intelligent

SMEs are reliant on a fast Internet connection to ensure their customers receive a smooth and efficient service . But this is not always the case in the UK , where the infrastructure can sometimes be lacking . Owen Keenan-Lindsey , CEO , Assimilated International , which provides complete ICT solutions to large SME and enterprise businesses throughout the UK and USA , explains the infrastructure problems and the changes on the horizon .

AVING THE RIGHT

With consumers demanding ever more and many SMEs servicing a global customer base , it ’ s vital that they can meet these needs at all times . Thanks to advances in technology , they can now use Artificial Intelligence and automation to immediately respond to customers ’ requests even if they ’ re in a different time zone or location .

But , to achieve this , first they need to have an infrastructure that will best support their needs , whether it ’ s taking orders or communicating with customers . That means having a broadband service that enables them to run their data , systems and devices effectively .

While many of the big players in the developed world have already established a high standard of Internet connectivity , the UK continues to lag behind . This is evidenced by the fact that Britain has fallen from 50th to

56th place for fixed-line broadband speeds for business , according to a recent report .

And it ’ s SMEs that are suffering the most from this poor service , with 39 % in rural areas only receiving download speeds of less than 10Mbps , despite paying between , in some cases , more than £ 60 per month for the services , research by the Federation of Small Businesses has found . But that ’ s just the tip of the iceberg .

Owen Keenan-Lindsey , CEO , Assimilated International

WHILE MANY OF THE BIG PLAYERS IN THE DEVELOPED WORLD HAVE ALREADY ESTABLISHED A HIGH STANDARD OF INTERNET CONNECTIVITY , THE UK CONTINUES TO LAG BEHIND .