EFM Ethernet First Mile

EFM isn’t a fibre service: instead, it uses the existing infrastructure of copper wires to provide a super-reliable connection. Multiple pairs of copper wires (‘copper pairs’) are bonded together to deliver a high capacity service.

• Won’t let you down: Because of the bundle of connections, EFM is robust, resilient, and super reliable! If one copper pair fails, your data will still be able to travel along the others, keeping your business functioning as normal.

• Symmetrical: You can upload data at the same rate that you download it. Speeds start from 2Mbps, going up to 19Mbps on 8 copper pairs.

• Guaranteed speeds: EFM is the copper equivalent of a private leased line, with all the advantages. Your dedicated connection isn’t shared with anyone else, so you get guaranteed, consistent connection speed with no dip in service.

It’s a great choice for budget-conscious companies wanting to use cloud-based services like VoIP, as well as being an ideal upgrade from ADSL or SDSL.

It may suit your business if:

• You don’t have a big budget to spend on broadband.
• You do a lot of uploading as part of your day-to-day business. That could mean using VoIP for voice calls, or enabling remote workers to access a shared server.
• You need a faster installation time (it’s typically quicker to set up than fibre broadband).
• You need a cost-effective alternative when EoFTTC isn’t available.

Choosing business broadband is all about finding the perfect fit for your needs.

EFM is great for lots of businesses, but may not be right for everyone:

• Latency (time delay) can be a problem if you depend on real-time applications like video conferencing.
• The copper pair network that EFM runs on will be switched off in the coming years. If you’re looking to the future, you might prefer to choose a fibre-based service.

At Croft, we tailor our solutions to each unique business – so when you partner with us, we’ll use our expertise to advise you on the best type of broadband for your needs.