Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

  • The main difference is that Openreach is a wholesale network operator/ISP focused on the physical access network (i.e. they own huge fibre networks across the country), while a fully managed service provider like NCG wraps connectivity into an end‑to‑end, multi‑layer service that includes consultancy, design, integration, installation, support, management and ongoing optimisation.

    • Broadband: Shared (contended) internet access, often over fibre but sometimes over older copper. It is cheaper and quicker to install than leased lines but speeds and latency vary, and bandwidth is shared with other users on the network. These services are also not underpinned by SLA-backed support packages and any fixes are best endeavours. 

    • Leased line: A dedicated, uncontended fibre connection with guaranteed symmetrical speeds and strong SLAs, designed for businesses that need consistent performance and uptime.

    • A managed Wi‑Fi network is where a specialist provider like NCG designs, installs, monitors and supports your wireless network for you, instead of your in‑house team buying some access points and “best‑efforts” managing them themselves.

    • Contracting for a managed service will include survey and design, supply and configuration of access points, central controllers/cloud management, security policies, ongoing monitoring, firmware updates and fault resolution all underpinned by an SLA-backed support package. You will pay a predictable fee for performance outcomes rather than owning and running all the kit yourself internally.

    • You are most likely to need a managed WiFi network if connectivity is "business critical" - e.g. you run a multi-tenanted or high-density environment (offices, labs, hotels, PBSA, flex) where Wi-Fi affects occupier satisfaction, operations or revenue. similarly if you lack in-house network expertise and do not want IT/FM teams fielding and dealing with tickets and issues.

    • A wayleave agreement between yourself and an ISP like Openreach will formalise, document and control their access to the telecoms infrastructure they own within your building.

    • Getting a wayleave in place can be costly and time-consuming and create legal complications should you wish to refurbish or dispose of you’re asset.

    • You do not need a wayleave when working with Non-Code Operators like NCG as we hand ownership of the network over to you, whilst still managing and supporting it for you - it is therefore for you to do what you want with that infrastructure. This saves you time, money and hassle.

  • If a large ISP like OR installs your fibre backbone, they own it. If NCG installs it, you own it.

    • There are benefits to your asset - market connected spaces more easily, reduce voids, and increase asset values.

    • Tenants will also benefit from the infrastructure, enabling them to procure enterprise-grade, fibre connectivity quickly at or below market rate, with no wayleave or lengthy installation delays.

    • Generate revenue and ROI on your infrastructure by selling connectivity packages to occupiers.

    • In a traditionally let building, it is standard practice to allow tenants to install their own Wi-Fi infrastructure and network. In a flexible or managed office, generally not. The Operator will provide a fully managed + supported wireless connection for all tenants. this is the most secure way to run a multi-tenanted space.

    • Firstly, look at the basics - are you running a business-grade fibre connectivity with clear SLAs, or a cheap consumer connection? upgrade weak hardware which may be EOL or consumer-grade such as routers, switches, access points, cabling infrastructure. you may also want to look into any fluctuating power issues which can cause random drops and network failures.

    • Build in redundancy in both your connectivity (i.e. a primary and a backup with auto-failover), and install resilient hardware where possible.

    • Ensure you have enough bandwidth and hardware density to serve your space.  

    • Segment and prioritise traffic so business-critical apps aren't competing with guests or bulk traffic, and push heavy, static devices onto wired Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi.

    • Ensure you have a proper support partner in place to deal with any issues.

  • AI is being used increasingly in network management to automate routine tasks, predict and prevent problems, and continuously optimise performance and security.

    • For a brand new circuit installation, carriers will usually provide 45-90 working day installation window, excluding any civil works or wayleave requirements.

    • Partnering with a company like NCG from the start will ensure these timeframes are clear to you from the start, and managed all the way through to handover.

    • Installation of physical hardware within a building should take a matter of days once the building is ready - with ranges depending on the size of the building and the complexity of any cabling requirements.

    • A live circuit - either fibre or broadband depending on your business requirements. resilient if budgets allow.

    • A routing engine, a switch and some Wi-Fi access points - design in redundancy if budgets allow.

    • Owning your network outright may bring some benefits especially if you are a large enterprise with an internal IT team and can leverage your scale directly with manufacturers for better pricing and support. This setup gives you more control over your infrastructure and eco-system, especially if you have company wide security regulations. This hardware also becomes an asset on your balance sheet, and you can chop and change underlying connectivity providers whilst knowing that your hardware stack remains your own. If you have an internal IT Team that can support and manage this technology stack for you, this route makes sense.

    • Alternatively, many SMEs like to lease their hardware from a technology partner like NCG who are wholly responsible for providing a service of a certain level, supporting and managing that infrastructure setup. This includes break-fix support on hardware. If you care more about the service you are getting than the specific technology stack required to deliver it, and do not have an internal team who can support and manage your infrastructure - then leasing may be the way to go.

    • NCG can provide you both options - get in touch to work out which is best for you.

    • In many instances, when landlords contract with Openreach or another large ISP to connect their sites, Openreach retain ownership and control over that infrastructure - hence the need for wayleaves. They will contract directly with your end-users and retain all the revenue, whilst not providing you with any benefits as the landlord.

    • Increasingly, landlords are deciding to buy and own the infrastructure within their sites - negating the need for a wayleave and allowing them much more control over the network. They can therefore use that network to run site-wide services like access control, CCTV, guest Wi-Fi, EV charging, BMS etc and generating revenue by selling connectivity packages to their tenants.

    • Deploy critical connectivity infrastructure and then sell packages to tenants - they benefit from quick connections to enterprise-grade, fibre connectivity at or below market rate, with no wayleave or lengthy installation delays. you generate return on your investment.

    • The same can be said for large business parks who monetise security packages and EV charging solutions.

    • Firstly you should ensure you have a proper support package in place, with a provider you provides a B2B, 24/7 support desk backed up by SLAs and service credits.

    • This will allow you to easily raise tickets, monitor responses + fix times.

    • Ideally you will also have a backup connection with an auto-failover in place to mitigate problems with your primary connection.