Wireless, web and wi-fi: telecoms offer choice

Is your business taking advantage of the latest technology in online services or the best rates for long distance?

Michigan Retailers Association recently sat down with Gail Torreano, president of SBC Michigan, the state’s largest communications provider, to get advice on the best communications services—from traditional phone lines to high-tech website design—for small and medium businesses.

What are small and medium business owners looking for in their communications services?

Small businesses are pretty straightforward. They want a communications provider that affords them the flexibility to select a bundle of services that best meets their needs, the simplicity of a single bill and the ability to save time and money.

Medium-sized businesses want the same advantages as their smaller cousins, but often need more sophisticated data products while keeping a tight control over costs. At the same time, these businesses generally have little or no in-house communications expertise, meaning that they are looking for a provider who can design and manage their network at a reasonable cost.

What are your most popular products for small and medium business owners?

Unlimited long distance is a great service for all businesses, as it can add great certainty to an otherwise variable budget item. For small businesses, the SBC family of companies offers an unlimited local and long distance package for as low as $48.95 per month.

Fast and reliable, broadband Internet service has become indispensable to business owners using the Internet to streamline and improve productivity. SBC Yahoo! DSL broadband service offers a download speed option of 1.5–3.0 Mbps for as low as $36.99 when ordering online and has even faster-speed options for larger businesses with special needs.

Web hosting helps companies quickly and economically build and maintain a professional website, without the burden of an in-house technology staff.

With new technologies and the expanding role of the Internet in business, many business owners may need guidance as to what products their companies should be using. What tips and tactics do you suggest for this group?

First off, I suggest research and preparation. Business owners need to sit down and brainstorm on their company’s needs for where it is now and what direction it will be taking in the future. Choosing a telecommunications company that can grow with your company’s needs is very important.

Once the end goals have been established, contact a reliable communications provider such as one of the SBC family of companies and let them help you design a program that best fits your needs.

Most of our customers prefer to maximize their efficiency and savings by custom-designing a flexible bundle of services. We offer custom packages and bundles to meet all business customers’ voice and data needs.

What are some of the upcoming hot trends in the business market?

Businesses are increasingly interested in workplace mobility and the combination of wireline and wireless services for their employees. Look for us to expand our wireless/wireline bundles and options in the business market this summer and fall, which will include wi-fi services and wireless data/e-mail plans from Cingular Wireless.