If your internet is so slow that it’s affecting your business productivity, it’s time to upgrade. Losing business due to spotty internet or too many dead zones means it’s time to select a better high speed internet for your business.
Let’s face it. Having high speed internet for your business is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Most businesses today use websites and social media to drive traffic to their products or services. If your internet can’t keep up, then you can’t compete in a fast paced online marketplace. Having a reliable high speed internet is crucial to helping you keep up with the demands of today’s business world.
Let’s look at five tips for selecting high speed internet for your business.
1. Determine Your Business Needs
The first thing you need to do is to determine what your business needs. How your staff and customers use the internet will determine how much speed or bandwidth you need. A business where the staff just needs to surf the web or answer email from customers, can get by with less bandwidth.
However, if your business plans to download large files, use video conferencing, stream content, etc. then you need a stronger bandwidth and a better connection. Most ISP – or Internet Service Providers – offer different plans that are all determined by speed.
So, keep this in mind when you begin to search for a better high speed internet. Your business’ current needs or if the needs will change in the near future, should be your first consideration in making a choice.You will want to know if the ISP provider can offer you the bandwidth you need for a strong connection.
2. Data Caps
Always ask about data caps. If you plan to transfer a lot of data, some service providers have a monthly data allotment. If your business exceeds the limits, you could face a surcharge – and some are pricey – or your speeds could slow down. When choosing the best high speed internet for your business, make sure to ask about data caps. It’s wise to know this before your business chooses and uses excessive amounts of data that will cost you money.
3. Business or Residential Internet
Often, a small business will think they can get by with using a residential internet connection. While it’s true they are often more reasonably priced than business services, there are problems. Some internet packages prohibit commercial uses. Others cannot give a business the upload speed that they need. A residential internet package can’t offer the support or services that are specifically aimed at businesses.
While specified business internet connections are a little more pricey, they end up being worthwhile and cost effective to the business. Their value comes with higher upload and download speeds – very important to a business. This is known as symmetric connectivity – a fast download speed matched by a fast upload speed. This can be vital in the business world.
4. Types of ISP’s Available
An ISP is an internet service provider. When you choose high speed internet for your business you have several choices.
Cable service providers offer the most popular connection, coming over TV lines. This type of ISP can support several uses at the same time. It can offer strong bandwidth connections, great
upload and download times. The only downside to cable is that if the connection is shared with others, there can be slow times during peak usage hours. Also, weather conditions can cause outages.
DSL is supplied through telephone lines and supplied by a telecom service provider. It’s positive features are its reasonable cost and the ability to support multiple users at once. The downside is that the download and upload speeds are limit. Also, if you are too far from a telephone exchange, speeds can be spotty or enter a dead zone.
Fibre Optics is the new kid on the block. It is new, expensive, requires special equipment installed, but it is also an extremely fast fibre optic connection. But, if your business needs high bandwidth with superior upload and download speeds, this is the choice. There’s no loss of a signal in adverse weather. The only negatives are the cost and the availability in certain areas of the country.
Satellite can often be the only service provider available in rural or remote areas. No cables or wires are needed. A remote dish is used to bounce a signal off the satellite. While this is sometimes the only option, it can also be slow. It’s often not the best option for a business unless there is nothing else available.
5. What Comes With Your Service
Once you’ve determined your business needs, the type of ISP available in your area, and what type of data amount you need, the last thing you need to find out is what comes with your service.
Installation Services and Equipment
You will want to know what your package gives you. An entry level internet package may just be a basic cost. Your provider may give you a deal if you sign up for a certain amount of time.
Read the fine print and know exactly what you are paying for.
You’ll want to know if installation is included in the start up cost. Will you get the hardware or equipment you need to get your business up and running. Or will there be added fees for modems or other equipment. Will there be a hidden installation fee or is that part of the initial cost. Are there activation fees. You should know all this before you commit to a contract.
Conclusion
When it’s time to choose a new high speed internet for your business, use these five tips to make the process easier.