In today’s hyper-connected world, fast, round-the-clock connectivity is a necessity. Whether you work in finance processing critical transactions or as an emergency services provider operating in remote regions, the demand for reliable mobile connectivity can’t be overstated.
Yet for organizations operating in the US, a reliable connection is a necessity. After all, according to the August 2023 Speedtest Global Index, the US ranks 6th in Fixed Broadband, but 19th in Mobile download speeds.
Given the importance of high-quality connectivity, entrusting this vital service to any connectivity provider is too risky, especially when millions are on the line or lives hang in the balance. When you eventually commit to a solutions provider, you need to be confident that your partner isn’t just making empty promises but is actually able to deliver on them.
Here’s how to choose your next mobile connectivity solutions provider.
Determine Your Mobile Connectivity Needs
Understanding your organization’s specific connectivity needs is the cornerstone of choosing the right satellite communication provider. Each entity, whether it’s a small business or a global enterprise, will have its own set of requirements. While there might be areas of overlap, nuances in operational challenges and regulatory landscapes make each entity’s needs unique.
Take healthcare providers, for example. Their connectivity priorities might be to ensure that Electronic Health Record (EHR) data remains accessible and secure. Not only is it critical for real-time patient care, but they also have to contend with regulations like HIPAA’s Privacy Rules, which mandate the protection and confidential handling of patient information. Any breach, caused by connectivity interruptions or otherwise, could lead to significant legal and financial repercussions.
Conversely, consider fire rescue teams, which operate in a drastically different environment, often in life-threatening situations that occur off-grid. They need resilient connectivity, especially in remote regions where terrestrial communication infrastructure might be non-existent or severely compromised in emergency situations. During a massive wildfire, the situation on the ground can change with the winds. It’s not just about having a steady communication channel; it’s about firefighter accountability, asset tracking and ensuring real-time data flow.
Broadly, here are some common mobile connectivity needs across various sectors:
- Real-time data transfer
- Security and compliance
- Uptime guarantee
- Remaining operational in challenging environments
- High bandwidth capabilities
- Scalability
- Affordability and cost efficiency
Research Available Mobile Connectivity Solution Providers
After conducting a rigorous internal audit to pinpoint your unique connectivity requirements, the quest for finding the perfect provider begins. At this stage, you’ll be better equipped to filter out providers that don’t align with your needs.
You can start by casting a wide net, considering both local and international providers in regard to factors like:
- Industry reputation – Begin with providers known for excellence in your industry. Word-of-mouth referrals, industry awards and review sites can all steer you toward reputable providers.
- Technical infrastructure – If you have the expertise, consider diving deeper into the technical details and specs. Understanding the backbone of a provider’s network, their data centers and redundancy measures can offer clues about reliability and performance.
- Partnerships and collaborations – A provider’s affiliations can shed light on their standing in the industry. Are they partnered with tech giants? Do they collaborate on global connectivity projects?
- Client roster – Review their list of existing clients. Familiar names or industry leaders can be a good sign of trustworthiness and reliability.
- Customization capabilities – Can they tailor solutions to fit your specific needs, or is it a one-size-fits-all approach?
Compare Top Options
As you narrow down your list, there are two elements to consider to further distinguish between leading candidates.
Pricing and Capabilities
The age-old adage “you get what you pay for” often holds true in the world of connectivity. When you begin comparing providers, lay out each offer side by side. Look beyond the price tag and delve into the specifics of what’s included.
Does the package provide scalable solutions as your needs grow? Are there hidden costs or potential fee hikes after a promotional period?
Also, consider the return on investment—while one provider might be cheaper upfront, the benefits and performance of a slightly more expensive option might offer better long-term value.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
While every provider will tout their excellence, real-world feedback offers a raw and unfiltered perspective. By exploring online forums, seeking out testimonials, requesting case studies and speaking with existing clients, you can gain unfiltered insights into a provider’s strengths and weaknesses.
Remember, a provider might shine on paper, but consistent positive feedback from actual users could be the real litmus test of their service quality. It’s also worth noting patterns—repeated complaints about the same issue might signal a red flag.
Look for Comprehensive Connectivity Solutions
When the dust settles, the focus should be on capability and comprehensiveness. Why tether yourself to a single network when a holistic approach is available?
The ideal provider won’t ask you to compromise but will eliminate uncertainty by merging the powers of top-tier services—like Verizon, T-Mobile, FirstNet and Starlink. Such a powerhouse combination offering will result in redundancy, enhanced speed and reliability that individual networks could never hope to deliver on their own.
Why limit yourself to just one when you can harness the total might of the industry’s best?
SuperGIG Mobile Connectivity with IP Access
In a world teeming with connectivity solutions, finding the perfect partner isn’t an easy task. Often, the difference between ordinary and exceptional hinges on factors like performance, reliability, versatility and cost efficiency.
That’s what SuperGIG from IP Access provides, harnessing the power of leading cellular and satellite networks to guarantee high-speed, uninterrupted communication, no matter where you operate from.
With the capability to blend networks from industry giants, SuperGIG is redefining connectivity standards. Whether you’re operating on the move, stationed in remote locations or operating in a big city, SuperGIG can overcome traditional connectivity challenges, offering seamless access to cloud-based apps, lightning-fast speeds of up to 500Mbps and a dedicated 24/7 support system.
Want to learn more about the future of mobile connectivity? Check out SuperGIG from IP Access.