The package includes 4G back-up, business-grade security, a digital phone line and UK-based advanced remote IT support available 24/7.
BT said this package is aimed at the 5.7 million private sector companies across the UK that are SoHo (single/small office, or home office) businesses with under 10 employees.
Writing on BT’s corporate blog, Chris Sims, managing director for SoHo, BT Enterprise, explained, “We firmly believe in a small business led recovery, and it’s clear that micro-companies will be the powerhouse behind this.”
He said that the creation of a new SoHo unit with BT’s Enterprise division signals a “strengthening” of the company’s “commitment to supporting the UK’s smallest firms”.
He added, “This new unit is tasked with developing a new a suite of products and services designed specifically for micro-businesses, while delivering value for money and a premium customer experience. I’m really proud to be leading this new unit at a time when the success of start-ups and micro companies has never been more important to the future of our economy.”
Gary Barton, principal analyst at GlobalData, said that BT “has rightly identified connectivity and Wi-Fi reliability as primary concerns for SoHo customers – particularly those working from home. GlobalData’s research also suggests that SoHo customers are seeking help to become more digital, and BT’s offer of free tech support and its online digital advertising tools will resonate with small business customers.”
He added that, to stimulate growth in the SoHo segment, BT will need more than enhanced broadband services. In addition, BT’s full fibre footprint reached 4.6 million premises as of May 2021, so many micro businesses will not yet be able to access this offering.