With the advent of modern technology, the internet has become part and parcel of our lives. Businesses today rely on the internet as the most indispensable tool for carrying out their operations. No matter what task it is, whether video conferencing, employee training, or routine procedures- having a solid internet connection makes things possible.

Irrespective of the business type or operational team, you won’t last long without the internet. Do you ever say to yourself, “It might be time to test my internet speed?” Businesses with a slow connection tend to suffer in terms of work productivity and profit & loss margins.

Thus, selecting a helpful internet connection suffices your business value. All you must do is choose an Internet service provider that fits your needs and budget. Also, it would help if you considered some variables for making a buying decision before closing the final deal with the ISP. Some things that you need to consider are when selecting an ideal provider for your business is:

What Connections are Available?

The type of connection usually depends on the area of your business. You either have a full menu of internet access entrées or a last hot dog. The expert providers shed light on some of the most common ISP connections for the broadband speed comparison. Some of these are:

1. Digital Subscriber Line

2. Cable

3. Satellite

4. Fiber, and

5. Dial-up

What are the Internet Speed Needs of your Business?

Small businesses with a handful of employees consider getting away with less internet speed. However, believe when tech giants say that this isn’t the case. Chances are excellent for them to engage in video conferencing or gigantic file transfer all day. Similarly, 50 employees might be indulging in merely trading emails. Thereby, they might not need 500 Mbps bandwidth.

Businesses- your best bet can be to determine your business’s internet service requirements before anything else. It is because you don’t want to end up paying too much or even stick with too little.

Also, note that fiber’s internet upload speeds equal the download speed. And, this factor gives them a massive advantage over cable and DSL for transferring data. Know as connection types rise, cost too, increases concurrently with speed. Some of the standard plan bandwidth numbers to consider are:

1. 15-25 Mbps- Ideal for running a small operation of one-two employees for conducting the essential internet business. You can transfer light files.

2. 20-25 Mbps: Ideal for a business with five employees for conducting larger files and point-of-sale operations. Video conferences and associated functions also run smoothly.

3. 50-75 Mbps: Useful for multiple employee organizations, usually seven or above. This speed connection provides a data backup capability, and data transfer stability is also possible.

4. 75-100 Mbps: This connection type is ideal for a business with a low employee count as it helps handle audio and video streaming communications. It also works wonders for crowded Wi-Fi usage.

5. 100-150 Mbps: For a rapidly growing business, this range is appropriate. Some companies may be web-hosting, e-commerce among others.

6. 150-500 Mbps: With this speed, businesses will accommodate increasing data demands and employee counts. In the case of areas with fiber cables, serious plans of 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps speeds are available.

What all Should you be Asking About?

When considering an internet service provider, know that speed isn’t everything. It would help if you also thought of other factors when you’re thinking of choosing one. Some of these are:

Customer Service and the Availability of the Technician:

While you may not be doing business 24/7, your routine operations will be pretty easy when you have round-the-clock support from your ISP. After all, time down is equivalent to lost money, ensuring that the ISP you choose is always available either on the phone or via chat assistance.

Also, check the frequency and accessibility of on-site technicians.

Average Yearly Downtime:

It’ll come as a surprise to know that several ISPs promise perfect or near-to-the-perfect uptime. However, the sad part is many don’t deliver the same.

Thus, make sure to read through the Service Level Agreement. For instance, if the ISP doesn’t meet your expectations, he’ll have to compensate you in the form of credits, discounts, or even early contract terminations.

Thus, make sure the ISP provides you with this advantage when signing a contract.

Data Caps:

Several Internet Service Providers impose data caps and then charge higher rates if you exceed the limit. Know that data caps are sometimes standard in DSL, fiber, and cable business plans. Look out for data caps if your business is hungry for broadband.

Contract Length:

Determine the duration for which you’re most likely to stay with a service provider. Know that the average length of the contract is two years. However, if the duration doesn’t work well for you, know that there are longer or shorter terms you can look for depending on the overall savings.

Also, make sure to look for termination fees and free trial periods while looking for an ISP.

What Do You Need Besides a Connection?

While choosing a provider, keep in mind a few factors, especially when thinking of the internet connection. Some factors that are sure to help your business run better and more accessible are:

Bundles:

Many ISPs offer more things than just internet service. Sometimes, you also get package deals that have VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) along with a reduced overall cost. Even if you have an existing phone service, you have the option of saving thousands of dollars in a year.

Static IP:

Internet Protocol allows computers to find one another on the web and establish communications. Also, they come in two flavors- dynamic ( temporary and used for residential service only) and static ( permanent and is geared towards business).

Static may be an ideal option for you if you’re hosting servers, external access, VPNs, and need stability and security.

Cloud Storage:

It is wise to cease with space-hogging drives and hard drives. You can use the cloud for storing more than just off-site data.

You can also allow the use of software, simultaneous file access between multiple remote users, and an extra security layer. Usually, cloud storage costs more than regular fees, but it can be a wise option as your business grows- all thanks to flexibility.

The Verdict

These are certain things to consider when choosing an Internet Service Provider for your business.

Know that the choice of a provider doesn’t have to be daunting. The cost and size of your business isn’t the only factor for deciding the provider. Instead, it is vital to ask the ISP the right kind of questions if attaining a sigh of relief is on your mind!