The Rising Costs of Analog Lines in the Telecommunications Industry in San Diego

Posted on: March 8th, 2023 by admin

Analog Lines in the Telecommunications

If you’re a business owner in San Diego, then you may have noticed an increase in the cost of your analog phone lines. As technology advances, maintaining analog infrastructure has become more expensive, and telecommunications providers are adjusting their rates accordingly. But what does this mean for your business? And what are the alternatives?

The Cost Efficiency of VOIP Services

One alternative to traditional analog lines is Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services. VOIP allows voice communication to be transmitted over the internet, rather than through traditional phone lines. This technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. In addition to being more cost-effective than traditional phone lines, VOIP also offers a range of advanced features that can benefit businesses of all sizes.

By switching to VOIP, businesses can save money on their monthly phone bills while also gaining access to features such as call routing, voicemail transcription, and video conferencing. Plus, with VOIP, your phone system is hosted in the cloud, which means you don’t need to worry about maintenance or upgrades.

Another alternative for Alarm Lines for your business is a cellular connection

An additional alternative to using traditional analog lines for alarm systems is the use of cellular communication. By utilizing a cellular connection, you can eliminate the need for a physical phone line, which can save you money on monthly phone bills and maintenance costs. Plus, cellular communication is more reliable than traditional phone lines since it is less susceptible to outages and interruptions. Additionally, cellular connections can provide faster and more efficient communication with your monitoring center, which can help ensure that you receive prompt response times in the event of an emergency. Overall, utilizing a cell line for your alarm system can be a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional analog lines.

To make the most of VOIP services, you’ll need a reliable internet connection. Fortunately, there are several internet providers in San Diego to choose from. Here are a few of the most popular options:

Internet Providers that provide Internet and VOIP in San Diego

  • Cox Communications: Cox offers a range of internet plans with speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 940 Mbps. They also offer business-specific plans and support.
  • AT&T: AT&T offers a variety of internet plans with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. They also offer fiber internet to select areas in San Diego.
  • Spectrum: Spectrum offers internet plans with speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 940 Mbps. They also offer business-specific plans and support.
  • Frontier Communications: Frontier offers a range of internet plans with speeds ranging from 6 Mbps to 115 Mbps. They also offer fiber internet to select areas in San Diego.

Final Thoughts

As the cost of analog lines continues to rise, it’s becoming increasingly important for businesses to explore alternative solutions. VOIP services can offer significant cost savings while also providing advanced features that can benefit businesses of all sizes. And with a range of internet providers available in San Diego, it’s easier than ever to find a reliable and cost-effective internet connection to support your business needs. Atel Communications has been helping businesses, large and small, with choosing the best carrier for their business needs. Call us today, and we’ll be more than happy to consult with you – free of charge – at (858) 646-4600. Our consultants are standing by now.

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Ask a Professional: How to Wire a 66 Block for Your Home

Posted on: February 2nd, 2023 by admin

Wiring a 66 block is one of the most challenging wiring jobs you’ll ever encounter as a home remodeling contractor, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. With an experienced hand, this job can be finished in a single day and left as clean as you found it. If you have the patience for meticulous detail and intuitive problem solving, then you’ll love tackling this project. This blog post highlights our top tips for wiring a 66 block and avoiding common issues along the way. Follow these easy instructions to finish your inside wiring job smoothly, >efficiently, and without risk of fire or damage to your house…

Punch down 66 block

What is a 66 block?

The 66 block is a type of wiring unit/outlet that’s used in a home’s single-family residence wiring. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to wire a 66 block, but in case you’re not familiar with the block’s distinctive design, here’s a brief explanation. The 66 block is a single-outlet version of the three-outlet electrical service panel. It has the same shape, but a smaller number of slots (66 vs. 82). This makes it easier to install in a variety of wall heights and locations.

Wire Up a 66 Block from Scratch

Like installing any other circuit, wiring up a new electrical service will require some planning. This includes figuring out where you’ll run the new wires, deciding upon the right circuit breaker or circuit protection device, and selecting the right circuit wiring for your new circuit. With the right tools, you can wire up a 66 block from scratch. However, it’s much easier to install new electrical wiring if it’s part of a complete remodeling job. This will save you a lot of time and hassle, as you won’t have to deal with the complexity of a brand-new wiring job.

Check with Old wiring for Shorter Paths

While it’s tempting to wire a new outlet to whatever circuit it’s replacing, this, in general, is a bad idea. Newer wiring codes require that the new wires are under longer-distance service, so they’ve got to be marked. If the old, shorter path is still in place, then the new wires will be spliced into it. That’s not only a waste of time and materials, but it’s also a safety hazard too. Don’t risk it. Call the electric company and have them send the new circuit wire on a new route.

Install New Wiring for Dimmer Switches

If you wired a new outlet to the same circuit as the previous outlet, then the dimmer switch will stop working. This means you won’t get any light where you want it. This is a simple fix, but it’s easy to forget when you’re focusing on wiring up new outlets. Before you install the dimmer wiring, you’ll need to add one more new wire to the circuit you wired for the new outlet. This will allow you to connect the new dimmer switch to the circuit.

Don’t Forget to Connect the New Wiring to the Outlets and Switches

Test the circuit regularly, even after you’ve finished wiring up the circuit. This includes testing the outlets and switches regularly, checking for short circuits, and testing the wiring to make sure there are no damage and no exposed wires. If you forgot to connect the new wires to the outlets or switches, so that’s a fire hazard. Call the electric company immediately and have them come to fix the problem.

Final Steps: Putty and Paint

Once the wiring job is finished, be sure to clean up and cover any wires in each conduit. Any dust or dirt in the conduit will accumulate inside your walls and floors, posing a serious health risk. If you painted the walls, be sure to paint over the conduit. If you used conduits with plastic covers, then also be sure to clean them off with a damp rag. If you’ve finished up the wiring job, then you’ll be ready for the final step: Puttying and painting the walls, floors, and ceilings. This will give your remodeling job a polished, finished look. These are only a few tips for wiring a 66 block. If you follow them, then you’ll have a much smoother, safer, and more efficient wiring job rather than wiring the block from scratch.

Still Confused?

Don’t worry! You can always contact us in case you need an experienced tech to come out and finish the job done. Atel Communications is your one-stop-shop for all your inside wiring needs. Call us today for a free estimate at 858-646-4600.

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Moving into a New Office Space – 4 Tips for a Successful Move

Posted on: November 8th, 2022 by admin

A filthy room with broken glass and windows

Are You Moving into a New Office Space? If Your Answer Is Yes, Then Here Are 4 Tips to Ensure a Smooth Transition

Whether you’re a new company or a fortune 500 organization, moving into a new office can feel like an exciting time. Sometimes though, if it isn’t done correctly, then it can also be a very stressful time too. This can also be true for moving into a residential area, but when it’s comes down to a business moving into a commercial office space, then there are a lot of moving parts to be aware of. Ultimately, there needs to be a dedicated person managing the project since there is so much that goes into it. Vendor contacts, scheduling, permits, suite access, and property management coordination are just a few aspects of moving into a new office space. To ensure a timely move, everything must play out like a well-choregraphed dance.

Organizations often choose to move into a new office space or building because of a variety of reasons. Building maintenance issues, skyrocketing rents, or even company growth can be good reasons to move. As Covid-19 continues to change the landscape for remote work and company culture, businesses must adapt to meet the demands of a modern world where a hybrid work mentality seems to stick around. A lot of work goes into planning a move, so this blog will discuss the best tips to ensure your business can hit the ground running as soon as office space is turned up. Here at Atel Communications, we have your best interest in mind. Here in San Diego & beyond, we’ve been assisting companies big and small with their office moves for over 30 years, so we have accumulated some best practices over the years. Here are 4 tips for a successful move.

4 business people gesturing angrily at a blonde woman who has her eyes closed

1. Don’t procrastinate and start planning now

As they say, “the early bird always gets the worm” – this is especially true for ALL office moves. The earlier that you can get started, the better. If your new office space needs major construction or even slight renovation, you’ll need to make sure to start months in advance. When the owner or board members of your business has made the decision on a move-in date, and you think it’s so far in advance that there is no need to rush, then that’s your first mistake. Most businesses don’t realize that they need multiple vendors contracted before a move can even get started. Once a date has been selected, then the next step, which is often overlooked, is to check to see what Internet and voice services are available in your new building. Most of the time, businesses primarily focus on suite availability and cost when making their selection, but what if there isn’t Fiber services or business-class cable available? If you have current Telco services, then did you check with your carrier to make sure that they can service your new building? This is really important, so make sure that this step isn’t overlooked at all. Once that is all set, then the next step that we recommend is that you start canvassing for vendors, so they can assist you with your move. You’ll need to start looking for construction vendors to help setting up your office layout.

Business people looking at papers of graphs

2. Choosing a point of contact within the company

Once a construction vendor has been selected, then you’ll need to have a reliable point of contact within your company to lead the project management. No other vendors will do this for you, so someone in your organization will need to take the bull by the horns for this task. This is a job that is best handled by a Project planner. They need to be trustworthy and dedicated to any spur-of-the-moment crisis. This person will also need to be the one that has keys to the new suite, and they should be the liaison between your vendors and the property management company that manages the new building that your new suite resides in. This job can be very time-consuming as well, so make sure that you choose someone that isn’t with a whole bunch of other tasks that are critical for day-to-day operations. They’ll need to efficiently manage quotes from vendors, contracting vendors, and scheduling each milestone as the move-in date gets closer.

A cardboard box with a Fragile sticker on it

3. Be Diligent when selecting the right moving company

Right before you sign a lease, it’s always a best practice to find the right moving company for the job. An often-overlooked aspect of selecting a moving company is to ensure that they have insurance. As a rule of thumb, make sure that they provide proof of insurance. In case something gets damaged, then your business may be critically down before you get your new office up and running. Don’t be shy when asking for this proof, so it’s best to ask for this proof very early on. Remember, just because a moving company will move your furniture, that doesn’t mean that they are comfortable with moving your IT and phone system equipment too. Therefore, you’ll also want to contact your IT Vendor or IT Director, so they can setup your IT equipment at your new location. Also, unless you are utilizing a hosted phone system that your IT manages, then it’s also best to have your current phone vendor to move and install your PBX voice system too. Like your furniture mover, make sure that proof of insurance is shown before you contract them.

Ethernet cables plugged into a router

4. Finally, everything that you worked on so far is all reliant on your telco installation

Telco…Telco…Telco! If you haven’t heard this term before, then don’t be surprised – unless you work in the industry, then you might not have heard this term before. Telco is short for Business Class Telecommunications Services. Spectrum, Verizon, Cox, AT&T, and the list goes on. Telco is the data/voice services that your business pays for, so you can connect to the outside world. Without them, your company is seriously dead in the water. This is especially a critical component when you are moving your office. Most companies that we work with treat this as the final piece of the puzzle.

As you can see in the beginning of this blog, searching for a compatible Telco provider should be one of the first things you look for, and it should be a key component when choosing a new office space. Timing is important when installing new services before you move into your new office. If you install too late, then you’re just going to be sitting there when your new office opens up. If you install too early, then you’re going to be paying for services that you aren’t using until you officially move in. The point of contact that you assign for this move must always keep in contact with your new or current provider to ensure that installation is timed just right. We recommend that you set the installation of your internet 2 or 3 weeks before your official move-in date and your voice for the same-day of your official move. These days, most companies use SIP or VoIP voice services, so without an internet connection, these types of voice services are useless. In case something goes wrong with the installation of your internet, then you’ll have plenty of lead-time to correct the filed installation if you plan accordingly.

Atel Communications has been offering Project Management Solutions for our customers for close to 40 years now, so we have experienced every obstacle imaginable. If all this sounds overwhelming, then you should let us manage your next move. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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What Are the Best Kind of Ethernet Cables I Should Buy for My Business?

Posted on: October 18th, 2022 by admin

Six ethernet cabled with fiber optics

There are many flavors to choose from when it comes to Ethernet Cables, so choosing the correct type is paramount to your networks’ success. Whether you’re choosing cabling for your own office or it’s for a client, then you’ll need to choose wisely if you want the best results. Selecting the correct Ethernet Cable is critical – not only because of financial costs but for the reliability of your network & building safety as well. This isn’t a task that one should tread lightly. If you don’t plan your cabling solution carefully, then you could make some costly and time-consuming mistakes in the long term. In this blog, we are going to lay out all options for you so that you can make the best possible choice of inside wiring either for your own business suite, home office, or for one of your clients.

How Do I Know What Kind of Cable Is Best for the Job?

We’ve all heard these sayings before, “You get what you pay for,” or “Everything is NOT created equal.” In both cases, these also apply to all your options when it comes to Ethernet Cabling. Not all Ethernet Cabling is created equal, so make sure that you pay for cabling through a reputable distributor. You can find ethernet cabling almost everywhere online these days, and even though you may think you’re getting a great price break, you might be setting yourself up for disaster. The outer protection of the cable might be of sub-par quality, or the internal twisted strands of wire can be manufactured poorly.

Are you cabling a small home office? Or will it be for sprawling office space? For a small office in your home with 2 small cable runs under 10 feet, then this may not be that big of an issue. On the other hand, when you have multiple runs all over 50 ft in your business park office space, then it’s very important not to cheap out on the cost. When buying online, make sure that you read the customer reviews and compare costs to find any red flags.

These Are 4 Things to Look for When Choosing the Correct Cable

  1. Find the UL Markings on the outer jacket of the cable – UL, also known as Underwriters Laboratory, is a global/independent Safety Science Company. Their job is to test, certify, and validate various products for multiple industries. Their focus is to guarantee safety to the public before products can be sold on the open market. Therefore, to ensure that your cable has been certified by this non-profit organization, then look out for the UL badge either on the jacket of the wire or on the box that the wire gets shipped in.
  2. Verify if the cable is Plenum-Rated – When it comes to Ethernet Cables, Plenum-Rated cables mean that the protective covering is manufactured with a low-flame and low-smoke insulation. This rating is required in any air handling areas in the building. The fire-rated cable reduces the risk of catching fire, but if somehow the building does have a fire and the wire gets burned, then the plenum-rated cable won’t release toxic fumes in an area where there are a lot of employees.
  3. Make sure the twisted cable inside is pure copper wire and not copper-clad aluminum – Some manufacturers reduce costs by producing cabling using dipped aluminum wires instead of pure copper wires. Sure, this manufacturing process can cut corners, but there is a huge drop in efficiency. When compared to pure copper, you can lose up to 30 to 40 percent of the signal over these types of wires, so make sure that the cost-savings wire is pure copper and not copper-clad aluminum.
  4. To shield or not to shield – Because ethernet wires are twisted, extra shielding can help better protect cables. Cables with Extra shielding are more suitable for outdoor cable runs rather than inside-wiring cable runs. Outdoor cable runs have way more interference, so it’s strongly recommended to have extra shielding for those types of cable runs.

As you can see, there are many variables when it comes to ethernet cabling, and I hope this blog helped to clear up most of your questions. If you’re still not sure how to move forward with your cabling needs, then let the pros help you with that. Whether it’s for your business or your home office, ATEL Communications can get the job done right the first time. Call us today at 858-646-4600 for a free quote.

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The Best Practices and Pitfalls of Cabling a New Office with Brand New CAT6 Cabling

Posted on: October 12th, 2022 by admin

Blue cables plugged into a computer

Every year, ethernet cabling becomes more important in our world of ever-changing technologies. The biggest reason why cabling needs to be replaced is that as older buildings age, then so does the inside wiring that may have been in place for years. The most common ethernet cabling installed today is CAT 6, or Category 6 Ethernet Cabling. Of course, in the long term, it seems that the tech world is always moving closer to a wireless society, but in our current state of technology, I’d say we aren’t quite there yet. Most businesses can’t escape from having their offices re-cabled with today’s newer CAT 6 cabling. As more companies move from older to newer offices, or if they are adding new locations to their regional footprint, then the topic of installing NEW cabling always needs to be addressed before the suite or building can be officially ready to move in.

Ethernet Cabling, if properly installed, allows for the constant and secure flow of data. Without ethernet cabling connecting to your data systems, routers, modems, adapters, or whatever ‘device’ that needs connecting throughout your facility, then your business would be dead in the water. Sure, you can probably get by with WiFi, but ultimately, unless you have a tremendous wireless network to handle the workload, then data bottlenecks can be a real problem.

As a professional cabling company, Telco Broker, PBX phone vendor, and MSP for multiple clients, ATEL Communications has many years of experience. In this blog, we’ll discuss many of the best practices and pitfalls to avoid when getting the job done right.

Step 1 – Plan Ahead

Having a layout of what the office will look like when it’s all done will help out a ton. It’s always best to plan where and how many desks will be needed before a cabler can even get started. As we always tell our customers, the most expensive part of a cabling job is the labor, so it’s best to finish the job without overdoing it with labor costs. The price of cable isn’t that steep these days, so it’s ok to go overboard with a little extra cable instead of labor. Also, you should never underestimate the amount of labor that’s needed to complete the job, too, if time is a constraint.

Step 2 – Choose the Correct Wiring

Each office is different, and each cable run may need to be slightly different depending on the environments that they’ll be installed. Cables must be chosen wisely – industrial properties such as long life can depend on if the wiring coating is resistant to UV light, cutting, abrasiveness, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. The use of different colored cables goes a long way too. Most Businesses do this to help differentiate certain parts of their internal networks. Certain departments, employees, and or different regions of the buildings are good reasons why to buy different colored cabling before you start the installation process.

Step 3 – Installation of Single or Multiple Cable Runs

As we mentioned earlier, the best way to start any cabling project is by having an overhead view of the office. Once that document is created, then you should make multiple copies – especially if you have a lot of cable runs that are needed. The placement of your cable drops are crucial to the initial design of your office. In case the office isn’t ready to move in or furniture isn’t in place yet, then it’s still a great idea to have a solid plan well in advance. One option is to prepare the cable runs before they are tested and activated. This process is called ‘roughing-in’ the cable close to the location where it will eventually be terminated at. Those roughed-in cables are then coiled up and tucked in the ceiling until they are ready to be dropped and terminated. This can save time in case you have a quick deadline to meet. Cables should never be run under the floor, and when the cables are installed in the ceiling, then make sure that the cables do not rest on the tiles or on any other pipes. All cables in the ceiling need to be suspended so that they can pass inspection. Make sure that your bundles of cable stay manageable and don’t become overcrowded. Finally, the rule of thumb for more than 10 cables throughout the office is to have a strict wire management system. Cable ties, wire labeling, and clean/neat patch panels or racks are highly recommended.

In Conclusion

Every building is different. There are many obstacles that can have huge setbacks when running cables, so we don’t recommend that companies or IT staff do this on their own. With over 30 years of experience installing inside wiring and cabling throughout the US, ATEL Communications has the staff and expertise to get your next cabling job done the right way. No job is too small or too large for ATEL Communication, so contact us today at 858-646-4600 for a free quote.

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State of the Art High-Definition Surveillance Solutions by Alibi ATEL

Posted on: June 8th, 2022 by admin

Alibi security system and cameras.

Alibi has become a recognizable brand in the United States for providing security and monitoring services without compromising performance. Their solutions offer HD-TVI and IP video surveillance solutions in a user-friendly interface packed with many features ahead of the competition. Alibi provides the latest tech in video analytics with top-notch video quality while giving a simplistic approach to installation. Let’s discuss some salient features that set Alibi apart.

Latest Technology – Staying Ahead of the Curve

The products supplied and installed by Alibi deliver the best performance and enhanced flexibility. All of their products can serve you with a wide array of surveillance needs.

Cutting Edge Components – Best quality means more durability and better features. Their components, like cameras, feature varifocal lenses that provide a long-range view, and image sensors, help in CMOS progressive scanning. You can use the equipment in any environment due to advanced heat dissipation and higher temperature ratings.

Exceptional Image Quality – Don’t be fooled by the resolution rating that other competitors boast. Image quality is a function of research and engineering that helps record the best quality without limitation.

Designed for Simplicity – Your choice should be for the best and most seamless experience that technology and equipment can provide. Alibi’s user-friendly designs have been implemented with great input from the users. Most importantly, autodetection, configuration, installation, and even best performance have the user’s input.

Scalable and Forward-Thinking – Alibi installations are designed to expand when the need arises. Adding cameras and increasing monitoring capabilities is easy as all channels are licensed and fully enabled.

Feature Packed Yet User Friendly

The designers and engineers at Alibi Solutions believe your budget should only be limited to how many cameras you want. The UIX and features packed in the software and code will be fully packed, whether 10 cameras or 100. The latest options are available in our software, including smart searches, tagging, timeline searches, and choice of arranging the layouts. Following are some of the great features we provide:

Local Monitoring

Features in local monitoring range from intelligent recording and custom live-view up to more sophisticated features.

  • Up to 16 cameras are supported in custom live-view, fully customizable, and adjustable display.
  • Real-time detection alarms are available even included is the Video Content Analysis without any video loss.
  • Multiple PTZ support included such as preset, patrol, and even pattern monitoring.
  • Smart search can search a particular area for certain defined things and later for any offloaded video on command.

Powerful Search and Playback

  • Scrubbing the timeline is easy with great feedback.
  • You can easily tag videos for different scenarios like shoplifting, fights, etc. you can always come back to the same spot when needed.
  • Specifying a specific area will allow you to register and pause whenever there is any movement.
  • Smart locking protects specific videos from being accessed, recorded over, and deleted.

Easy Export

  • Easy export via USB or network
  • You can playback easily any video before exporting it.
  • All videos are extracted using the universal MP4 format that you can play on most devices.
  • Management features like alarm control, event management, and account management add further layers.

Video Analytics

Focus on your work while the security system stays vigilant while saving storage:

  • Protection against tampering allows alarms when changing the camera’s location or any meddling.
  • Alarms are set off when the focus is out or the lens is dirty.
  • Face detection can quickly identify someone entering the field of view and take snaps for later identification.
  • Detects any change to the view area.

Retail Loss Prevention Solutions

  • The devices and cameras easily detect if there is any change in the volume of POS machines. This protection provides additional audits to the people working for you.
  • Keywords searches will help you locate any timeline and transactional evidence.

App Support

  • You can easily view and shift to multiple sites for surveillance.
  • The app allows access to different sites and mixes and matches their cameras for a more comfortable template.
  • You can easily view the live and recorded video from the app at your leisure.
  • You can view up to 16 cameras at a single time on the app.
  • It will allow you to modify and delete connected devices or simply edit when required.
  • The app supports multiple languages for a multicultural team.
  • You can easily manage the PTZ camera control using your touchscreen device.

Detailed in Resolution

Digital Megapixel cameras allow more area coverage than analog cameras, 4 times higher than regular ones. This helps you digitally zoom in on the feed without compromising quality.

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What Does the Future Hold for Fixed Wireless Here in San Diego?

Posted on: June 6th, 2022 by admin

Wifi signals and connectivity concept icons over city skyline.

In today’s high-tech world, high-speed internet is undeniably a necessity for the existence of human
society and especially modern business. Whether you’re contacting customers, deploying field sales
reps, or bringing new employees into the fold, a reliable internet connection is crucial in today’s
business climate.

At ATEL Communications, we always recommend our customers select the right internet technology
based on their requirements.

Here in the sunny city of San Diego, California – there are tons of internet providers from which to
choose. But, often, businesses tend to overlook a large and growing player in the internet community –
Fixed Wireless. Today, we’ll do a deep dive into the present-day use of fixed wireless and what could
be the future of the technology as internet speeds keep increasing.

By now, you’re probably asking yourself, “So what is Fixed Wireless Internet exactly”?

Fixed Wireless is a technology that uses radio waves transmitted from a base station to provide
internet connectivity. In San Diego, Fixed Wireless is a newly used term, but in the past, it used to be
called a wireless point-to-point network. So call it what you will because they are really talking about
the same thing at the end of the day.

A receiver or antenna is installed outside a customer’s building. From there, a cable-run connects the
receiver to a router that’s installed inside the customer’s suite or building. From the base station, which
is local here in San Diego, the internet provider bounces the wireless signal from building to building
through a network of antennas that current customers already have. Unlike 4G internet or 5G internet,
it doesn’t use cell towers to deliver its service but rather a network of antennas that are already
existing on other customers’ roofs or buildings. Eventually, they are all daisy-chained to provide an
ever-expanding coverage area for new and existing customers.

For businesses in San Diego, connecting to a fixed wireless internet is the exact same thing as
connecting to a router/service such as fiber or a T1 connection.

The speed of Fixed Wireless is genuinely comparable to that of cable & fiber optic internet. But what
sets it apart from other technologies is that it’s a lower price point than traditional fiber. Still, similar to
cable internet, it can also be turned up and activated in a speedy time frame.

As with any new technology, customers always have their concerns for Fixed Wireless here in
San Diego

Since fixed wireless internet offers several benefits, there are some drawbacks too, but not what you
would typically think for wireless service.

The most common questions that businesses ask before signing up for Fixed Wireless are:

  • How stable is this kind of internet connection?
  • If we need to up our speeds, can Fixed Wireless scale upward with a quick turnaround?
  • How secure is Fixed Wireless?
  • In San Diego, are there any geographical drawbacks that may hinder the quality of this service?

Some companies do worry that bad weather will make the service perform horribly. However, unlike
4G or 5G wireless, it’s worth noting that while bad weather has the potential to slow down fixed
wireless internet, that’s rarely the case with a redundant Fixed Wireless provider. The biggest and best
fixed wireless providers in San Diego use carrier-grade equipment, advanced technology, and a vast
network of antennas to counter interference caused by bad weather.

For this reason, fixed wireless is undoubtedly one of the more reliable wireless internet connectivity
technologies on the market – compared to 4G and 5G broadband. Keep in mind, though, that all
internet connections are not entirely immune to extreme weather and natural disasters. Heck, even a
fiber circuit can go down because someone decides to dig on their property and cut an existing fiber
line, or maybe a fire rips through a community only to decimate the broadband infrastructure that was
already in place.

The installation process of Fixed Wireless providers for businesses here in San Diego is the same
except for cellular wireless. First, an order is placed, and then the carrier conducts a Site Survey to
ensure that the service and speed are doable. For Fixed Wireless, though, the site survey is done from
the rooftop of a prospective building. They then check for a line of site to the nearest antenna and
conduct tests to ensure that they can deliver the speeds that they already promised the customer. If
the line of site test passes, then it’s time to move forward with the installation. However, if it doesn’t
pass, then this usually means that there is no direct line of site to the nearest fixed wireless receiver.

At that point, the installation is halted, and the customer can then exit the agreement without accruing
any penalties for the cancellation. Therefore, there are many types of physical barriers that can inhibit
fixed wireless providers from allowing their service to be used in certain territories in San Diego or
anywhere else, for that matter. Mountains, other buildings, trees, and distance from existing antennas
are usually the biggest hurdles for Fixed Wireless providers here in San Diego.
Regarding security, it’s easy to think that a wireless signal isn’t as secure as a wired connection, such
as fiber, but that isn’t the case either. Fixed wireless internet has the same level of security as other
‘Wired’ broadband connections. In addition, the easy-to-install and lower costs make it an excellent
choice for internet connectivity.

What other benefits can Fixed Wireless provide?

Crazy-fast internet speeds that usually range from 3MB to 1000MB per second are what businesses
need, and fixed wireless can deliver. Also, with extremely low latency for a wireless signal, it can often
be more stable than DSL, cable broadband, and especially cellular wireless. In the arena of wireless
internet technologies, fixed wireless is the ideal service to use for VOIP, Cloud, or Hosted phones.
As stated earlier, one of the most significant benefits of fixed wireless is its ease of implementation. It
doesn’t require service providers to run phone lines or cables underground, nor does it require them to
create the necessary infrastructure for fiber optic cables – above or below ground. Here in San Diego,
this also makes fixed wireless available for difficult-to-reach locations too.

What customers does Fixed Wireless benefit the most?

Fixed wireless internet is suitable for both primary and secondary data circuits. It’s especially
beneficial for business customers in rural areas. In most cases, the flatter the geographical
topography, the better. Fixed Wireless can be the bridge for businesses in these locations where other
wired connections lack competition between ISPs. An ISP that knows that they are the only ones that
can deliver fiber to the customer building will often charge more for their services, so this is also where
fixed wireless can outperform as a stiff competitor. They can compete at a lower price point to the
customer.

In San Diego, will Fixed Wireless become obsolete one day?

There is always talk about the longevity of fixed wireless technology as new technologies become a
reality. Can satellite internet conquer the landscape of wireless one day? Will 5G squash fixed wireless
in the long run? Did video kill the radio stars? Nope, I don’t think so, but only time will tell. The good
news is that the fixed wireless sector is growing at a breakneck speed, so that it won’t be going away
anytime soon. Every year, more and more players are entering this business vertical, so I predict that
rates will continue to drop while coverage areas will continue to increase over time.

ATEL Communications has been a leader in Business Class Phone Systems and Broadband High-
Speed Internet for close to 40 years now. Join our team today and let us consult with your voice & data

team to ensure that your business can keep the lights on for long as it can.

Contact us NOW!!!

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Why Should My Business Go with an NEC SV9300 and What Are the Benefits of the Univerge Blue Services?

Posted on: May 11th, 2022 by admin

Business team in meeting room using multiple mobile devices while on video conference call.

Intelligent Communications for Small & Medium Sized Businesses

With over 100 years of real-world experience and substantial investment in advancing
communications, backed by NEC, UNIVERGE BLUE benefits far exceed the competition. NEC has
always maintained a global reputation as a leading and trustworthy solution provider that is committed
to the success of its customers, the customers that they serve, and those that depend on them. The
smart enterprise innovates by leveraging the best and most current information technologies, tools,
and products. With NEC’s UNIVERGE® SV9300 Communications Platform (IP PBX) / PABX,
organizations are empowered by technologies that optimize best business practices, drive workforce
engagement, and create a competitive advantage.

UNIVERGE BLUE and why it matters:

1. Cloud Migration – Simplified

Whether it’s responsive communications, more collaborative work practices,
or simplified and more secure data storage, UNIVERGE BLUE is the cloud
solution to get the job done. From one-off services to multi-faceted
environments, UNIVERGE BLUE delivers practical and cost-effective solution
for every sized business.

2. Staying Connected and Productive

UNIVERGE BLUE® CONNECT combines your PBX, Text Chat, Video
Conferencing, Screen Sharing, and file management into a seamless
experience that fits with your business size, needs, and work style. It’s
customizable, and it’s scalable cloud-based-services for your business are
backed by NEC’s Stress-Free Cloud Experience.

  • Allows any mobile device to become part of the CONNECT phone system.
  • Increase workforce flexibility with virtually anywhere, anytime and on any device accessibility.
  • Transcribes voicemail messages to text and email for efficient voicemail handling.
  • Integrates chat, text messaging, video conferencing, screen sharing, file sharing, file backup for greater
    productivity and collaboration.

3. Cost Efficient

With UNIVERGE BLUE CONNECT, there is no phone system hardware to
buy, install, manage, upgrade, or replace.

  • Service is based on number of users and not on number of lines.
  • Voice and data is consolidated onto one network for centralized management.
  • Flat, per-user rates include no extra or hidden fees but set monthly costs.
  • 100+ enterprise-grade calling features are included in the service for optimal functionality.

4. Easy to Set Up, Manage, and Use Your Phone System

Get started quickly using your current phone number and preconfigured
phones to connect to the internet in no time, no complex hardware required.

  • With the integration of 90+ enterprise-grade features along with industry-leading network call quality and
    uptime.
  • System management and call reporting features are handled from a single web-based portal.

UNIVERGE SV9300 Advanced Features:

  • Versatile architecture – works as an IP phone system (VoIP), traditional phone system or a
    combination of the two
  • One of the most easily configured Unified-Communications-capable systems on the market
  • Lower carriage costs with SIP trunks
  • Modular architecture for exceptional scalability – cost effective up to 2,048 resource ports
  • Station up to 1,536
  • Trunks up to 512
  • Easy migration from UNIVERGE SV8100 and SV8300
  • Distinct, scalable unified communications
  • Voice/UC/UM delivered as an integrated solution
  • Comprehensive Contact Center suite
  • Broad range of mobility applications and devices
  • Wide-range of end-points (IP phone/Digital phone/Analog phone)

For more information on how The NEC UNIVERGE BLUE SV9300 can help your business, please give us a call at (858) 646-4600 and speak to one of our associates.

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Office Relocation during the Pandemic: What Businesses Need to Know First

Posted on: April 1st, 2022 by admin

Box of office supplies on desk with business woman using tablet in background.

As a result of the Pandemic, more workers telecommute, and some businesses are choosing to downsize or
relocate to other parts of the country where leasing is less costly. This need to move makes sense; however, it’s
probably best to understand the pros and cons of making a move during these perilous times.

First, it is possible to stick to a move plan set before COVID-19, but with some basic modifications. Moving
companies must take additional safety precautions to minimize the threat of exposure to the Coronavirus disease
such as educating and testing staff as well as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during meetings and
walkthroughs. Project managers are also encouraged to call the Point of Contact before the move to announce the
crew’s arrival and give the client time to minimize the number of personnel present. Project managers can also
maintain virtual contact to keep the client informed of the move’s progress and use a video conferencing app to
answer any questions that might require visual confirmation.

Can my current Internet and Voice Services be moved to the new address?
Are there better options available at the new office?

Selecting a small business internet service is no easy task. When it comes to small business internet providers,

there’s no shortage of options, from large communications companies to small cable providers to discount start-
ups.

So, what’s the best internet for your businesses? It depends on your specific needs, and there are
several considerations business owners need to take into account. Many seek a provider that balances reliable,
fast, and simple internet that also meets the budget. After all, communication is the foundation for good
business. In our digital world, fast and reliable connectivity is critical for instant access to customers and
suppliers.

Here at ATEL Communications, we have helped many customers find better Telco Options. Additionally, we have
assisted many customers with moving their current Voice and Internet services. A lot of times, Small Business
Owners are always watching their bottom line, so they are more focused on Value & Cost. Meanwhile,
Enterprise Businesses focus on speed and uptime for certain applications. Whatever the needs are, ATEL
Communications has a network of providers that we can either refer to or help manage the ordering process.
Usually, the options available to the customer can depend on where the new office is located. Cable, Fiber, Point
to Point Wireless, 5G Wireless, Satellite Wireless, DSL, and or Ethernet are the many options available today.
Each technology is different, and more importantly, their installation times are different, so make sure to give
your self ample time of researching & placing an order before your move date arrives.

Who do we contact to help move our IT, Networking and voice equipment?

Whether your IT department consists of one person, or you have a Managed IT Provider who will do the
majority of the work for you, it’s essential that you plan each detail of your office move precisely and far enough
in advance. Keep in mind that many carriers require long lead times for installation, so planning your IT
relocation is not something you want to leave until the last minute.

Your IT Checklist:

  1. Plan your IT relocation well in advance.
  2. Evaluate your equipment.
  3. Assess your communications requirements.
  4. Prepare your site visit checklist.
  5. Consider your telecommunication options.
  6. Protect your data.
  7. Prepare for Move Day.
  8. Test your new office’s network.

ATEL Communications has been in business for well over 38 years now, and we have plenty of
experience with helping our customers move in a timely/efficient manner. ATEL Communications has
helped many customers in The City of San Diego and all across the country as well. Whether you need help with
moving your IT and or Voice equipment, referring a local IT vendor to help set-up your new location, or you
need assistance with finding a faster and more reliable internet connection, then please let us help you today.
Contact us and speak to one of our move specialists now.

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Can a Business With a Phone System or Hosted Phone System Remove a Pots Line Away From Critical Emergency Services Like Elevators or Fire Alarms?

Posted on: April 1st, 2022 by admin

Close up of a fire alarm on a brick wall.

Currently, There Is a Long-Term Process of Eliminating Analog Telephone Lines in the Communications Space, AKA Plain Old Telephone Service (POTs)

Here at ATEL Communications, we have a firm understanding of this shifting landscape. Emergency communications providers spend plenty of time thinking about how to best meet the needs of their customers. ISPs and voice service providers have always focused on lowering the cost of services while keeping their services easy to use. As most customers switch away from older analog lines to VOIP, sometimes there is a trade-off. Landlines are becoming fewer and fewer as more Internet service providers rip up old copper infrastructure and replace it with cheaper, more efficient Fiber Optics or Ethernet infrastructure. Digital Phone or VOIP servicers now have a wider range of customers. From smaller single Office Businesses, Corporate Office Buildings, and multi-family residential spaces, this trend will affect all of us in the longer term – if it hasn’t done so already. As the trend continues, you may ask yourself, what can I do to stay ahead of the technological curve & what are the options available to me as Telecom Infrastructure moves away from copper?

AT&T and the FCC, the acronyms that everyone knows when it comes to Voice and Data transmission, are the main culprits behind this migration. Without getting into too much history on how or why we got to this technological shift, we just need to know that POTs (plain old telephone service) lines and the PSTNs (public switched telephone networks) are over a century old – yes, you read that correctly, some of this Telecom Infrastructure is well over 100 years old.

But what does that really mean, and where does that leave you, the consumer?

To fully answer that question, we need to define what a POTs line is. Also, more importantly, what are the key differences between analog, digital, cellular, mobile, wireless, and VoIP?

  • Analog Lines (plain old telephone services) service the PSTN by making a connection through copper wiring. POTs transmit voice signals into electronic signals/pulses. This has been the standard voice system across the globe since the 1880s, and it is still very reliable today. You’ll still notice telephone poles strung with wires when you’re driving down the road. RPU or Revenue Per User from POTS lines have been steadily waning, and with new technologies forcing their way into the space, it doesn’t make sense to invest more money in what is becoming an outdated system. Can consumers really blame the telecommunication giants for their logic here? I don’t think so. However, the advantages of analog have traditionally been two-fold. First, you can maintain voice service if or when your power goes down. Secondly, when an emergency 911 call is made from a serviceable phone within the PSTN, it can easily help emergency service providers identify the location you are calling from.
  • Digital lines connect through digital cabling like Ethernet or Fiber Optics. The signaling process uses radio waves. Voice signals are compressed into binary code or bits and sent over a more efficient and less costly transmission line(s). Although digital lines provide better sound clarity, the data may not necessarily be more accurate than analog transmission lines since it depends on how much information is transmitted. Internet outages/routing can cause voice data to bottleneck. Instead of dropping the signal altogether, the ISP finds what data is missing and replace missing data with generic 0’s and 1’s to ensure that the voice connection stays stable. This is commonly referred to in the industry as Packet Loss.
  • VoIP (voice over internet protocol) converts analog signals to digital via the internet. Even though most Modern-Day Businesses are moving toward this type of service or signaling, we do not recommend using VoIP for your emergency phones/services.
  • Mobile simply means a device requires an internal battery for power and antennae to receive a wireless signal from the nearest Data Transmission Tower. Mobile means that you can take it with you from place to place wherever you have reception. For example, the iPhone in your pocket is a mobile device.
  • Wireless does not mean mobile (portable) but rather refers to the network – Such as a local area network (LAN) which uses a router to make what was once a cabled connection wireless, or wide area network (WAN), which uses 3G or 4G technology.
  • Cellular is a two-way radio connection. This can ride over a network where the last link in that network is wireless.

Ok, did you get all that? Does all this make sense to you now? If you’re like me, then probably not. But, this is what the average customer must deal with in terms of available options & Tech Jargon. So how does one navigate through all this technology and choose the right service for their Business?

FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES, THIS IS ONE OF THE EASIEST SOLUTIONS (There are other solutions as well):
One of the easiest solutions uses an ADA-compliant hands-free device, but it eliminates your dependence on POTS lines. A cellular transceiver is placed outside of the concrete, with the cellular unit positioned for signal strength & access to power. The signal is then sent via a cellular communicator through a local wireless service provider. In the end, copper wiring is still required to connect that communicator to the elevator within the building until one day, buildings eventually rip out their copper infrastructure and replace it with digital wiring. That’s a whole separate Blog or conversation, so we’ll save that for another day. This is only one of the many solutions, but there are plenty more.

Finally, when thinking about emergency communications, isn’t a POTS line the best choice then? Not necessarily. One thing is certain, choosing which service is better for your business can be a daunting & scary process. Rest assured, ATEL Communications is here to assist you with your Technological Telecom upgrades. We have helped many customers navigate the ever-moving landscape of cutting-edge Business Phone Systems, Hosted Phone Systems, VOIP, and Digital Voice Systems. As a Telecom Broker, we can recommend the best ISP’s in your area to ensure that the reliable equipment that we provide can also be serviced by a reliable Service Provider that we recommend during our consultation process.

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