Tag: Business

Cellular Routers vs Cell Phone Hotspots: What to Use for Business Failover

Businesses depend on reliable and stable internet connections to operate efficiently. In the event of a primary internet outage, having a backup solution is essential to minimize downtime and maintain productivity. Two common solutions for business failover are using a cell phone hotspot or a cellular router. While both provide a connection to a cellular network for Internet access, they do not offer the same benefits. We’d like to take a closer look at each of these solutions and compare their pros and cons. 

Cell Phone Hotspot

A cell phone hotspot is a feature offered by most modern smartphones and cellular providers. They allow you to share your device’s cellular data connection with other devices via WiFi. This option is convenient and easy to use, especially for single users (like remote workers) or small businesses with minimal internet needs. Pros of using a cell phone hotspot for business failover include:

  • Portability: A cell phone hotspot can be used anywhere and is easy to transport, making it ideal for remote workers or businesses that require frequent travel.
  • Affordability: A cell phone hotspot is a low-cost alternative to a cellular router, especially if the device is already owned by the business. Most carriers also include hotspot services with your data plan. 
  • Ease of use: To operate the hotspot on your phone, you simply need to turn it on, then turn it off when you’re done. There’s really nothing to it unless you want to adjust its name or password. 

Cons of using a cell phone hotspot for business failover include:

  • Availability: Hotspots are not meant for 24/7 use. Keep in mind that this is someone’s cell phone, so they will take it home when they leave the office. This makes it impossible to run any hardware like security cameras. They are also battery powered. You can keep them plugged in 24/7 to avoid losing power, but this shortens the battery life. 
  • Accessibility: If you have a shared printer and files on your primary network, these items will not be accessible. This is because your computer will be connected to the cell phone hotspot network. 
  • Failover: When your primary Internet connection fails, you will need to manually switch all critical devices to the hotspot, creating some additional downtime. 
  • Limited data & bandwidth: Most cell phone plans offer limited data allowances, which can be quickly exhausted by multiple devices connecting to the hotspot.
  • Limited User Support: Hotspots can usually only support up to 15 devices and only wireless connections. There are no Ethernet ports available for wired connections. 
  • Limited WiFi Range: The wireless range from hotspots are normally limited to 30ft or less. This can be even more degraded when you have interference in the environment. 
  • Limited interoperability: Some users may opt to use their hotspot with a WiFi as WAN router (or tethered to a router with USB WAN port) that can extend their WiFi range and user support. However, this can create issues with some applications working properly. If possible, it’s best to put the hotspot into a bridge/ passthrough mode, but this is not normally a supported feature on hotspots.
  • Unreliability: The reliability of a cell phone hotspot can vary depending on the location and network coverage. They also do not have external antenna ports to help with signal strength. All of this makes it unsuitable for businesses that require a consistent internet connection. 
  • Security risks: Sharing your cell phone’s internet connection with other devices can pose security risks, especially if sensitive data is transmitted.

Cellular Router

A cellular router is a standalone device that connects to the internet via a cellular network. This option is ideal for any user, but is generally used by businesses with more complex internet needs and larger teams. Pros of using a cellular router for business failover include:

  • Reliability: Cellular routers are designed to provide a consistent and stable internet connection, making them ideal for businesses that require close to 24/7 uptime.
  • Failover: Cellular routers can sometimes connect with your primary Internet connection and provide automatic failover between connections. This means all your devices (critical and non-critical) can be connected to the same network, if needed. You don’t have to manually switch devices from your primary to backup network. 
  • Bandwidth: Cellular routers can handle more data and support several devices, making them suitable for larger businesses.
  • Security: Cellular routers come with built-in security features to protect your network and data from threats.
  • Antenna Connections: Most cell phones do not have external antenna connections, but routers generally do. This makes it easier to increase signal strength and quality directly to the device. 

Cons of using a cellular router for business failover include:

  • Cost: Cellular routers are more expensive than cell phone hotspots.
  • Complexity: Cellular routers can be more complex to set up and manage, especially for small businesses with limited IT resources.
  • Size: Routers are usually larger in size and will require constant power for 24/7 use. 

As you can now see, the choice between using a cell phone hotspot or a cellular router for business failover will depend on the specific needs of your business. For remote workers, travelers and small businesses with minimal internet needs, a cell phone hotspot may be a suitable and affordable option. Hotspots are great for temporary use and provide a simple failover solution. For larger businesses with complex internet requirements, a cellular router may be the better choice for its reliability, bandwidth, and security features. However, either solution could be suitable for many applications, so it’s important to consider the differences.

Should you need assistance with determining your ideal solution, reach out to our team by phone, email, or chat! 

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How Verizon Business is Taking 5G Innovations to Phoenix

Verizon, the network America relies on, and Ericsson to demonstrate the latest 5G innovations at the Footprint Center on December 6

BASKING RIDGE, NJ – December 1, 2022 (Verizon Wireless) – Verizon Business will demonstrate the transformative benefits of its business solutions at the next installment of its 5G Innovation Sessions series, occurring at the Footprint Center on December 6. Executives from Verizon, Ericsson, the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury, Ticketmaster, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and the City of Phoenix will demonstrate a range of forward-looking scenarios that leverage the power of 5G and Mobile Edge Computing, including real-time container tracking, collaboration robots, video scene analytics monitoring manufacturing assembly, real-time crowd analytics, interactive cityscapes, and Verizon Frontline’s Tactical Humanitarian Operations Response (THOR) and Mobile Utility Technology Transport (MUTT) vehicles. The program includes dynamic demonstrations by Verizon and Ericsson, speaker segments, and panel discussions.

“5G presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for businesses to supercharge productivity and innovation and gain an edge on the competition,” said TJ Fox, Senior Vice President, Industrial IoT & Automotive, Verizon Business. “The purpose of these sessions is to make sure businesses know how to take advantage of the capabilities that 5G enables, including a broad range of edge-computing and private-network applications that they might not be aware of. It’s all on full display at the 5G Innovation Session in Phoenix.”

The event will be held at the Footprint Center, located at 201 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 in Phoenix, featuring several prominent executives including:

  • TJ Fox, Senior Vice President and President, Industrial IoT and Automotive, Verizon Business;
  • Maggie Hallbach, President, Verizon Frontline, Verizon Business;
  • Mike Ruhnke, Vice President, US Corporate Enterprise Accounts, Verizon Business;
  • Danny Johnson, Director, Product Marketing, Verizon Business;
  • Dave Hickey, Vice President, West Business Markets, Verizon Business;
  • Cory Davis, Assistant Vice President, Public Safety, Verizon Frontline, Verizon Business;
  • Mitch Cooper, Vice President of Sales for Verizon, Ericsson North America;
  • Peter Linder, Head of 5G Marketing, Ericsson North America;
  • Dan Costello, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, Phoenix Suns;
  • Steve Reese, Chief Information Officer, Phoenix Suns;
  • Mayor Kate Gallego, City of Phoenix;
  • Kara Kalkbrenner, Retired Fire Chief, City of Phoenix;
  • Kurt Schwartzkopf, Executive Vice President, Co-Head of Sports, NBA & NHL Arenas, Ticketmaster;
  • Anil Lalwani, Principal Product Manager, AWS

“We’re living in a remarkable period of innovation in both public safety and government,” said Maggie Hallbach, President of Verizon Frontline and Senior Vice President of Verizon Public Sector. “While in Phoenix, I’m looking forward to discussing and demonstrating just some of the transformative capabilities that our 5G network can unlock for our partners in the public sector, including the more than 30,000 public safety agencies nationwide that trust Verizon Frontline to provide reliable, mission-critical connectivity.”

“The low latency, built-in security, blazing fast speed and unmatched capacity that 5G can enable are bringing new capabilities and use cases to a wide range of industries,” said Mitch Cooper, Vice President of Sales for Verizon at Ericsson North America. “These sessions are a chance for people to see the power of these networks in person, and to imagine the possibilities 5G can bring to their businesses.”

To register for the Phoenix event, use this event link.

Verizon’s Commitment to Phoenix

In 2022, Verizon deployed 5G Ultra Wideband using C-band spectrum in many areas throughout Phoenix, adding coverage and capacity to serve customers throughout the Valley. Additionally, Verizon deployed 5G Ultra Wideband using mmWave spectrum strategically in Phoenix and neighboring cities like Tempe, Chandler and Scottsdale to increase performance and capacity. To manage increases in data usage and provide an enhanced experience at specific venues, Verizon engineers have replaced and enhanced the in-building system at the Phoenix Suns’ Footprint Arena in downtown Phoenix and in several hotels throughout the Valley, and engineers are deploying enhancements at the Phoenix Convention Center. Additionally, to meet the changing patterns of when and how customers use their devices, Verizon engineers in Phoenix have deployed additional 4G carriers to increase capacity in areas throughout the community.

Over the last decade, working through nonprofit partners and a suite of programs and resources, Verizon Innovative Learning has committed $1 billion in market value to support digital equity and inclusion within education for some of the most vulnerable populations across the country. The initiative is celebrating 10 years of providing free technology, internet access and resources to schools and educators across America, including Title I schools.

In Phoenix, over 15,000 students have been reached across 19 schools through the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program. This academic year, the program welcomed over 2,000 new students in the Roosevelt, Pendergast, Cartwright, Alhambra and Issac Elementary School Districts.

Additionally, all educators and students have access to Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, our free next-gen online education portal that provides XR content, professional development, and lesson plans. These efforts are part of Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement. Through Citizen Verizon, the company has a goal to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030.

Verizon realizes the importance of technology in helping small businesses succeed, which is why the company has a goal to support 1M small businesses by 2030. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, a free online curriculum, was designed to give small businesses the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy, including access to personalized lesson plans, coaching from experts and networking opportunities with diverse, industry-specific businesses. Since launch in September 2021, more than 1,400 Phoenix-based businesses have been onboarded to the program.

Verizon announced today the availability of Spanish-language course offerings. Hispanic-owned small businesses can now access Spanish curriculum, coaching from experts, community events and personalized mentorship, as well as apply to receive a $10,000 grant as part of a $250,000 fund to help further support minority small businesses as part of Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.

Supporting first responders who serve Phoenix

During 2021, the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team deployed multiple times in support of public safety agencies in Arizona to provide mission-critical communications capabilities to the first responders on the front lines of emergency response operations.

Verizon Frontline devices and solutions ranging from mobile hotspots, routers and smart devices to deployable satellite solutions, such as Satellite Picocells on Trailers (SPOTs), were deployed in support of Arizona first responders.

This support has continued during 2022, as the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team has already participated in several public safety operations and training events alongside Arizona public safety agencies including deployments in support of wildland firefighters. This ongoing support is provided at no cost to local agencies and represents a continuation of Verizon Frontline’s commitment to investing and innovating in partnership with public safety and government.

Switch to the network Phoenix relies on

Because Verizon is the network Phoenix relies on, we’ve made it easy to switch with our new Welcome Unlimited plan – our best unlimited price ever for unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon’s 5G Nationwide network. Looking to switch the whole family? Welcome Unlimited starts at just $30 per line (Auto Pay & paper-free billing required) per month for four lines (plus taxes and fees, with Auto Pay). You can learn more at verizon.com/plans.

About the 5G Innovation Sessions

Verizon’s 5G Innovation Sessions have so far taken place in Atlanta (July),  Houston (August),  Boston (September), Los Angeles (October) and New York City (November). The events cover a range of themes, including Managed Venue, Fixed Wireless Access, Private 5G, and Mobile Edge Compute.

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Does Verizon C-Band Service Work on Peplink Routers?

5G C-Band networks have been the subject of many articles surrounding possible interference issues with aircraft tools. While there has been some concern from the aviation industry, people are more eager to obtain access due to C-Band’s truly faster bandwidth speeds and lower latency. 

Now, Peplink customers wishing to utilize Verizon’s C-Band network can finally do so as of today. This is because Verizon has certified the following models for use on their C-Band network:

Note that this will require updated firmware, which you can find the instructions for here.

If you’re interested in learning more about these devices, or would like a quote, please contact us by phone, email, or chat!

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Verizon Price Increase Coming – Who Will Be Affected?

It’s been about two weeks now that AT&T legacy subscribers got a shock that AT&T would be raising their prices in June. Verizon is now jumping on that same bandwagon and increasing prices for consumer and business accounts.  

Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg first mentioned increasing prices back in April, saying that inflation was to blame. While he did not say they were definitely coming, he instead said that the carrier had “plans to be prepared for what it takes,” including “different types of cost adjustments.”

It has actually been two years since Verizon has raised prices for these customers. Although back in late 2021, the carrier increased prices on customers grandfathered into older plans.

As first reported by Bloomberg (and confirmed by Verizon reps), Verizon has taken an interesting approach to how they are advertising the rising prices. Instead of raising the actual plans, they will instead begin adding a new “economic adjustment charge” to your bill every month.

According to Verizon, the “economic adjustment charge” will be $1.35 per voice line for consumers. Note that we said voice as the increase applies only to voice lines per account. 

Business customers will receive a larger increase every month, with data plans increasing by $2.20 per month and “basic service plans” increasing by $0.98 per month.

Verizon began alerting consumers of this new “economic adjustment charge” yesterday, while it has also been in direct contact with “some of its larger corporate clients” recently. They say pricing will go up starting in June and the “economic adjustment charge” will apply to ALL plans.

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Spring into Action!

If you’re like most people, you’re eager to get outside this spring. Now you can get out while you work with the assistance of Verizon’s One Talk service. 

Verizon One Talk is a versatile, multi-line phone solution for offices, remote work, or a combination of both. Your mobile phone number is shared across multiple devices, giving you a single phone number, so that you can gain access to calls and business telephone features while on the go.

Just imagine you have an essential appointment out of the office, but you have been waiting on an important call. Not to worry because you can be at two places at the same time with the Verizon One Talk Mobile App! Now you can receive all of your important calls from anywhere in the world.

How Does it Work?

Go to your Google Play or App Store. Search for the Verizon One Talk app and download. Or click on the links below.

Google Play

App Store

Follow these steps:

  • Sign in
  • Each One Talk phone number can use the One Talk Mobile and Desktop apps on up to 5 different devices. Using the One Talk phone number in the Desktop app counts toward the limit of 5 devices.
  • Open One Talk and sign in.
  • Select One Talk Phone Number and enter your One Talk phone number.
  • Select Device Name and enter a name for your device. (Minimum 3 characters.)
  • Click Request PIN.
  • Check your email for your activation PIN*. It’s the email address your One Talk administrator used when setting up your Verizon One Talk account.
  • Enter your activation PIN and click Activate.

Your mobile app will now ring when your desk phone rings! 

Need a break? Turn your app on Do Not Disturb in the phone app. Then all your calls will go to your voicemail!

*The One Talk Mobile app is not compatible with Galaxy Z Fold phones or Microsoft Surface Tablets

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What is Verizon 5G Home Internet and 5G Business Internet?

After an exciting halftime show at the Super Bowl, Jim Carrey reprised his role in “The Cable Guy” to market Verizon’s new 5G Home and Business Internet solutions. The ad showcased how fast and easy the equipment was to set up as well as how it compares to traditional cable services. 

Today, Verizon is jumping back to their 5G expansion plans. They’ve already met their goal of 100 million users covered with 5G Ultra Wideband service and are capable of providing the Home and Business Internet solutions to 30 million households and more than 2 million businesses.

“We can’t wait for customers to experience our fast, reliable and secure internet options like our ultra-fast, ultra simple Home Internet, and we’ll continue to bring them to more and more places around the country, paving the path to becoming the top home Internet provider in America,” said Manon Brouillette, CEO of Verizon’s Consumer Group.

With 5G Home Internet, customers can be up and running with their computers, phones, tablets and any other network device, in a matter of minutes – whether they set it up themselves or have Verizon install it. They also have two options: 5G Home or 5G Home Plus. And, it’s 50 percent off for customers on one of Verizon’s new 5G Ultra Wideband Unlimited plans (only when you combine your plan with 5G Do More, 5G Play More or 5G Get More plan. Also requires Auto Pay and paper-free billing) There are no annual contracts, extra fees, data overages or equipment charges. The price is the price, guaranteed. Customers can even get the first month on Verizon.

5G Business Internet also offers customers great performance and reliability, with an easy setup, on all their devices. This solution can fit businesses of all sizes and includes self setup or professional installation options, multiple pricing and service options, unlimited data, and a 10-year price guarantee (applies to monthly access fee only).

Verizon’s wireless Internet solutions with fast, reliable and secure 5G Home Internet and 5G Business Internet are already available (or will be this week) in parts of Omaha, NE; Boise, ID; El Paso, TX; Grand Rapids, MI and Panama City, FL. 5G Home Internet will be available in parts of Baltimore, MD, next month.

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How Will 5G Affect the Way We View the Super Bowl Halftime Show?

Verizon Wireless is about to make 5G history at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show. They started their journey to provide 5G Ultra Wideband service to 100 million users nationwide and now they’re making even more 5G services available with 5G Home Internet and 5G Business Internet.

The most exciting thing to come from this journey – aside from the additional 5G coverage for us consumers – is the tech they’re incorporating into the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show. Verizon will also showcase the speed and power of its 5G network throughout the game broadcast – from the on-field action to immersive mobile access to the halftime show.

This is in fact Verizon’s fifth consecutive year with an in-game advertisement and they’re pulling out all the stops with funny man Jim Carrey reprising his role as “The Cable Guy.”  

The show will be streamed in real-time via several 360-degree 4K cameras placed around the stadium, field, and stage. This will give fans what Verizon is calling a “second screen experience.” Using the Pepsi Halftime mobile app, fans will be able to enter their “Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Ultra Pass Powered by Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband” and gain access to “exclusive vantage points not accessible on television.” 

“The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Ultra Pass Powered by Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband is so much more than just a second-screen experience, it lets fans feel as though they are on stage with the artists,” said Diego Scotti, CMO, Verizon. “Utilizing 5G Ultra Wideband technology and in close partnership with Pepsi, Roc Nation and the NFL, we are able to enhance one of the most-watched events of the year, in a way that’s never been done before, opening the doors for the future of live events.”

“This year’s Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show performance is already among the most anticipated of all time, so we wanted to provide fans with an unprecedented level of access. Since most people already consume content on their mobile devices while watching the game on TV, we thought it was a great opportunity to create a new, immersive way for fans to experience the performance – as if they were on the stage or in the stadium itself – all from within our Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show mobile app,” said Todd Kaplan, VP of Marketing, Pepsi. 

For fans that will be attending the big game, Verizon is also providing their “5G Multi-View” which will be found within the NFL Ticketholder app. This will however be limited to select Android and iOS 5G phones. It will give those fans the opportunity to engage with up to seven different camera angles, project AR overlays of NFL’s Next Gen Stats for players, and access instant replays. Using Verizon 5G Multi-View means you will never miss a moment of the on-field action – it will be right in the palm of your hand. 

Among the investments Verizon has put into their 5G network, they made a $119 million long term investment throughout Los Angeles and Inglewood, just in preparation for the big game. Of course, that investment on 169 small cells, 4 macro cell sites, and 24 new in-building systems is going to benefit customers living in and traveling to the area for quite some time to come. With regards to the Super Bowl, these solutions will provide reliable, secure service to visitors attending the game, NFL players and staff, first responders and residents of Los Angeles and Inglewood enjoying all the festivities surrounding the big game and beyond.

With all the commotion the Super Bowl brings, we can’t forget about the first responders and workers around the stadium keeping us safe. Verizon Frontline, the advanced network and technology built for first responders, is working closely with public safety agencies throughout Los Angeles County to help ensure first responders have the reliable connectivity they need to protect fans at the game and those in the local community. The Verizon Command Center will also be operating around the clock to help ensure first responders and fans are able to communicate effectively.

For fans at home, you’ve now got the option of 5G Home Internet, available in select areas. Set up is plug and play and will allow you to connect all your TVs, tablets, phones, gaming consoles, etc, to Verizon’s fast 5G network. 

There’s also 5G Business Internet (available in select areas), which gives business customers a wireless alternative to cable internet. It can support businesses of all sizes and includes self setup or professional installation options, multiple pricing and service options, unlimited data, and a 10-year price guarantee (Price guarantee applies to monthly access fee only. Terms and restrictions apply).

So, whether fans are at the game, at home, or on the go, they can stream, tweet, Snap and share quickly and reliably, using Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network.

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Verizon hits 5G site target, turns focus to C-band deployment

Verizon says it’s exceeded its 2021 target for building out its 5G Ultra Wideband cells. Now, amongst FAA concerns over C-Band, Verizon is turning its investment attention to rapidly expanding its C-band airwaves deployment.

Along the way, it’s launching 5G Business Internet service today in: 

  • Athens, GA
  • Knoxville, TN 
  • Tacoma, WA

The company passed its year-end target of 14,000 new Ultra Wideband sites, which feed its phone service, 5G Home internet and 5G Business Internet. That’s provided a 750% increase in 5G Ultra Wideband data use ahead of commercial deployment of the C-band spectrum that it won in last January’s auction.

Verizon says it’s securing agreements with tower partners and installing equipment to pursue its promise of providing Ultra Wideband to 100 million people using C-band airwaves by the end of the first quarter.

Overall, in an accelerated broadband rollout, 5G Home is available in five times the markets compared to 2020, 5G Business Internet in nearly three times the number of cities.

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