British small businesses are not getting the most from their broadband provider and need to demand better value, according to new research released from TalkTalk Business.
The survey of 1,000 small business owners, show 59 per cent are experiencing problems with their provider and only half of those surveyed feel they're getting good value for money.
The results, taken from TalkTalk Business's Value of Business Broadband survey, also revealed that over a quarter of small business owners are confused about the best package for their needs and more than one in five SMEs are looking to switch providers today.
TalkTalk Business has announced two new packages tailored to SMEs -Simply Broadband and Complete Broadband - both are said to offer savings compared to other packages on the market.
To help SMEs forecast more effectively and maintain a positive operating cash flow, every TalkTalk Business customer pays a fixed monthly fee and installation, equipment, UK-based support, WorkSafe Internet security are all included within the package, with no hidden extras.
Results from the Value of Business Broadband survey also reaffirmed the ever-increasing need for faster connection speeds amongst SMEs. Half of those surveyed felt the Government should prioritise intervening to reduce the cost of superfast fibre broadband. And in addition to reliability and price, fast connection speed, was amongst the top three purchasing considerations.
To help more British businesses benefit from Fibre broadband, TalkTalk Business' Simply Broadband and Complete Broadband customers can also upgrade to superfast Fibre for just £15 extra month.
TalkTalk Business has also announced it is an official supplier of the Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme, administered by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK). Any business based in one of the 22 SuperConnected Cities - whether a current TalkTalk Business customer or not - can apply for a free upgrade to Simply Fibre or Complete Fibre broadband, saving as much as £180 in the process.
"The research tells us loud and clear that Britain's businesses deserve better, and we couldn't agree more," said Charles Bligh, Managing Director, TalkTalk Business.
"Every business understands the benefits of fast, reliable business grade broadband, but few realise you don't have to pay above the odds for it. Our message to SMEs is clear - there is always a choice, demand more from your broadband provider."
As a further step to back SMEs, TalkTalk Business is also launching a new calling app that makes the business landline mobile.
Called Talk2Go, the app will be free to Simply Broadband and Complete Broadband customers, and allow business owners to pair their landline with up to five mobile devices.