Experts from telecoms specialists telephonesystems.cloud have warned firms to verify claimed broadband speeds before signing contracts for new premises.
Companies are assessing their office needs in the wake of the pandemic with many opting for smaller accommodation and remote teams.
And while cloud VoIP phones are a good option for flexible working, they will only function with a strong internet connection, experts warn.
Some managers are reporting frustrations after signing lengthy tenancy deals only to discover broadband connections are not fit for purpose.
Stoke-on-Trent-based telephonesystems.cloud believes many office developments offer connectivity which can be inferior to some home networks. Or even worse, there turns out to be no working broadband whatsoever.
And they are urging prospective office tenants to carry out their own broadband tests by using online checkers – rather than just relying on information provided by the vendor or agent.
Juliet Moran, technical director at telephonesystems.cloud said checking connectivity was the responsibility of the prospective tenant not the office owners or their agents.
She said: “We have heard horror stories of clients signing up for 10 year tenancy deals on the basis of a stated broadband speed, which is often heavily overstated with no availability for new connections.
“In an age where we all use cloud technology in our everyday lives – such as emails, work resources and VoIP phones, the lack of broadband connectivity can seriously impact businesses forcing some companies to either move out, or spend hundreds of pounds each month for a leased line to be installed.
“Whilst some cloud services are able to run on 5G, this isn’t particularly stable or reliable, so companies are facing bills of over £300 a month just to have working internet at their chosen location.
“What many fail to realise is that it is the tenant’s responsibility to check the broadband speed, not the agent’s. Often the claimed speed in the rental details will just be an average for the area or it could be what previously available in the area, but the location no longer has capacity.”
