Broadband price warning

Zen Internet, the multi-award winning ISP (Internet Service Provider) issues a warning to customers on judging ISP’s on price alone.

Iain Johnstone, Sales and Partner Programme Manager, Zen Internet commented: “Pricing is highly competitive and there are multiple offers to choose from. I would always ask though if the lowest price actually offers the best value – and the answer will almost invariably be no! It is only good value if it actually delivers what you want it to. The price issue, whilst a consideration, is not the absolute definition of value when a business is considering its Internet options. The key to value is determined by working with an ISP who can supply a robust solution to your requirements, backed up by quality support throughout."

Zen keeps itself ahead in the quality race by continuing to produce more services of the highest possible standards and is committed to providing its customers with the best possible products. This is achieved through a focus on the technical aspects of the Internet alongside excellent customer service. The Zen core Internet network has been constructed to have no contention, meaning that customers can enjoy an online service with consistent speeds even at peak times.

Recent investments in this network include a link to the USA that enables Zen to build upon this already resilient and high quality infrastructure. Unlike many other ISP’s, Zen do not rely on one point of presence in the UK and so any potential problems will be minimised for Zen customers. This link also opens possibilities of new products, as extra capacity has been provided ahead of demand.

Customers, both existing and new, will be aware of the number of discounted offers for broadband that continue to flood the marketplace. It is important to dig behind the headlines to discover exactly what is on offer and then relate it to the solution you need to help you make the most of your Internet opportunities. The Internet Service Provider’s association (ISPA) states that it is not advisable to choose an ISP on price alone. (http://www.ispaawards.org.uk/html/media/Choosing_an_isp.html)
They make the point that you get what you pay for and therefore service levels, consistent speeds and quality should also be considered.

The promises made by Zen in terms of quality, reliability and service have all been reflected in the company’s impressive range of awards. Most recent of these is the PC Pro ‘Best ISP Broadband Award 2005’. It was the second year running that Zen scooped this award based on customer opinion. Recent award success was also found when Zen was short listed as finalists in four categories of the ISPA Awards 2006 (the UK Internet Industry’s equivalent of the Oscars). Zen has high hopes for success in the 2006 ISPAs, which take place later this month, after winning the ‘Best Light Business Broadband’ Award for the first time in 2005.

Zen’s customers echo Zen’s values when talking about their ISP, Jamie Ayres, Operations Manager at M2 Communications Ltd commented:

"M2 has experience of many corporate-level ISPs with widely differing ideas of what 'service' means. Since moving to Zen we have noticed that you can get both consistent levels of speed and reliable service for just a small premium. Unlike my previous experience of ISP customer service I find Zen's relaxed, helpful and knowledgeable approach to be both enlightening and stress free. I can only assume that the quality of the service means that the call centre receives very few angry calls! Zen is a company truly worthy of its name."

Length of contract for ISP services is also an important feature to consider, so it is always worth considering a provider that offers one month contracts. Before choosing a provider get the views of existing ADSL subscribers, look for press and magazine reviews and check independent speed tests.