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15.5.2023

The future of AltNets: Why thinking ahead is crucial for success

The growth of AltNets in the UK

The UK telecoms industry is in the midst of significant change. While traditional telcos such as BT and Virgin Media have dominated the market for years, alternative networks (AltNets) have emerged as a new force to be reckoned with. These AltNets are often smaller companies that offer a different approach to delivering broadband services and have grown rapidly in recent years. According to a report by the Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA), AltNets are expected to invest over £20bn in full-fibre connections by 2025.

The need for continuous innovation

One of the key reasons for AltNets’ success is its ability to innovate. Unlike traditional telcos, AltNets are often nimble and able to respond quickly to changes in the market. They are also more willing to take risks and try new things, which has enabled them to develop new technologies and services that meet the evolving needs of their customers. However, it’s important to note that innovation is not a one-off event. AltNets must continue to innovate in order to stay ahead of the competition and meet the demands of their customers.

The importance of scalability

Another important factor in the success of AltNets is scalability. While AltNets have been successful in providing broadband services to smaller, more rural communities, they need to be able to scale their operations to compete with the larger players in the market. This means investing in the infrastructure, technology and people needed to support growth. Without this investment, AltNets will struggle to keep up with demand for their services and may be forced to cede ground to their larger competitors.

The need for long-term planning

To achieve scalability, AltNets need to think beyond the short term and plan for the long term. This means investing in the infrastructure and technology that will allow them to grow and expand their services over time. It also means building relationships with key stakeholders, such as local councils and property developers, to ensure they have access to the land and resources they need to build their networks. By taking a long-term approach, AltNets can ensure that they are well-positioned to succeed in the years to come.

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The rise of digital customer service

AltNets also need to be aware of their customers' changing expectations. In today's digital age, customers expect more than just reliable broadband services. They also expect high quality customer service, available on demand through a variety of digital channels. This has led to the rise of digital customer service, which allows customers to interact with AltNets through social media, chatbots and other online channels. AltNets that fail to embrace this trend risk falling behind their competitors in terms of customer satisfaction.

The benefits of digital customer service

Digital customer service offers a number of benefits to AltNets. First and foremost, it enables them to provide a more convenient and accessible customer experience. This can help improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, which in turn can drive growth and revenue. In addition, digital customer service can help AltNets streamline operations and reduce costs by automating routine tasks and freeing up staff time for more complex queries and issues.

Key Factors for the Success of AltNets in the UK Telecoms Industry

  • AltNets' success is due to their ability to innovate and respond quickly to changes in the market, but innovation must be continuous.
  • Scalability is important for AltNets to compete with larger players in the market, and they need to invest in infrastructure, technology, and people to support growth.
  • Long-term planning is necessary for AltNets to achieve scalability and build relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Digital customer service is essential for AltNets to meet customers' changing expectations and improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Embracing innovation, investing in infrastructure and technology, planning for the future, and embracing digital customer service are essential for AltNets to succeed in the long term and play a key role in shaping the future of the UK's telecoms industry.

Embracing the future of AltNets

AltNets have emerged as a groundbreaking force in the British telecommunications market, offering a new approach to broadband service delivery that is often more innovative, scalable, and customer-oriented than that of traditional telecommunications companies. To be successful in the long term, these providers must continue to be innovative, invest in infrastructure and technology, plan for the future, and offer digital customer service. This way, they can stay one step ahead of the competition and meet the evolving needs of their customers.

An important aspect of ensuring the success of these providers lies in the provision of an efficient self-service solution. The Conntac self-service solution stands out for its easy integration and quick roll-out, without requiring changes to the hardware or backend systems of the providers. Unlike other self-service solution providers, we have developed our own method to access the information necessary for problem-solving and device configuration, making our process independent and adaptable to various industries and scenarios.

The combination of innovative broadband services and our powerful self-service solution enables small Internet Service Providers to improve their services and play a key role in shaping the future of the telecommunications industry. As the UK moves towards a future where the entire country has access to fibre optic networks, these small providers have a unique opportunity to actively shape this development. By continually improving their services, thinking ahead, and adapting to the changing landscape, they can be successful and shape the promising future of the telecommunications industry in the UK. Our self-service solution contributes to realizing these possibilities and providing ISP customers with a first-class user experience.

Johanna Kugler

Content Marketing Manager