Elliott Mueller, CEO of Metronet (UK), summarizes their experience delivering over 1500 internet connections to businesses through the UK government's Connection Voucher Scheme. Key points include: - They delivered wireless and leased line connections across many UK cities, bringing superfast internet to both new and existing customers. - The scheme drove competition with many smaller internet providers entering the market using different technologies. - Metronet was able to offer lower pricing through bundled leased line and home broadband deals, completing over 50 multi-tenant building upgrades. - The voucher scheme helped more small businesses access leased line connections, bringing cost savings and increased revenue. However, long term benefits depend on addressing education gaps around internet usage

1. Connecting Business – Our Experience
Under the Connection Voucher Scheme
Elliott Mueller - CEO

2. Our Experience on The Connection
Voucher Scheme
• Over 1500 vouchers delivered & installed nationally
• Leased Lines and multi-tenanted solutions
• Manchester, Salford, Newcastle, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds,
Bradford – wireless connectivity
• 95% wireless connectivity, 5% fibre delivery
• 80% new customers / 20% existing customers
• The demographic of our customer base has changed - bringing
challenges
• Good referral channel

3. Driving Competition
• Metronet (UK)’s network growth during the CVS – Newcastle, Bradford,
Birmingham, Leeds, almost live in Preston
• Different technologies growing in importance
• Growth of many smaller ISPs
• Many more wireless companies starting up
• The traditional providers are being challenged on speed of delivery,
price and customer service
• Local companies providing localised solutions
• BUT – a cautionary tale

4. Value for Money?
• We have been able to offer lower monthly pricing (normally amortised)
• We have chosen not to sell FTTC under the CVS
• In multi tenanted schemes, we have offered leased lines for home
broadband pricing (economies of scale)
• Over 50 group schemes completed
• Landlords do understand the benefits of superfast services to tenants –
office space is more desirable
• Lasting legacy – whole buildings are now superconnected and
infrastructure will remain in place

5. Making a Difference
• Without question, much smaller SMEs than ever before are now able to
enjoy leased lines.
• Customers report huge savings in telephony costs, increased turnover
• The scheme has driven competition
BUT……
• Is superfast what its all about?
• Do speeds matter more than latency or reliability?
• Diversity matters – customers want 100% uptime

6. As the CVS draws to a close…
• We have had a great experience on the CVS but there is no doubt that it
has had both positive and negative effects on our business
• The lack of education at the smaller end of the SME market is more and
more apparent
• Government needs to focus on the education gap to support SMEs in
using their new superfast connections in order to sustain the benefits