2. WHAT ...is UAI? ...is the plan? ...am I looking for? ...companies offer broadband in my area? ...are the top 4 options? ...is the best internet broadband for me?
3. U.A.I. Urban Arts Ireland is an arts/events management company working specifically with urban music and related art forms from grime to graffiti. UAI will hopefully be a state funded body similar to Music Network As a sole trader, operating as a business from home in Bray Co. Wicklow, the following presentation highlights the issues when choosing a connection and the broadband internet options available...
4. Short Term Action Plan During the stages of establishment and before funding is secured (< 2 yrs) the business will be ran from home and in reality will use the current home broadband on the premises, other free WiFi areas and a personal mobile. Once established, a separate business connection will be set up which Eircom have a monopoly over, if a phone line is required. To install a 2nd line, a fee of €107 applies regardless of what company you choose to go with as they have ownership over the lines.
5. Resources & Needs The business will be ran using one net book, and one family desktop. During the short term, a personal mobile phone will suffice telephone communications (with monthly top-up being included in the business’ expenses) Light to moderate internet usage is required perfect for email, online marketing via blogs/UAI website and online banking. After extensive research online & on the phone on the available companies, the top 4 options were chosen.
6. Broadband Providers in Bray Digiweb (via Smart Telecom) Eircom Vodafone Ireland HomeVision (don’t cater for business) Perlico (business through Vodafone) Imagine Satellite Broadband Ireland Mobile Broadband: O2, 3, Meteor & eMobile
7. Option1: Digiweb “Ireland’s smartest broadband just got smarter.” Metro Business Broadband (wireless) €35.95/month @ 4MB with 50GB allowance Install. fee €129 18:1 contention Includes voice No phone line requires
14. Option 4: Imagine “#1 alternative to Eircom.” Breeze €45.27/month @ 4MB with unlimited allowance €150 connection fee Contention Ratio 24:1
15. The Runner Up... Eircom’s Business Lite NBG Once the business relocates to an office, provided it is in Bray, this option suits the best as it is affordable and is perfect for a small office setting allowing 2-3 laptops to be picked up as well as providing the business with a phone line to take calls.
16. And the winner is... Vodafone Mobile Broadband As stated, during the initial stages of the business the current wireless home broadband will suffice and the mobility of this option will allow me to work on the go when working on other projects. Taking download speeds and contention rates into account, it may not be the fastest option but any heavy duty work can be left to do using the reliable home broadband. It is also the most affordable and straight forward option.
