Introduction: Beyond Fiber and Speed – The Heart of Customer Experience
In 2023, finding an Internet Service Provider (ISP) isn't about scarcity; it's about choice. Competition has blessed us with viable options, but it's also left HOA board members and property managers with a complicated puzzle. Sure, fiber technology and download speeds matter, but what really can distinguish one ISP from another is something more foundational: trust.
Trust isn't just built on technical performance; it's also deeply rooted in customer experience. That's where Service Level Agreements (SLAs) come into play. A robust SLA serves as a community's safeguard, turning promises of service quality which was presented in sales presentations into legally binding commitments.
In our hyper-connected world, your residents don't just want fast internet and extensive cable options; they demand reliability. And it's your responsibility - as leaders committed to elevating your community - to ensure that reliability. SLAs make that possible.
Why They Are Important: The Metrics of Assurance
The concept of customer experience transcends the facade of marketing terminology and should seep into the fabric of community well-being. America’s most successful businesses are always keen in measuring metrics known as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure their businesses are operating efficiently.
So, it is just as appropriate for your successfully run Association to have negotiated safeguarded SLAs within your Association’s agreements that include relevant KPIs to ensure exceptional service and an outstanding customer experience for homeowners. This is applicable and true for agreements beyond just cable and internet services. These metrics should outline the quality and reliability that each homeowner should anticipate.
Not every ISP may include SLAs in their agreements, so it is always advisable to ask for a copy of their SLAs during the RFP or proposal request process. While many SLAs might appear similar at first glance, a closer review can reveal nuanced but crucial differences in the commitments made to a community. It's not just about a generic "up to" speed but actual sustained service reliability, uptime, and timely response resolution. These specifics translate to discernible comfort and functionality for each homeowner and, by extension, to the community as a whole.
Examples of SLAs: The Fabric of Service
Service Availability: Whether it's a crucial video conference while working from home or a much-anticipated sporting event, the availability of service is crucial. SLAs should outline the percentage of uptime you can expect. Beyond any generally accepted Force Majeure events, there's scant justification for not guaranteeing a service availability commitment of at least 99% for cable and internet service - particularly when utilizing a state-of-the-art Fiber to the Home network.
Call Center Experience: Beyond just availability, the human side of service—the call center—also falls under SLAs. Details like hours of operation, whether the support center is U.S.-based, and even average hold times can and should be specified. No homeowner likes to give up their Saturday afternoon to be on hold and be transferred around the world to find a resolution to their issue.
Timely Issue Resolution: When things go wrong—and they sometimes do—the speed of resolving those issues matters. While having fiber infrastructure offers smart endpoints that often enable virtual resolution of many issues, there are instances where an on-site technician may still be required. SLAs often stipulate the timeframe within which technicians must be dispatched and problems resolved. What explicitly can the ISP promise within their SLAs that demonstrate they have your back and are laser-focused on resolving issues for their customers in a timely manner?
Financial Recompense: Likely nobody wants to have to use financial recourse – most people would prefer to have the technology they've paid for function properly, or at least have any issues resolved within a reasonable timeframe. Nonetheless, the availability of financial recompense options remains crucial. Penalties and credits are the teeth of an SLA. They provide financial incentives for the provider to uphold their end of the deal, giving you, the Association, the leverage you need for accountability. This is not just contractual language; it’s your safety net.
Conclusion: The Longevity of Assurance
As many bulk cable and internet agreements are often long-term commitments, the stakes for selecting an ISP are high. Many new agreements often span an entire decade. These long-term partnerships can have a significant impact on community satisfaction and lifestyle quality.
While it is always important to prioritize due diligence and references, it is equally advisable to weigh the promises laid down in SLAs with extreme scrutiny. Business deal points such as price, technology, internet speeds, and contractual flexibility are critically important in an evaluation, but oftentimes SLAs and a focus on the customer experience never make it to an “evaluation matrix”, because it may be harder to objectively compare among ISPs.
The fine print matters, and that's where YFi Advisors comes in. We don't just advocate for your Association; we empower it. Are you ready to ensure your community receives the quality, reliability, and customer experience it deserves for years to come?
