Wifi speeds and legislation in Minnesota

8/31/2020

Speed and options are key in a time when internet usage has sky-rocketed as businesses switch to remote working, and schools switch to virtual learning.

A proposal to provide more broadband funding across Minnesota faces an uncertain future this year as state officials consider how to spend federal virus-related aid.

The Minnesota Senate passed a $27 million broadband bill that relies on federal CARES Act money during the June special session, but the House never took up the bill. Republicans say House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Gov. Tim Walz have held up the bill over political issues, while Democrats say Walz is carefully weighing state spending priorities when it comes to federal COVID-19 funding.

As a result, the state may not get more broadband funding at a time when more Minnesotans are using the internet for work and school, something lawmakers agree will hurt Greater Minnesota over time.

"Rural broadband is a very important issue on par with rural electrification of the United States in the 1930s," said Sen. Nick Frentz, DFL-North Mankato.

Simplified Communications will review your current usage and provide alternate options. See our recommendations on how to safeguard against slow connectivity and outages.

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Microsoft Teams gets an Upgrade

8/31/2020

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Microsoft Teams gets several new features including Spotlight, Call Merge and more

Microsoft announced several new features for Microsoft Teams users across the world. The new features announced are applicable across meetings, calling, devices, chat and collaboration, IT admin, and industry.

Spotlight is a brand-new feature that is part of this release. With Spotlight, presenters can lock their video as the main view for all meeting participants. Microsoft Teams now supports Call Merge, so you can merge several calls into a 1-1 call or another group call. For education customers, the improved Insights in Microsoft Teams for Education now offers a new view that allows administrators to monitor digital engagement from the student to the system level.

For assistance with getting the most out of your Microsoft Teams account, contact Simplified Communications!

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How to save money with Simplified Communications.

8/24/2020

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Review Company Phone/Internet Spending:

We're in a time with many uncertainties, which means it's a good time to review your company's spending habits to separate the necessities from the luxuries.

According to American Express, these are some of the top traps for businesses needing to reign in their spending:

Excess Employees
New Technology
Overpayment

In our experience, there is another key item missing from that list: Phone/Internet.

1. Ensure you aren’t overspending on voice and internet costs.

Most individuals and businesses are paying too much for their Phone and/or Internet services. They're either paying for services or coverage they don't need, or the carriers have offered new terms and pricing that the consumer hasn't taken advantage of.

The experts at Consumer Reports say as many as 50% to 70% of Americans are overpaying for their cell phone plans. According to Michael Gikas, senior editor for electronics and technology at Consumer Reports, you should really pay no more than $50 per line — instead of the $100 per month that many people are currently spending on service. But the company isn’t just going to decrease your monthly bill — or even tell you that a cheaper rate is available.

2. Review your business internet and voice costs annually.

Make sure your services match your changing needs and that you have the most current pricing and technology. Options may have changed or upgraded in your area.

As your staff relocates to work remotely, review what is actually needed in your office.

3. Have a professional review internet and voice telecom services.

Using a professional telecom broker to audit your phone and internet bills is likely to save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in annual expenses.

The representatives at Simplified Communications understand the jargon, the billing strategies, and have a comprehensive understanding of what else is available by competitors in your service area.

We are happy to audit your bill as a complimentary no-risk service.
If we are able to help you save money with a simplified plan, we will!

Save me money!

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Stay connected with the latest technology.

Wifi speeds and legislation in Minnesota

Microsoft Teams gets an Upgrade

Microsoft Teams gets several new features including Spotlight, Call Merge and more

How to save money with Simplified Communications.

Review Company Phone/Internet Spending:

1. Ensure you aren’t overspending on voice and internet costs.

2. Review your business internet and voice costs annually.

3. Have a professional review internet and voice telecom services.

See if we service your location!

Browse
Articles

​Stay connected with the latest technology.

Wifi speeds and legislation in Minnesota

Microsoft Teams gets an Upgrade

Microsoft Teams gets several new features including Spotlight, Call Merge and more

How to save money with Simplified Communications.

Review Company Phone/Internet Spending:

​1. Ensure you aren’t overspending on voice and internet costs.

​2. ​Review your business internet and voice costs annually.

​3. ​Have a professional review internet and voice telecom services. ​

​See if we service your location!

Browse​Articles

Stay connected with the latest technology.

1. Ensure you aren’t overspending on voice and internet costs.

2. Review your business internet and voice costs annually.

3. Have a professional review internet and voice telecom services.

See if we service your location!

Browse
Articles