How good is your mobile phone signal?

From time to time, I get asked to provide solutions over and above the standard, and here is one case that arose in November 2010.

The client lived on the wrong side of the hill for a good T Mobile signal, I was confident the new mobile would deliver when out and about, but at the home office, not so sure. I took a gamble with a money back guarantee in place – the client loved the phone, however, the signal issue remained.

I did some research and came up with a cost effective solution, and here is what the client said:

Thank you so much for the information you provided about mobile phone signal boosters. I know it is outside your remit as my provider but, as ever, you went the extra mile.

I purchased the £19.95 + VAT + P&P model as it seemed worth a go. I did actually speak to someone at the company who advised that if it didn’t work they do offer a refund although I didn’t see it in writing anywhere. He did ask that I had at least some reception just outside the house, which I do. It arrived promptly. There were no instructions! Then I realised it was so simple that even I could screw the two parts together without guidance!! I plugged the phone in and the signal dropped off completely. My heart sank. But only moments later it seems to kick in and the signal picked up again. I tried calling someone. It worked. My life, or my phone bills at any rate, could be transformed.

Now, just to be clear. It has NOT suddenly given me 4 bars on the reception indicator where I used to have only one. What it has done is, even when I have only one bar displaying, is allow me to make a call, hear and be heard which is quite a revelation for me, as you know. Previously, even with 50% reception strength displaying, any call typically had so much interference that neither party could hear one another. The signal booster is not foolproof and does occasionally drop a call (as you heard this morning). It also means you have to have the mobile attached within a small clip attached to a wire (3 metres long) which then attaches to an aeriel ‘thingy’ on the window but who cares, I can hear people again. Overall improvement in service is significant and well worth the £23.94 all in. Certainly cheaper than moving house.

So another satisfied client ………. would you like a provider that goes more than the extra mile? Then please call to find out more 0844 826 1730

Testimonials for Combyne Group & Laurence Lowne

Testimonials are the life blood of any business, and down the years, Combyne Group have been fortunate to receive a few, and here are a selection.

                                                                                                                                                            

Laurence is extremely credible and generous with his experience and knowledge. Business is all about relationships and it is refreshing to collaborate with someone who is genuinely accessible, open and willing to help. I can see why this mentality has resulted in so much busines success.

Lucinda Carney of Actus Performance Managment Systems – 12 August 2012

Laurence epitomises the concept of giving before you receive. He has offered unconditional support to my business and myself out of the pure nature of who he is. I feel privileged to have met Laurence, to share in his energy and have an insight into his vast network of contacts and those who value his contribution. Thank you Laurence and all the best to those who will benefit from meeting Laurence or continuing associations with him in the future.

Peter Urquhart Monge Tout 14 November 2007

                                                                                                                                                           

Laurence is a pleasure to work with. He is extremely committed and focused. He is a rare networker who really will deliver on what he promises. Highly recommended.

David Bosley BosComms 22 October 2007

                                                                                                                                                           

Laurence is one of the REAL networkers. Never a day goes by without him actively referring or recommending – and I would like to THANK him so much for having given thought to my business on so many occasions. Thank you Laurence – one in a million

Caroline Slater Inspired Seasons 14 July 2007

                                                                                                                                                            

What a great guy! Laurence came to my rescue by responding to my blog and spent his own precious time sourcing some information, which in turn resolved my predicament with my telecoms. Thank you very much Laurence.

Kate Packer 25 July 2006

                                                                                                                                                           

Laurence has a quietly powerful presence. Obviously expert in many areas yet with a self-assured humility, and happy to give advice and information freely. An efficient networker, who showed me how to “do networking” in a connecting and effective way. Direct, honest, giving. Thanks Laurence.

Fergus MacLelland 24 July 2006

                                                                                                                                                           

An all round good guy, and just the person to sort out your telephony problems. One of the very few who will actually tailor make a solution for you, and give you advice based on your needs. He can also do this for non-telephony problems – and might just save you money there as well!

Angus Whitton 3 July 2005

                                                                                                                                                           

For a good tariff deal for you or your SME business on many items from a nice guy, who has his heart in the right place, especially where football is concerned – speak to Laurence!

Ian McAllister 9 May 2005

                                                                                                                                                           

Laurence is knowledgeable, helpful and saved us £££s as he promised. He is that rare person who always does what he says he’ll do. Oh, and people really do take him much too seriously!

Jackie Barrie Comms Plus 26 January 2005

                                                                                                                                                          

I’ve known Laurence for a few years and have always found him to be very helpful and a great networker.

I recently referred Laurence to someone who had a load of problems with a telephone system and number and he was very prompt in taking on the task, even making a call on a Sunday. He has conducted the business in a most professional manner and although it looks like a remedy can’t be sorted that’s no reflection on Laurence.

I have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone.

Roger Vanstone Recruit 12 – February 2009

                                                                                                                                                           

(Hope this doesn’t embarrass him too much, modest as he is)

I first met Laurence about two years ago and found him to be extremely helpful with introductions across a whole host of industries, businesses, government and not-for-profits. A true professional, very friendly, excellent to spend time with and, on top of all that, he has some really great products that, if you want to save money, are definitely worth checking out.

An entrepreneur and networker par excellence! One of the very best. No surprise to see him so high in the Ecademy rankings in the UK and Globally; a true reflection of him as an individual of integrity and as a successful business man who is very much to be admired.

Phil Shepherd January 2009

                                                                                                                                                          

Laurence’s help seems so natural and effortless it would be easy to take him for granted . . . which is why I thought I must get around to posting a testimonial after all this time! He has just switched our personal energy, telephone & broadband over making an instant saving on standing charges not to mention the reduction in on-going costs that we have to look forward to. We enjoy the clear, concise and economic bills from Utility Warehouse. On top of this he has passed a number of referrals to CCLeasing for vehicle sourcing & finance – whilst we might not have tied down a deal yet, I know with Laurence’s patience and contacts it is only a matter of time. Thank you Laurence.

Sally Hull Nutrimetrics October 2008

                                                                                                                                                          

I can’t believe I haven’t posted a testimonial for Laurence before now.
I was prompted to do so as I’ve just had a call from a potentially useful contact who called because Laurence suggested that he do so. Many thanks for keeping me in mind Laurence.

Embarrassingly I have a feeling that it isn’t the first time that’s happened but I don’t think I’ve recorded my thanks here before.
That’s the sort of guy he is. Friendly, supportive and that inscrutable ‘smile’.

I should also note that Laurence was very patient with me almost two years ago when he helped me make the move across from BT and Bulldog to Utility Warehouse for our telephone and broadband services. I reckon that’s saving me over £300 a year. He’s also been on hand to help smooth out a couple of little problems when they’ve arisen. Quietly, efficiently and professionally. Thanks again Laurence.

Mark Lee August 2008

                                                                                                                                                            

Gosh, I did not realise that I have not posted a praiseworthy testimonial for Laurence. I like his holistic and professional manner and how he deals with people. He puts people’s feelings first.

in fact he came to my work place last year, to help me join Utility House, he was very patient, down to earth and very helpful. He saved me time, money and everything else when I needed a broadband service. If you are looking for cheaper Broadband, a man you can trust, then go no further, call Laurence, he will fix it.
Many Thanks Laurence

Andre Zizi July 2008

                                                                                                                                                          

Definitely worth talking to – knows a huge amount about telecoms and will always go the extra mile to give you prompt responses.

An excellent business person.

Pip Martin January 2007

                                                                                                                                                         

Thank you Laurence, for your time and valued input regarding the telecoms industry and our business in general. You have helped me focus.

All the best, Vincent

Vince Polding August 2006

                                                                                                                                                         

Fantastic guy!

When I was looking to attend a breakfast meeting in Croydon, not only did he recommend one and let me have directions, but he even talked to me about attendees and arranged for someone to pick me up fom the train station!

For someone attending from out of the area (Manchester) that was extremely helpful.

Now that’s what I call outstanding!

Andy Preston October 2005

Business Continuity

A whole industry has grown up around these two words.

An area of specialism for Combyne Group too.

What happens when your internet connection falls over?

A simple and cost effective solution is mobile broadband – two flavours:
£12 + vat per month for up to 3.6 meg with 1GB of data 18 month deal, or
£15 + Vat per month for up to 4.5 meg with 3 Gb of data 24 month deal

This can of course be used when you are out and about doing business on the move or when in areas without WiFi.

How about those phone calls, when your line(s) go down.

A simple solution is to have the non-geographic number, you already have in place diverted to either a mobile or professional call answering service.

Combyne Group can supply all three, and always recommends NGNs to all businesses.

These are hugely cost effective solutions and can be the difference between a business surviving or going bust.