet in the First Mile, Fibre Ethernet or FTTP services will not be impacted.

Question 37

PSTN Switch Off: What replacement products are available?

Accepted Answer

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), is a phone system that allows you to make calls over the internet. This will replace traditional PBX telephone systems. A variety of products will also be released over the next few months that will provide businesses with a broadband equivalent without the analogue phone services they currently receive.

Question 38

What type of line do I need for my business?

Accepted Answer

The type of line you need would depend on the size and nature of your business, we recommend:

Single business lines – for sole traders and small businesses spending less than two hours a day on the phone
ISDN – for small businesses needing up to 30 concurrent calls
SIP Trunking – for businesses wanting to benefit from inclusive local and national calls within their rental price and future-proofing their business with VoIP

Question 39

What can I do to ensure I never miss a call?

Accepted Answer

We offer a number of services to overlay on top of your telephone line or SIP service to ensure you never miss a call. You could consider activating voicemail services, call forwarding to point your calls to your mobile, we can even bar calls from withheld number callers to ensure your lines are not tied up with nuisance calls.

Question 40

What can I do to make my business appeal to a wider market?

Accepted Answer

You could consider purchasing an 0800 or 03 non-geographic number which you can point to your local number, giving you a more professional, nationwide image. We can also provide services over the top of this number such as call queuing, Integrated Voice Response (IVR) and various other call distributing options to give you additional inbound call support.

Question 41

Should I choose ISDN or SIP?

Accepted Answer

While ISDN remains a supported, reliable and robust telephony solution, you are limited to local telephone numbers and if you are considering an installation, costs can be quite high in comparison to cloud hosted SIP products. Daisy can provide you with the right connectivity to support SIP telephone lines, enabling you to move to VoIP technology whilst still retaining all the features of ISDN.

Question 42

What resiliency do you offer on your telephone lines?

Accepted Answer

Whether you have chosen ISDN or SIP, we can ensure that no matter what happens, your lines are always available. For ISDN we recommend Site Assurance which has two options. Option 1, when invoked this will point all calls to another number. Option 2, which is more robust, allows you to have a standby ISDN circuit which you can activate on request.

Question 43

How can I monitor my call spend?

Accepted Answer

Using Daisy’s MyAccount portal you can set up alerts on numbers to monitor your spend.

Question 44

How can I protect my business against fraud?

Accepted Answer

You can choose to add Daisy Fraud Guardian, a service provided to monitor, alert and protect you against unnecessary financial exposure to telecoms fraud. Daisy receives call data records from its suppliers 24/7/365 at regular intervals throughout the day. The platform collects and imports this information and generates automated alerts which are analysed by our dedicated Fraud Team 24/7/365. In addition to call pattern analysis the team shall be entitled (but not obliged) to automatically suspend any line that reaches or exceeds a daily spend limit of £500, or any other daily spend limit for that line which may otherwise be specified on the order form.

Question 45

How can I reduce my lines and calls costs?

Accepted Answer

Daisy offers a number of products which can benefit you financially when purchased together. Move both your business lines and business mobiles to Daisy and benefit from free calls to your business mobiles with the Daisy Duo tariff. We also offer inclusive calls to local, national and UK mobiles* across our different telephony solutions.

Question 46

What is the PSTN and ISDN switch off?

Accepted Answer

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has been in use in this country since 1876, so it’s understandably grown old and tired, and it’s becoming increasingly costly to maintain. Therefore, it needs replacing with new and modern technology, fit for the digital world we now live in. As a result, the PSTN will reach end of life in December 2025 and will cease operation after then. However, the PSTN supports several products from Openreach which are sold to businesses including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines. Depending on the size of business you operate, you could have either ISDN2 or ISDN30 lines. However, at the end of December 2025, these fixed lines and services will be switched off and services withdrawn. Find out more about the switch off here.

Question 47

What are the key dates for the PSTN switch off?

Accepted Answer

November 2017 - BT Group announces its intentions to switch off the PSTN network in 2025.

Septemeber 2018 - Openreach commences workshops with service providers that responded to the initial consultation. Daisy were a part of this and continue to be involved.

Summer 2019 - New single order broadband products undergo an early marketing launch. The products will replace existing line rental and broadband offerings.

December 2019 - Six years until the switch off.

December 2020 - Five years until the switch off.

December 2023 - Customers cannot install a new line or increase the number of lines they have on ISDN or multi-line services

December 2025 - PSTN network is permanently switched off.

Question 48

PSTN Switch off: What do I do if I’ve got an ISDN line?

Accepted Answer

If you have an ISDN line you will need to consider new options for your business telephone communications such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Telephone services no longer have to rely on the degrading copper infrastructure from the past and instead, services can be provided using VoIP where your data transmits over the internet However, for your new VoIP system to work, you’ll need a good quality internet connection so that your VoIP solution can run seamlessly. If you’ve currently got an ISDN line, you’ll have to upgrade your telephony before December 2025.

Question 49

Where can I get a low-cost mobile contract for my business?

Accepted Answer

At Daisy we can offer you the most competitive commercials in the marketplace today. Thanks to our unique agreements, we are able to provide the best tariffs across Vodafone and 02 networks.

Question 50

Why choose a service provider over a direct network for business mobile?

Accepted Answer

The benefits of choosing a service provider over a direct network is that you get operational SLAs, Trustpilot scores to review, independent and agnostic advice with exclusive products and pricing.

Question 51

Which network has the best coverage?

Accepted Answer

We can offer you the same deal over both O2 and Vodafone. Check your coverage here.

Question 52

How can I secure my mobile devices?

Accepted Answer

We provide security solutions across all of your devices. Check out our Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions here

Question 53

How do I find the best smartphone for my business?

Accepted Answer

We stock all latest models across multiple networks. Take a look at our leasing options here.

Question 54

Do any providers offer bespoke tariffs for businesses?

Accepted Answer

Where most providers offer out of the box/RRP tariffs set by the networks, Daisy provides exclusive, competitively-priced tariffs with bespoke options available for niche markets or usage trends.

Question 55

When will Openreach start withdrawing services?

Accepted Answer

We’re one of only a handful of providers that are actively involved in industry planning meetings regarding the PSTN switch-off so, rest assured, we’ll keep all of our customers in the loop.

Openreach started trialling the withdrawal of services in two exchanges in September 2019, the first being in its Salisbury exchange, Wiltshire. There is a second site, the Mildenhall exchange, Bury St. Edmunds, which will also begin trial shortly.

Both sites are focused on a complete withdrawal of services by December 2022 with other exchanges not due to enter withdrawal until much closer to December 2025.

Question 56

PSTN Switch off: Will my broadband be impacted?

Accepted Answer

If you currently have a broadband service that is supported on a single line, your provider will be in touch to migrate this to an alternative single order broadband. This means that your broadband will move to a single service with no line rental. If you’re using your line for voice you will be offered a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) alternative. If you already have an ultrafast broadband or ethernet product and do not use any traditional voice services, you won’t see any changes as you’re already using new digital technology.

Question 57

PSTN Switch off: What happens in 2023?

Accepted Answer

From September 2023, Openreach will issue a full ‘Stop Sell’ of new supply and there will be no new line installation for Single PSTN Lines or ISDN. Consumer rights during this period will still be upheld so line transfers will be accepted, providing there is no change to the installation when the line moves from one provider to another.

Question 58

PSTN Switch off: What should I do now?

Accepted Answer

If you’re currently on an ISDN contract, you don’t need to do anything at the moment. But, be mindful that when your contract is up for renewal, you’ll probably need to switch to a hosted telephony solution. However, if you’re looking to upgrade and futureproof your business now, you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a business-grade broadband solution and you’ll need to assess your hosted telephony options to make sure you’re getting the most out of your services.

Question 59

PSTN Switch off: What happens in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Your provider will strive to migrate all PSTN services to alternative solutions before the December 2025 deadline. However, if services still remain on the PSTN network, then they will be withdrawn in December 2025. If any businesses or consumers have failed to switch to alternative telephony, they will ultimately be left without service.

Question 60

Who is affected by the 2025 switch off?

Accepted Answer

The 2025 switch-off will affect all businesses currently operating ISDN or PSTN and will likely have consequences for anyone still relying on fixed landlines for communication. If your business has Ethernet in the First Mile, Fibre Ethernet or FTTP services will not be impacted.

Question 61

PSTN Switch Off: What replacement products are available?

Accepted Answer

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), is a phone system that allows you to make calls over the internet. This will replace traditional PBX telephone systems. A variety of products will also be released over the next few months that will provide businesses with a broadband equivalent without the analogue phone services they currently receive.

Question 62

What is an Ethernet line?

Accepted Answer

A dedicated internet line that is not shared with any other party, giving as close to direct internet access as is possible and supplying guaranteed symmetrical speeds (where download and upload are the same) at the point of use, at exactly the speed ordered.

Question 63

What is the difference between Ethernet and a leased line?

Accepted Answer

They are essentially the same. Dedicated business internet access via a superfast fibre Ethernet cable is also known as a Leased Line, Ethernet or Dedicated Internet Access.

Question 64

What is meant by symmetrical upload/download speed?

Accepted Answer

Download speed is the rate that information is received over your Ethernet line. For example, the time it takes to download software from the internet onto your computer is determined by the download speed available.

Upload speed is the rate that information is sent over your Ethernet line. For example, the time it takes to send high-resolution images from your computer to another is determined by the upload speed available.

On an Ethernet line, upload and download speed is symmetrical, this means if your line is 20 Mbps, your download speed is 20 Mbps and your upload speed is the same at 20 Mbps.

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