ACS Data Broadband Review 

Businesses need stable Internet connectivity to ensure smooth operations on and off-site. In cases where this isn't available due to the limitations of traditional wired connections, broadband services can suffice. 

While several broadband providers offer services for residential and commercial computer and internet use, ACS Data's offerings are unique to only serving businesses. This specialisation provides an affordable connectivity program with the required IT experience for every business need.

In this ACS Data Broadband review, we cover everything you need to know regarding its services to help you make an informed decision for your business.

What Is ACS Data Broadband?

ACS Data Broadband is an Internet technology and service provider established in 1999. The company offers a comprehensive range of services in the telecommunications and IT markets, including supply, outsourcing, management, and design.

Unlike some providers who primarily serve residential customers, ACS Data focuses on the corporate sector. Their internet access solutions suit schools, hospitals, airports, banks, and the financial sector, where uninterrupted and highly available services are vital. 

How Does the ACS Data Broadband Work?

ACS Data Broadband operates on a network that separates it from larger telecom firms and smaller Internet providers. It's built on a modern Ethernet-based IP transit platform. This helps to ensure high performance and high-speed Internet access. 

ACS uses carrier-diverse links to connect its core locations within the network. In other words, they use multiple independent carriers to enhance redundancy and reliability.

Features of the ACS Data Broadband Network

To ensure robust and reliable connectivity, ACS Data Broadband implements several features in its network:

Redundant Routing

Unlike some telecommunication distributors like Slingshot Broadband, ACS network core isn't dependent on default routes from other providers. This helps to enhance its network stability and reduce potential points of failure. 

Enhanced Connectivity

The ACS Data network employs multiple carrier links. They use them to connect core Points of Presence (PoPs) across different countries. As a result, this increases resilience.

High-Speed Connectivity

ACS Data has established multiple and diverse connections to domestic networks, ensuring efficient data transmission within countries.

Global Transit Providers

Similar to its domestic strategy, ACS Data utilises multiple international transit providers. It aims to improve global connectivity by reducing reliance on a single provider.

Multiple Vendor Choices

ACS Data can offer various tail circuit options using multiple vendors. This way, they provide flexibility and adaptability for customers' specific needs. 

Three Routing Table Levels

You can choose from different routing table options if you're a Border Gateway Protocol customer. These options depend on your broadband access requirements and allow you to optimise your network routing.

BGP Communities

ACS Data uses BGP communities to set metrics, influence traffic routing, and suppress advertisements for specific routes. This gives them fine-grained control over traffic flow.

Advanced Protection Against DDoS Attacks

This feature enables the network to null-route traffic to a specific destination based on BGP route advertisements. It can help in mitigating DDoS attacks on computing devices or other security-related incidents.

ACS Data Broadband Point of Presence?

Since 1999, ACS Data has launched over eight Points of Presence globally. Here are the locations and launch dates: 

• Wellington, New Zealand; established in 1999
• Auckland, New Zealand; established in 2005
• Christchurch, New Zealand; established in 2007
• Sydney, Australia; established in 2013
• Los Angeles, California; established in 2014
• San Jose, California; established in 2014
• Hamilton, New Zealand; established in 2015 
• New York City, New York; established in 2016 

Where Is ACS Data Broadband Available?

The ACS Data network provides IT services across various regions, including New Zealand, Australia, the Americas, Europe, and Asia. These areas enjoy coverage due to the Point of Presence available. 

Why You Should Use ACS Data Broadband

Here's why you should consider adopting the ACS Data solution for your business. 

They Understand Corporate Needs

With over two decades of experience in the industry, they've shown expertise in telecommunications and IT markets. This specialised focus allows them to tailor solutions specifically for corporate environments.

Highly Reliable 

ACS Data has a proven track record of providing high-quality and highly available services. They serve businesses that rely on uninterrupted connectivity and data access to run their operations smoothly.

You Get Customised Solutions

The company takes a consultative approach to engaging with customers. They ensure they thoroughly understand each business's requirements. This approach allows them to offer tailored solutions that precisely fit each client's needs.

Innovative Approach

ACS Data prides itself on its commitment to innovation. They leverage modern technologies and stay up-to-date with industry advancements. This helps them offer cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving demands of businesses.

Global Reach 

While the ACS Data network works to cover the entire globe, its services currently span New Zealand, Australia, the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They provide extensive coverage and connectivity options for businesses requiring international connections.

BGP Support Is Available 

One of the core features of ACS Data is BGP support. With it, you can control your network routing, set metrics, and suppress advertisements for specific routes.

Two-Way Transparent Communication

As an ACS Data customer, you'll enjoy regular communication with the company. This seems to be one of their strong points, as they involve their customers in decision-making processes. From consultations for broadband services to building custom software, you're always involved. 

Why You May Not Consider Using ACS Data Broadband

While ACS Data offers several advantages for businesses, it's essential to consider these drawbacks:

Limited Residential Focus

ACS Data's focus on the corporate world might be a challenge if you need service coverage for your home and office. Using its broadband access will mean choosing another one for your residential needs. 

Geographic Limitations

Although ACS Data's network covers multiple regions, it might not have the same extensive coverage as some larger telecommunications companies. With coverage limited to only about eight locations, you might face limitations if your business operates in more remote or less-covered areas.

Dependency on Consultative Approach

ACS Data only uses a consultative approach to understand your business needs. While this is fine, it might only be beneficial for tailored solutions. If you prefer more straightforward, standardised offerings without extensive discussions, you'll probably not find this solution suitable.

Vendor Dependency

ACS Data's network relies on diverse peering and transit relationships and multiple vendor tail circuit options. This has its benefits, like providing flexibility. However, you might still have concerns about potential vendor-related issues and dependencies on third-party suppliers.

ACS Data Broadband Pricing and Plans

Considering ACS Data's consultative approach, it explains why there's no information about its broadband plan available on its website. You'll need to contact the sales department to request a custom quote. 

How to Get ACS Data Broadband

Here's how you can get the ACS Data Broadband Network: 

• Visit the official website: https://www.acsdata.co.nz 
• At the bottom of the homepage, you'll find the contact options. 
• You can reach the support team using any of the lines or email addresses for the locations close to you. 

ACS Data Other Services: Overview

Besides commercial Internet subscriptions, ACS Data offers several services that can meet your business needs:

Procurement

ACS Data can supply network hardware from reputable brands like Cisco, Brocade, and Juniper. Their products are a bit cheaper than buying from traditional vendors. You can achieve up to 30% savings on projected expenditures.

Data Centre Services

They operate a fault-tolerant 2N Data Centre in Petone, Wellington. This comes with competitively priced diverse connectivity and power options for all racks, ensuring no single points of failure.

Email Hosting

ACS Data offers email hosting for domains. This option allows multiple mailboxes and aliases for your business domain, accessible via POP3, IMAP, or webmail. 

If you sign up for their email hosting, you also get spam and virus filtering free of charge for enhanced security when you download data on the internet.

Application Development

ACS Data collaborates with you to create tailor-made applications in cases where off-the-shelf software doesn't meet specific requirements. This ensures you have the exact software needed to meet your unique needs.

Domain Hosting

As an official DNC Domain Registrar, ACS Data offers 2nd level domains within the New Zealand namespace. While you get broadband, email hosting, and several other services, you can register new domains or transfer existing .nz domains to their registrar. This makes them a comprehensive IT solution for businesses. 

Is ACS Data Broadband Worth It?

ACS Data's solution includes several heavy IT components, focusing on the cooperate world. If you're a growing business with several IT needs, you might want to try them, especially if you want international connectivity. 

That said, it's not a suitable option if you need a broadband solution for your home.

At the time of writing, they only have eight PoPs globally, so their internet service won't work if you're outside those locations. You can contact their support using the numbers on the site to know if your area is eligible for connection. 

Their customer-centric approach is another reason we'll give this service a green tick. They place much value on communicating with customers, which is a sign of a reliable company. 

Conclusion

This ACS Data Broadband review offers a the company's offerings at a glance, which are internet connection services tailored to the corporate world in sectors including education, medicine, and politics.

Their approach involves consultation, which helps them provide quality IT services to a wider range of businesses. However, The company doesn't offer its services to households, so you're better off with another provider who caters to residential users.