Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on the location and what your office actually needs. Bandwidth, optional backup service, and certain networking equipment impact the price. There are no fees for working with Altmoz Technology Partners, however, potential install costs and agent supplied hardware might require an upfront investment.
The stipend may fully cover your internet costs, exceed it, or need a modest supplement. While we can’t guarantee the price of your options, we will help you find the option that makes the best use of your stipend. Additional details about the stipend are between State Farm and its agents.
There is no need for you to become an IT expert with “Agent Choice Internet”. As your Technology Advisor, we handle the research, getting you quotes and help you weigh options – we help you make informed decision, prepare for the transition and avoid any pitfalls.
Your job is easy – we need a quick intro call and follow-up to talk to review options. We help schedule the install. You will have a few steps internally, but they shouldn’t be hard – after we’ve talk you’ll need to opt-in and coordinate the timing on removal of company-equipment in order to complete the switch.
“Agent Choice Internet” comes with extra flexibility. You and your team will be untied from your desk – moving from desk phones to using your own headsets and the software on the computer (This means remote work easier too.). State Farm will work with you on the setup and help you return and eventually replace the existing equipment.
Agents are responsible for supplying their own headsets. We can advise on compatible headsets that fit your needs, preferences, and budget.
There is a brief overlap when your new provider and existing setup will be in the office. State Farm will work with you to confirm you have secure access via your new provider and arrange for the removal and return of company-owned equipment.
Existing desk phones are not compatible with “Agent Choice Internet”. The transition includes using your computer’s softphone to start, so you won’t need them. You may already be familiar with the computer set-up or are about to discover its convenience and flexibility over hardphones. State Farm can help you get access and confirm when you can remove the phones.
Some people like the reliability of wired internet over wi-fi. If that is your preference, you will have access to your existing network cables. Once the company server is removed, they can be plugged into to your new router at the same location. Some offices may require the purchase of a network switch to accommodate the number of cables they need.
State Farm may replace some models in the transition process. The company will confirm if your printer needs to be swapped before the switch is completed and provide its replacement. USB connected printers are unaffected by network changes.
No. Under the old model, State Farm picked and assigned the vendor, under “Agent Choice Internet” any legitimate that meets basic connection needs is acceptable. “Agent Choice” means you pick, not State Farm, and not us.
Our role is to help you narrow the options, get the quotes, and explain the tradeoffs – at no cost. The provider decision is entirely up to you – it can be what’s there already another provider in your area.
You’re likely already enrolled in the first requirement with State Farm regarding phone service. While some offices need additional opt-in, the second requirement for most is a broadband connection. Additional technical details are reasonable performance recommendations but can take a long time to understand. There is no need to spend time understanding the data pipes, router models, mesh networks or switches. We can help you with details that impact you and your area specifically.
Our goal is to get you the speed, reliability, coverage, support and price that works for you and your office.
This depends on how your office works and who is using the wi-fi. Service demands are generally light for small offices and scale up for larger ones. An agency’s operational bandwidth demands aren’t heavy and State Farm has offered some suggestions. There is no need to self-diagnose – bandwidth is one of the details we’ll work out on the assessment call.
This is an important consideration. Your risk tolerance and how your agency operates will impact your decision. There are simple fallbacks that cost nothing and service and equipment options to keep your office operating uninterrupted.
To make the switch official, you’ll need to do a little coordinating with State Farm to confirm your new set-up is ready, and have them remove and return the old equipment. Our goal is to get you switched as quickly and conveniently as possible –with only a brief overlap of service.
The general process is:
assessment call → provider research/quotes → agent decision / opt-in → install/cutover coordination.
If an office requires it - existing cabling can be re-used. However, for most agents, Wi-fi and mesh systems are sufficient. We may determine larger offices or those with concreate walls will require it. In those cases, the cables at your current server location can be plugged into provider-supplied equipment or an additional network switch that accommodates your size.
There are no advisor fees, markups or hidden costs for working with us – Altmoz Technology Partners is compensated by the provider you hire, not you.
Some agents will have upfront costs on connectivity tools like routers and mesh systems – and some might need to purchase headsets. However, once you’re set up, the out-of-pocket cost will only be the bill from your ISP supplemented by your stipend.