FAQ’s

FAQs – Telecoms, IT, IoT, AI & Business Services for Startups

Everything you need to know about business telecoms, IT solutions, and automation for Greater Manchester businesses. 110 detailed answers to the most common questions.

Comprehensive FAQ Guide

11 sections covering every aspect of business technology for startups and growing companies

Business Mobiles — FAQs

Do you provide business mobile phone contracts as well as SIM-only deals?
Yes. We offer handset + airtime bundles, SIM-only business tariffs and data-only plans for tablets and routers. We can mix networks and tariffs to suit your team.
Do you provide mobile device management (MDM) for business mobiles?
We can add MDM so you can remotely manage apps, security policies and lost or stolen devices. This is ideal for teams working remotely or with sensitive data.
Is there a fair-usage policy on “unlimited” business data plans?
Most networks apply fair-usage and roaming policies even on unlimited plans. We’ll explain any limits clearly so you know exactly what’s included.
Can I add tablets, mobile routers or MiFi devices to the same plan?
Yes. We can include tablets, MiFi units and 4G/5G routers on shared or standalone data plans, all on one contract and invoice.
Can I keep my existing phone numbers when switching providers?
Yes, absolutely. Number porting is straightforward when moving. You request a PAC by texting 'PAC' to 65075. We handle the rest.
What are multi-network SIMs and why do I need them?
Multi-network SIMs automatically switch between EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three to find the strongest signal. Perfect for field teams across Greater Manchester.
How do shared or pooled data plans work for small teams?
Shared data pools let your team draw from a common data allowance rather than individual limits, preventing overage charges and reducing waste.
Can I scale up from 5 to 50 users without contract penalties?
Yes. Most business accounts allow adding SIMs at any time with no contract reset. Volcron provides scalable accounts ideal for growing startups.
Is phone leasing or buying outright better for businesses?
Leasing spreads the cost over 24–36 months and is tax-efficient. Buying outright can be cheaper long-term. We can model both options.
Do I actually need a business mobile plan or can I use my personal SIM for my startup?
Business plans give better support, billing, tax advantages and multi-user control—recommended for any growing company.
What's the cheapest business mobile option for 1–5 users?
Shared data pools and flexible SIM-only plans usually offer the best value for early-stage startups.
Which UK network is best for a startup that travels around Manchester?
EE has the best 5G in the city, Vodafone performs best around the M60, and Three is strong in Salford/Trafford. Multi-network SIMs switch automatically.
Can I mix different networks under one business account?
Yes. Volcron specialises in multi-network accounts with all billing on one invoice.
What's the difference between business and consumer mobile contracts?
Business contracts offer priority support, VAT reclaim, multi-user control, detailed billing and better upgrade options.
How do you handle support and repairs for business mobiles?
We provide a single point of contact for faults, warranty issues and replacements to minimise downtime.

Phone Systems & VoIP — FAQs

Do I need a landline or can I just use VoIP?
VoIP can fully replace landlines, which will be withdrawn in 2027. Cloud systems offer more features and lower costs.
Can I answer my business number on my mobile when I'm out?
Yes. Your number can ring on your desk phone, laptop and mobile app simultaneously.
How much does a cloud or hosted phone system cost per user?
Typically £8–£25 per user monthly depending on features like recording and analytics.
Can I keep my existing business number and move it to VoIP?
Yes. Volcron handles the number porting process with no service downtime.
What happens if my internet goes down — will my phones stop working?
Failover automatically diverts calls to mobiles or backup connections.
How does VoIP call quality compare to traditional phone lines?
HD VoIP often sounds clearer than analogue lines when using stable broadband.
What's the simplest phone system for a startup with 2–3 people?
A cloud-based VoIP system with mobile apps is ideal—no hardware needed.
What features do I actually need (IVR, call recording, voicemail-to-email)?
Essential features include IVR, voicemail-to-email, call forwarding and conference calling.
Can I integrate the phone system with Microsoft Teams?
Yes. Teams Phone integration allows full external calling inside Microsoft Teams.
How many calls can I handle at once on VoIP?
Cloud VoIP can handle many simultaneous calls depending mainly on bandwidth.
What hardware do I need for VoIP (handsets, softphones, headsets)?
You can use apps only, or add IP desk phones and headsets depending on your workflow.

Connectivity — FAQs

What business connectivity options do you offer?
We offer business broadband, FTTC/FTTP fibre, leased lines, and 4G/5G backup connections. We’ll recommend the right option based on your location, users and critical applications.
How do I know if I can get full fibre (FTTP) at my business address?
We run an availability check on your postcode and exact address. If FTTP isn’t available, we’ll suggest the best alternative, such as SoGEA, FTTC or a leased line.
What’s the difference between business broadband and a leased line?
Business broadband is a shared connection, while a leased line is a dedicated, uncontended line just for your business. Leased lines give guaranteed speeds, better SLAs and higher reliability.
Can you provide 4G/5G backup if my main broadband fails?
Yes. We can supply a 4G/5G router or SIM backup that automatically takes over if your primary line drops. This keeps your phones, card machines and cloud apps online.
How fast does my internet need to be for cloud phones and remote working?
For VoIP and cloud services we usually recommend at least a stable 40–80 Mbps connection, depending on the number of users. We’ll size your connectivity based on actual call and data usage.
Do you offer static IP addresses for VPNs, CCTV and servers?
Yes, static IPs are available with our business connectivity packages. They’re ideal for remote access, hosted services and secure VPN connections.
What kind of support and SLAs do you provide on connectivity?
Our business lines come with enhanced fault response targets and UK-based support. For leased lines we can offer 4–6 hour fix SLAs depending on the carrier.
Can you move my existing lines and numbers when we change office?
We can manage line moves, renumbering and new installs for office relocations. We’ll plan timelines so you have minimal downtime during the move.
Do you help with Wi-Fi design and coverage inside the building?
Yes. We can supply business-grade Wi-Fi hardware and design the network so staff, guests and devices all get strong, secure coverage.
Can I bundle connectivity with phones and mobiles on one bill?
In many cases, yes. We can combine business broadband, VoIP phone systems and mobile connections into one contract and a single monthly bill to simplify admin.

AI Solutions — FAQs

What types of AI solutions do you provide for businesses?
We offer AI automation for customer service, sales and back-office tasks, including chatbots, workflow automation, document processing and reporting. Everything is tailored to your existing tools and processes.
How can AI help my small business day to day?
AI can handle repetitive tasks like answering common enquiries, generating quotes, chasing invoices and updating CRMs. This frees your team to focus on higher-value work and improves response times.
Do I need any in-house technical skills to use your AI solutions?
No. We design and manage the AI setup for you, with simple dashboards and clear processes. Your team just uses the tools within their normal systems like email, chat or CRM.
Can you integrate AI with my existing CRM, phone system or helpdesk?
Yes. We integrate AI agents with popular CRMs, ticketing systems, VoIP platforms and productivity tools. Our goal is to automate work inside the systems you already use.
Is the data used by your AI solutions secure and compliant?
We follow strict data protection and security best practices, using reputable AI platforms and encryption. We’ll discuss how data is stored and processed to align with your compliance requirements.
Can AI really handle customer conversations without damaging our brand?
Yes, when configured correctly. We carefully train AI agents on your tone of voice, FAQs and escalation rules so they know when to answer directly and when to hand off to a human.
How quickly can we get an AI assistant live on our website or WhatsApp?
Most basic AI chatbots can go live within days once we have your FAQs and system access. More complex automations may take longer depending on integrations and testing.
Will AI solutions replace staff or support them?
Our focus is on augmenting your team rather than replacing them. AI deals with repetitive tasks, while people handle complex queries, relationships and decision-making.
Can you create AI tools to automate telecoms or IT provisioning?
Yes. We specialise in automating telecoms and IT workflows such as order processing, provisioning, ticket handling and billing checks, using AI agents and no-code tools.
How do you price AI solutions – is it subscription or project-based?
We can offer fixed-price setup projects plus ongoing monthly subscriptions for hosting, monitoring and support. Pricing depends on the number of automations, users and integrations.

Cloud & Cyber Security

What cloud services do you provide for businesses?

We support services like Microsoft 365, cloud storage, backup, VoIP and virtual servers. We help you migrate, secure and manage these platforms.

How can you improve our cyber security as an SME?

We offer security audits, endpoint protection, email security, firewalls, MFA, backups and user training. Our aim is to reduce common risks like phishing, ransomware and data loss.

Do you provide managed security monitoring?

Yes. We can provide monitoring for suspicious logins, malware and unusual behaviour, with alerts and response plans to keep your systems protected.

Can you help us move from on-premise servers to the cloud?

We can plan and manage migrations from on-site servers to cloud services, ensuring data is securely transferred and downtime is kept to a minimum.

How do you protect remote workers and home offices?

We deploy security tools such as VPNs, endpoint protection, MFA and secure cloud access so staff can work safely from anywhere.

Do you offer regular data backup and recovery solutions?

Yes. We set up automated backups for your servers, PCs and cloud data with defined recovery times. This ensures you can restore quickly after an incident.

Can you help us achieve Cyber Essentials or other certifications?

We can guide you through the steps needed for Cyber Essentials and similar schemes, from gap analysis to implementing required controls.

What’s the difference between antivirus and full endpoint protection?

Traditional antivirus focuses on known threats, while modern endpoint protection looks at behaviour, ransomware and zero-day attacks. We usually recommend full endpoint protection for businesses.

How do you price cloud and cyber security services?

Pricing is usually per user, per device or per service (for example backup or monitoring). We’ll build a package that fits your size and risk profile.

Are your solutions suitable for regulated industries?

Yes. We work with compliance requirements such as data protection, financial services and healthcare rules, and can tailor solutions to your sector.

Technology Leasing

What types of technology can I lease through you?

You can lease laptops, desktops, rugged devices, tablets, phones, routers, servers and other IT hardware. We can also bundle accessories, software and support.

Why lease technology instead of buying it outright?

Leasing spreads the cost over time, preserves cash flow and can be more tax-efficient as payments are usually treated as an operating expense. It also makes regular upgrades easier.

What lease terms do you offer?

Typical lease terms range from 12 to 60 months, depending on the equipment and your budget. We’ll discuss the options and recommend a structure that fits your refresh cycle.

Can start-ups and small businesses qualify for technology leasing?

Many start-ups can be approved, subject to credit checks and finance provider criteria. We work with lenders who understand growing businesses.

Can I bundle support, installation and accessories into the lease?

Yes. We can include installation, maintenance, extended warranties and accessories in a single monthly payment so there are no hidden extras.

What happens at the end of the lease term?

You usually have options to upgrade to new kit, extend the lease, or make a final payment to own the equipment, depending on the agreement.

Do you offer leasing for remote and home-working setups?

Yes. We can lease full home-office bundles including laptops, monitors, docks and headsets, all under your company agreement.

Is insurance included in the lease?

Insurance is usually separate, but we can help arrange cover for loss, theft and accidental damage, or work with your existing business policy.

Can I add extra equipment during the lease?

You can normally add additional items via a top-up or new schedule. We’ll explain the most cost-effective way to do this.

How quickly can technology leasing be approved and equipment delivered?

In many cases decisions are made quickly once we have the required information. We then arrange delivery and configuration of your devices as soon as possible.

Merchant Services

What merchant services do you provide?

We offer card machines, online payment gateways, virtual terminals and integrated POS solutions for retail, hospitality and service businesses.

Can you help us reduce our card processing fees?

We review your current statements and volumes, then compare rates from multiple providers. In many cases we can reduce your per-transaction fees or monthly costs.

Do you supply countertop, portable and mobile card terminals?

Yes. We provide a full range of terminals including countertop, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth and 4G mobile units for trades, deliveries and events.

Can your merchant services integrate with our existing till or e-commerce platform?

We work with providers that integrate with popular POS systems and online shopping carts. We’ll check compatibility with your current setup.

Do you support contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay?

All modern terminals we supply support contactless payments and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay as standard.

How quickly do we receive our card takings into our bank account?

Settlement times vary by provider, typically from same day to a few working days. We’ll explain payout times clearly before you sign.

Can you provide merchant services for new or small businesses?

Yes, subject to underwriting. We work with providers who support start-ups, pop-ups and seasonal businesses.

Do you offer payment links and online invoices as well as terminals?

Yes. You can send secure payment links by email or SMS, or take card payments online via invoicing tools and hosted payment pages.

Is there a long-term contract or can we keep things flexible?

We can offer different contract lengths, including more flexible options. We’ll discuss notice periods and any exit fees upfront.

Do you provide support if the card machine stops working?

Yes. You’ll have access to technical support and, where available, swap-out services for faulty devices to keep you trading.

IoT SIMs

What are IoT SIMs and how are they different from normal SIMs?

IoT SIMs are data SIM cards designed for devices like trackers, routers, sensors, tablets and payment terminals. They offer flexible data bundles, better manageability and often multi-network roaming.

What kind of devices can use your IoT SIMs?

Our IoT SIMs can be used in routers, CCTV cameras, GPS trackers, vending machines, tablets, rugged devices, EV chargers and more.

Do you offer multi-network or roaming IoT SIMs for better coverage?

Yes. We can supply IoT SIMs that automatically use the strongest available UK network, and options with international roaming if needed.

Can I manage all my IoT SIMs from a single portal?

We provide management portals where you can view usage, set alerts, suspend SIMs and manage groups of devices in one place.

What data allowances do you offer for IoT SIMs?

We offer everything from low-usage plans for sensors to high-data bundles for routers and video devices. Shared data pools are also available.

Are your IoT SIMs suitable for fixed installations like shops and kiosks?

Yes. They’re ideal for card machines, digital signage and backup connectivity in locations where broadband is unavailable or unreliable.

Can you help with private APNs and secure IoT connectivity?

We can provide private APN solutions and VPN tunnels for secure IoT traffic between your devices and your core systems.

Do you have short-term or trial IoT SIM options?

We can supply test SIMs and short-term contracts for pilots and proof-of-concept projects before you roll out at scale.

How do you handle overage and data usage spikes on IoT SIMs?

We can set alerts and caps to prevent unexpected bills, and design tariffs that match your usage patterns with buffer allowances.

Can IoT SIMs be bundled with hardware like routers or rugged devices?

Yes. We can provide complete solutions including routers, rugged hardware and pre-configured IoT SIMs ready to deploy.

Business Utilities

What business utilities can you help us with?

We can support business gas, electricity and in some cases water, plus related services like energy-efficient hardware where available.

Can you compare multiple business energy suppliers for us?

Yes. We compare rates and contract terms from a range of business energy providers to find options that match your usage and risk profile.

Do you only work with large businesses or also with small firms and start-ups?

We work with SMEs, start-ups and larger organisations. Whether you have one shop or multiple sites, we can review and quote.

Can you help if our current energy contract is in renewal or out of contract?

Yes. We can review your renewal terms, highlight any out-of-contract rates and secure new deals to avoid unnecessary costs.

How early should we start looking at our next utilities contract?

It’s usually best to start 6–12 months before your current contract ends. This gives more options and time to plan.

Do you offer green or renewable business energy options?

Where available, we can quote renewable and low-carbon energy tariffs and explain how they compare on price and contract terms.

Can you help multi-site businesses consolidate their utilities?

Yes. We can help align contract end dates, review usage across sites and negotiate portfolio deals where appropriate.

Is there a fee for your business utilities comparison service?

Our commission structures are transparent and explained upfront and come from the supplier you choose, rather than any separate charges to you.

Do you help with meter changes, half-hourly meters or new site connections?

We can coordinate meter upgrades, half-hourly metering and new connections with the relevant suppliers as part of your utilities setup.

Can you bundle business utilities with connectivity or telecoms services?

In some cases we can bundle or coordinate multiple services like energy, broadband and telecoms, giving you a single partner to manage and review costs.

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