The Connectivity Gateway to Better Business Growth
June 8, 2022
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4
min read
Highlights
There is no single tech solution that has better bridged the gap between SMEs and large corporates than the recent availability, affordability and scalability of great connectivity. It has allowed new and/or smaller businesses to embrace workplace solutions that positively impact productivity, collaboration, customer perception and communications which previously only benefitted large corporate enterprises.
One of the ways it has done this is simply by suddenly becoming so affordable. Whatever your business size and budget, there is a relatively inexpensive and adequate connectivity solution out there for you. That’s not something that could have been truthfully reported just a few years back.
During the ‘copper’ years, it was far too expensive for most businesses to afford robust, reliable and fast enough (never mind ultrafast) bandwidth. Only large corporates could afford the bandwidth that would allow large numbers of employees to be on multiple systems with no delay or disruption to service.
Nowadays there is a broadband solution for every size of business, covering every requirement, connecting employees from different geographical locations, not only to each other and their customers, but to important business systems needed to fulfil their role and delivered on any device the business requires.
Great connectivity allows business to grow, both physically – because staff numbers are no longer an issue – and geographically because employees can work anywhere and still have access to each other and the data that they need. This allows employees to work remotely and flexibly and businesses to locate their offices and people in the right areas to prosper.
Cloud-based solutions are not the be all and end all, but they categorically allow businesses of any size to afford scalable and flexible solutions to increase efficiency, security and productivity at a fraction of what they used to cost.
With today’s available broadband, businesses can choose not to invest in any hardware – which was traditionally costly to purchase, manage and maintain. They can simply pay per month for a host of managed cloud solutions that they can access over the internet. Once integrated, they really don’t have to think twice about them.
These can range from storage, to back up, to CRMs, to IP telephony and email solutions. Whilst poor broadband maybe used to be able to access these services, it could not be relied upon to do it seamlessly, delivering things like crystal clear calls and quick upload and download speeds on a regular basis. This is because every solution requires a certain amount of bandwidth and most businesses simply didn’t have enough to go around to make calls over the internet, access online files and deal with web traffic etc at the same time.
Speaking to customers and other employees was originally potentially quite a costly, inflexible affair, with just traditional telephone lines and mobile devices. The benefit of good connectivity means that VoIP (voice over internet protocol) has really turned that around. This is particularly the case for internal calls from office to office which can be free when calling over the internet. Not only are VoIP’s crystal-clear calls halving phone bills, they also offer a wealth of functionality like call forwarding and diverting to other people and devices, or to different platforms like messenger and of course, video conferencing. VoIP increases employee collaboration, because it’s easy to get together, improves customer service because customers aren’t kept hanging on in the dark, and is good for employee wellbeing because they are able to work more flexibly without missing important calls and meetings. But it’s only made possible with decent, secure and reliable access to the internet.
Another massive benefit of better broadband is its impact on marketing. Attracting and engaging with customers now relies so heavily on the internet, that for the first time, businesses are spending more money advertising on the web than on television. Be it through social media, email campaigns, online blogs, e-commerce sites, or online chat facilities, it’s quite clear that slow, unreliable connectivity is the kiss of death.
If you are a business in 2019, you have a wealth of opportunities open to you that technology can deliver. It doesn’t matter your business size, function or area, reputable providers can get you connected to suit your budget in any location, including blackspots where businesses have traditionally had to suffer. Finding a provider you can trust to deliver what you need can sometimes be a chore, but once you do, everything from there onwards should be pretty much plain sailing.
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For many landlords and building managers, the word “wayleave” feels like the responsible route whenever a fibre circuit is being installed on their property. It sounds formal and safe – a neat legal box to tick.
In many cases, however, a wayleave adds unnecessary complexity and delays, frustrates tenants, and can expose landlords to long-term legal risks.
At Vorboss, we’ve connected thousands of office spaces across London without a wayleave, keeping landlords in full control and getting tenants online faster.
What is a wayleave?
A wayleave is a written agreement between a landowner and a telecoms operator. It gives the operator permission to install and keep equipment on private property.
What many people don’t realise is that signing a wayleave also activates “Code rights” under the Electronic Communications Code. These rights go beyond simple permission, they give the operator legal powers to stay on the property indefinitely, access it when needed, and even refuse removal of their equipment in certain situations.
For a typical connection into a commercial building in London, a wayleave can make the fibre installation process slower, more expensive, and limit the landlord’s flexibility long term.
Why a wayleave isn’t required for standard in-building fibre connections
For a standard in-building fibre connection serving a tenant, a wayleave isn’t a legal requirement. Important protections, like building access, fire safety, repairing any damage, and removing equipment, are already covered by the tenant’s lease and usual building rules.
If no wayleave is signed, no Code rights are triggered, meaning the landlord retains full control and the installation exists under a simple, fully revocable licence.
In practice, this gives landlords far more protection and flexibility:
- No legal lock-in – the telecoms operator has no long-term rights to stay or refuse removal.
- Landlords keep full control – equipment can be moved or removed when the building changes.
- Faster fibre installation – no time lost in drafting contracts or solicitor reviews.
- Happier tenants – connections go live quicker; tenants get to move in faster.
By contrast, signing a wayleave and granting Code rights introduces a complex and expensive legal process for any fibre removal or relocation. This can take at least 18 months, plus potential court or tribunal proceedings, making it slower, and far less flexible for the landlord.
Public services across central London are evolving, and the City of London Corporation is leading the way.
Whether you work, live or study in the Square Mile, you’ll soon feel the difference that faster, more dependable connectivity brings.
What is the Future Network Programme?
The City of London Corporation is rolling out the Future Network Programme, a major project to modernise its entire digital infrastructure and bring everything under one unified network.
From offices and schools to iconic green spaces like Hampstead Heath, cultural destinations like the Barbican, and historic markets such as Leadenhall and Old Spitalfields, this upgrade will mean more reliable connectivity across the City’s buildings and public spaces.
It also extends to essential services, including critical sites run by the City of London Police. This enhanced connectivity will support everything from secure communication systems to faster, more resilient networks for emergency operations.
Leading this transformation is Roc Technologies, supported by Juniper Networks and Palo Alto Networks; all powered by the Vorboss fibre network. Together, we’re bringing the City onto a modern digital foundation that’s ready to support its future.
Who the Future Network Programme benefits and how?
The programme is designed for everyone who depends on public services in the Square Mile:
- Students in City-run schools will have fast, reliable connectivity to fully access digital learning tools.
- Public-sector teams will experience smoother hybrid working, better access to online platforms, and more efficient collaboration across locations.
- Residents and visitors will see improvements in public Wi-Fi, digital services, and online access in libraries, community hubs, and other shared spaces.
- The City of London Police will gain a more secure, faster and resilient network that enhances CCTV reliability and enables more effective frontline operations.
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