Zen Internet chosen to supply Subway’s stores with broadband

Photo: Rochdale Online

Zen Internet stock image

Rochdale-based Zen Internet, the UK’s largest B Corporation certified telecommunications and network connectivity provider, has been chosen to supply broadband connectivity to the 2,000+ Subway stores in the UK.

Zen designed a bespoke solution to meet the price point requirements without compromising on service specification or resilience.

Zen adapted a cost-effective Cisco router using innovative technical design coupled with dynamic application to meet the project’s requirements. The solution was successfully deployed as a pilot across 30 stores as proof of concept ahead of the complete rollout.

A franchisee on the pilot reported a significant increase in revenue because the new system facilitated a delivery line of service with the likes of Deliveroo, UberEats and JustEat which was not previously possible.

Martin O’Donnell, managing director of Zen Business, said: “It was a collaborative process to design the right solution for IPC Europe and it is satisfying that we were able to solve their specific challenges. At Zen, we have big business capabilities including a vast UK network and we are one of the first Ultrafast connectivity providers in the UK. But we also take a personal approach to delivering the best service in the market.

"As we are independently owned, we can make fast decisions and adapt to the needs of our clients. The combination of pioneering technology with the best service in the market, at a price that’s scalable for Subway’s operational model, allows the chain to not only enhance the customer experience but to further their digital transformation efforts.”

Having led the project team, Enzo Romano, a senior business development manager at Zen, said: “The solution itself is a hybrid of both FTTC and FTTP connectivity services which, when combined with a fully managed Cisco router, delivers corporate WiFi and IoT benefits to Subway stores throughout the UK.

“It is also capable of providing all of a store’s connectivity requirements from managing card payments, interactive menu boards and advertising to facilitating CCTV, online delivery orders and even managing the in-store drinks dispensers.

“The project demonstrates how we can deliver considerable cost savings by exploring the less obvious connectivity solutions that many IT professionals would not think of.” 

Commenting on the solution, Simon Aldred, commercial director of IPC Europe Ltd, said: “Being conscious of our technology requirements in-store, we wanted to provide Subway franchisees with a bespoke internet solution that would cover all their current and future needs. Zen’s high-quality service, fast broadband connections and willingness to adapt to Subway’s requirements made them our ideal partner.”

Bo Johal, a Subway franchisee who participated in the pilot scheme, said: “Switching to Zen has proven to be a success as they do provide a reliable internet connection with no hiccups! The process is very straight forward and with no disruption. The other benefit which I have noticed is the customer service is excellent and it’s very easy to get through to them.”

The Zen solution is now available to circa 2,000 Subway stores throughout the UK as part of a four-year framework agreement with IPC Europe Ltd.