O2 gives small businesses a helping hand with O2 Techies

O2 today announces the launch of O2 Techies, a new technology support service offering on-site set up and helpline support to O2’s small business customers across the UK.

In the first of its kind from a UK mobile operator, O2 Techies sees a dedicated fleet of specially trained technicians available to visit O2’s small business customers across the UK to install and set-up mobile devices, mobile broadband and laptops. Set up can be carried out on an individual basis or across an entire office with numerous employees.

Despite the vital importance of IT and technology to small businesses, research conducted by O2 has revealed that nearly two thirds (65 per cent) have no professional IT or technology support. Over half (53 per cent) rely on employees to install products and equipment themselves. When questioned, twice the number of businesses taking this DIY approach identified they had lost revenue as a result of technology and IT malfunctioning in the office. Email malfunction and internet outage were the most common areas of complaint.

Simon Devonshire, head of small business marketing for O2 comments: ‘This is yet another example of O2’s commitment to helping its customers get on with the job of running their business, and leave the hassle of setting up and managing technology to us.’

Available to O2 business customers at a one-off cost, O2 Techies will also train employees on how to use the new technology products and mobile devices. For small and home office businesses installation, set-up and training is provided on a one-to-one basis or for larger businesses, the O2 Techies will visit an office for a full day carrying out individual or group employee device installation and training.

Recognising the increased mobility of small business employees, the O2 Techies are also trained to help install and set up in-car devices, including car kits for mobiles, sat-nav and vehicle tracking systems. Feedback from O2’s small business customers has revealed that nearly a quarter of employees (24 per cent) now spend up to half their time out of the office. Help with setting up mobile car kits will help customers do business safely from their cars, avoiding illegal use of mobile phones while driving.

Subscription to O2 Techies gives small businesses ongoing access via a dedicated helpline to technical support for mobile devices and mobile email, and can resolve a multitude of technical queries beyond the normal level expected of conventional mobile customer services, including: failed servers, Wi-Fi and printer connections, installing third party software, and removing viruses. To ensure a quick resolution of problems, the O2 Techies can take control over mobile phones, laptops and servers remotely to fix problems while the customer watches.

The service is now available. For more information please visit www.o2.co.uk/techies