OpenReach adds MegaPath’s broadband strengths

OpenReach has extended its business protection program to include IP transport services such as DSL, fractional T1 and T3 through an agreement to use MegaPath Networks’ broadband services. OpenReach customers can now purchase business protection services that include IP transport, wide area network security and monitoring in a single package.

“Even though in the past we let customers use whatever IP networks they wanted and gave them the ability to quickly change IP providers … the mid-range companies wanted to know who they should be using. That’s what led us to MegaPath as our broadband IP services partner,” said Lori Silvia, OpenReach’s product marketing vice president. “Unlike other carriers, they’re not facilities-based; they work with many different partners to make up their national telecommunications network.”

OpenReach also uses its broadband connection to steer customers away from dial-up ISDN back-up.

“For what they’re paying for ISDN back-up, we can put an always-on DSL circuit in, plus the OpenReach service that is nominally active, monitored, alerted, so you know about the quality of your back-up and when you need it,” said Mark Tuomenoksa, OpenReach’s chairman-founder. “Instead of establishing a single circuit back to a data center, it will actually mimic the frame relay topology.”

The partnership with MegaPath is aimed at mid-range companies with about 150 locations and 1000 to 1500 employees. It aims to allay concerns of customers who have seen turmoil and disruption in the service provider space.

“We’re seeing a need to diversify the carrier portfolio,” Tuomenoksa said. “Rather than being tied to one carrier, they want more diversity in their contracts, more diversity in their support. That’s been an impetus for many customers to start to consider this kind of approach.”

“Even though we’re a small company we run a very tight business,” he said. “We have a much better looking balance sheet in terms of how we approach the market.”