Businesses need fast internet speeds to run effectively, but not all businesses can afford expensive options like fiber optic or cable modem service from companies such as Verizon Fiber or AT&T U-verse. That's why many people opt for their home internet provider offering them lower prices at slower speeds. If that sounds familiar, it may be time to look into business internet services.
Many of us know what a "good" internet connection looks like—we use our phones and laptops on it every day without issue. But how do you quantify that experience when choosing which internet plan would work well for your business? What does good internet mean for your company? Here are some questions to ask yourself about internet speed before making any decisions.
The first question everyone should ask themselves is whether they want their employees using their computers over Wi-Fi while working remotely with clients. You'll also have to consider if you're going to use video conferencing software or other apps that require high bandwidths (like 4K streaming). These applications will only get better throughout 2020 and beyond so make sure you buy enough bandwidth now.
If you don't already have one, having multiple offices means you'll likely need more than just a single data center. This could mean buying another router, or even two routers depending on where each office is located. A second line might be necessary if you host websites online for customers.
One thing to keep in mind is latency. Latency refers to the amount of delay between sending information and receiving feedback back. The longer the lag, the worse the quality of your communication. For example, Skype has a 1ms ping, meaning that it takes 1 millisecond for its servers to send out messages and receive responses. It's important to test latency during peak hours to see if it affects your productivity.
Latency is measured in milliseconds (msec), so the faster the number, the less latency there will be. While most residential broadband offers hundreds of megabits per second (Mbps) download speeds, commercial connections generally offer thousands of megabits per second. Many ISPs sell their fastest packages starting around 20-30 Mbps down/5 Mbps up, although some go much higher.
You probably won't notice much difference unless you're doing something very demanding, like editing videos or playing games. However, if you're trying to stream live broadcasts, those high numbers become critical. In these cases, you'll definitely want to choose a package that provides at least 50 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up.
Most experts agree that 25 Mbps down / 3 Mbps up is a reasonable middle ground between good performance and acceptable performance.
There isn't really a set definition for what constitutes a good internet speed for a business, because no matter what industry you belong to, different tasks take varying amounts of power. Some jobs demand lots of processing power, others minimal amounts.
For instance, someone who works in IT may spend most of his or her time creating reports and analyzing data, whereas someone who runs a law firm may spend most of their time reviewing contracts and drafting briefs. Both professions depend heavily on technology, yet both have differing needs based on their specific functions within their respective firms.
As you begin researching potential providers, you should check out the features available and find out exactly what kind of internet speeds you'd need. Your ISP will typically provide details about how much traffic goes through its network and what types of devices connect to it. Take note of anything unusual since these figures tend to vary widely among different networks.
While you're at it, double-check to ensure that whatever internet speed you select allows for future growth. As mentioned above, new technologies come along regularly that increase how much data users consume, requiring either bigger pipes or increased capacity. This means that you probably shouldn't stick with just one option forever. Instead, pick a provider that gives you room to grow and then upgrade later when needed.
It depends. Yes, 200 Mbps is plenty fast for the average user and most businesses, especially if they don't use heavy file sharing or gaming. However, if you're running a large virtual reality environment, hosting a game server farm, or dealing with huge files, you'll quickly exceed that limit. Even if you aren't running a big operation, 200 Mbps is still too slow for some purposes.
Consider the following numbers instead:
200 Mbps = 6 GBps
100 Mbps = 2.4 Gbps
50 Mbps = 1.2 Gbps
25 Mbps = 0.6 Gbps
10 Mbps = 0.24 Gbps
These rates reflect the maximum possible throughput for the given ISP. They provide a general idea of the minimum speed required by various operations. Note that these are theoretical values, since actual data transfer rates differ greatly due to factors including distance and local conditions.
However, once again, you may encounter issues with a particular type of application that requires higher bandwidths. Keep this in mind when shopping for a business internet deal. Most providers will give you a list of supported applications, but you can always call customer support to confirm compatibility.
A lot of times, business owners think that a lot of money spent on the right equipment will guarantee success. After all, there are certain things you simply cannot compromise (such as security,) so spending extra money doesn't seem unreasonable. The truth is that nothing is guaranteed except hard work and dedication.
That said, here are four essential pieces of equipment you must have in order to succeed with business internet:
1. Router - Whether you purchase hardware or use a third party solution, you need a reliable piece of networking gear. Ideally, it should include built-in firewall protection and encryption capabilities.
2. Switch - If you have several wireless access points scattered across your property, you'll need a switch capable of handling gigabit Ethernet ports. This way, you can easily control the configuration of individual APs via a central console.
3. Gigabit Internet Service Provider (ISP) - Since your internet connection is often shared with other devices, you'll need a dedicated IP address. Without one, your computer will appear as multiple devices on the same LAN, causing problems.
4. Antenna - Wireless antennas are great for boosting signal strength indoors, but they're useless without proper installation. Make sure you put yours correctly near your router (unless you prefer your signal to travel farther.)
Also remember that most of the aforementioned items cost little compared to the overall investment. Still, investing a few hundred dollars upfront will save you headaches further down the road. Once your system is installed and operational, don't forget to update your maintenance schedule.
Again, it depends. At times, 100 Mbps down/up might suffice for a busy office, but you'll eventually hit a point where additional speed becomes crucial. When considering upgrades, keep a couple of things in mind:
1. Bandwidth requirements - How much data do your workers generate? If you've got a relatively low volume of traffic, 100 Mbps may suffice until the end of 2021. After that, however, you'll likely benefit from upgrading sooner rather than later.
2. Growth potential - Are you planning to expand your business? Do you foresee adding staff or opening a satellite location? If you answer yes to either question, it makes sense to invest in the highest tier of service currently offered by your provider.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that if you're looking to move forward with a new project, it pays to shop early. Prices usually drop after you sign a contract, allowing you to lock in a price closer to current market value. It also helps to avoid last minute surprises.
When shopping for cheap business internet deals, you'll inevitably land on a comparison page full of advertisements. Before signing away an entire month's payment, read through reviews carefully to determine which provider delivers the best bang for your buck. To save time, start by comparing the offerings of your favorite providers. Then compare prices against similar products provided by competitors. Finally, visit the website of your chosen provider and skim through its FAQ section. Doing so will allow you to spot discrepancies in pricing and features.
Remember that you can sometimes negotiate discounts on monthly fees. Also, some ISPs offer special promotions tailored specifically toward business accounts. Look for ads that advertise savings for multiyear agreements. Other useful tricks include contacting customer care directly and asking about promotional codes. There's typically a catch though, so proceed with caution!
Once you've narrowed down your search, try checking out the options listed below. We've compiled a selection of affordable business internet solutions from major providers. Each comes with a free trial period, so you can try them out without committing to a long-term commitment.
Comcast Business Xfinity -- $60 per month for unlimited email, web browsing, and file transfers.
Frontier Business Unlimited Plan -- $40 per month for unlimited voice calling, texting, and cloud storage space.
Lumen Tech Enterprise Fiber Connectivity Package -- $70 per month for unlimited internet, phone calls, and TV viewing.
Businesses need to be connected with reliable high-speed internet at all times. This isn't just a luxury anymore—it's an absolute necessity if you want to run your company efficiently. If that sounds like you or someone else running your business, then it may be time to consider upgrading your internet provider so everyone has access to what they need when they need it.
We'll walk through how to compare different types of business internet connections and find out which one might be right for you. We also discuss some other things you should know about getting fast business internet.
There are two main ways people get online today. The first way is using broadband cable modem service from their ISP (Internet Service Provider). These services allow customers to connect to the Internet via DSL (digital subscriber line) technology. Cable modems can transfer data up to 12 Mbps per second, but most users only see speeds between 1–3Mbps.
The second option is wireless or Wi-Fi. Wireless networks allow devices to communicate directly over radio waves without having to go through any wires. They're typically used by laptops and mobile phones because they offer faster speed than wired connections, but there are drawbacks as well. For example, these networks rely on the availability of nearby hotspots. And while many areas now have plenty of Wi-Fi coverage, not every location will have a strong signal. If you don't live near enough of a hot spot, you won't be able to log into websites quickly and easily.
So, which type of internet connection is better for business? It depends on where you operate your business, where your employees work, and whether you plan on doing more remote working from home. Here's why each kind of internet works best for certain scenarios.
For instance, if you work primarily at home, you probably already have a personal router setup somewhere inside your house. That means your primary internet connection is likely coming from your own device. In general, wireless routers provide much slower download speeds compared to those offered by cable modems or fiber optics. But even though wireless speeds are lower, it doesn't mean you shouldn't choose them. While they aren't ideal for streaming video, they still work fine for basic web browsing, email, etc.
On the other hand, if you frequently travel outside your neighborhood or city, you could benefit greatly from a fiber optic business internet connection. Fiber optic lines are capable of providing extremely fast speeds comparable to wired Ethernet cables. A typical business internet connection can reach 10 Gbps —that’s ten thousand gigabits per second! Unfortunately, installing such a network requires digging trenches across neighborhoods and connecting to homes along the way. You'd definitely need permission from homeowners who live within close proximity to your property. This makes it difficult to install a fiber network in rural locations. So, unless you have a major reason to move forward with a new build, you should stick to traditional options instead.
Also keep in mind that internet bandwidth caps exist and vary based on your package. Some ISPs impose limits on the amount of traffic you send and receive during peak hours. Others limit total monthly usage. Even if your current internet connection offers unlimited downloads, it may not include upload capacity. Therefore, make sure you check the details of your plan before signing anything official.
You've heard us mention three kinds of internet connections before, but let's take a look at exactly what those are. Broadband refers to digital communication signals sent over copper wire or optical fibers. These methods transmit large amounts of information very rapidly. Traditional telephone lines were originally designed to handle analog voice transmissions, but modern systems have been upgraded to support multiple forms of digital communications including computer networking, audio/video streaming, telephony, television broadcasting, and more.
Fiber Optics is another form of transmission, but it uses light rather than electricity to carry data. Like wireless technologies, fiber optic lines require no wiring at all, making it perfect for long distances. However, unlike wireless networks, fiber optic lines cannot penetrate buildings. Instead, they must follow roads and power lines wherever possible. As a result, they're often installed underground and buried beneath sidewalks or streets. Because of its unique design, fiber optic lines are expensive to install.
Cable Modem Technology utilizes existing coaxial cables installed throughout cities and towns. Coaxial cables are similar to phone lines except they contain smaller diameter wires. Modern versions of coaxial cables are capable of carrying both electrical signals and high frequency electromagnetic energy. When combined with DSL technology, cable modems can deliver broadband connectivity to consumers.
While cable modems are an affordable alternative to using fiber optic lines, they come with several disadvantages. Most notably, they lack flexibility. For example, you can't simply switch internet sources in case something goes wrong. Also, depending on your geographical region, your internet source may change after purchase due to local regulations regarding infrastructure changes. Furthermore, cable companies generally charge extra fees for additional features like VoIP calling, security devices, and software updates. Lastly, you usually have limited control over your cable modem since it's attached to your ISP.
But if you're looking for a low cost solution, cable modems may suit you perfectly. Many residential packages start around $40 per month. Plus, if you sign up for a bundle deal, you can save money.
Now that you understand the differences between various internet options, you can determine which ones would fit your needs best. Keep in mind that your choice is going to depend heavily upon the size of your operation. For example, if you run a small startup, you may only need a few megabytes per second. On the other hand, larger corporations may need hundreds of gigabytes per second.
As mentioned earlier, cable modems tend to be cheaper than fiber optic lines. Another advantage is that they can be set up relatively easily. Since you can plug it straight into an outlet, you don't have to worry too much about installation costs. If you're interested in trying cable modem technology, read our article comparing Verizon Fios vs. Xfinity and Comcast Business vs. Spectrum here.
Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable offer business internet bundles that give you full access to a wide range of applications for free. Depending on your requirements, you could end up paying less than $100 per month.
Frontier Communications' Gigabit Pro Business Class provides top performance and reliability. With speeds ranging from 300MBps to 40GBps, you'll never experience slowdowns again. You can enjoy advanced security tools, backup storage, and 24x7 customer care. To learn more, visit our comparison page.
Lumen Tech's Ultimate Business Plan includes everything you need to succeed online. From cloud hosting to secure VPN access, you'll always stay ahead of competitors. Get started for less than $10 a day with this flexible plan. Learn more about it here.
Finally, you should think about your future growth plans. Are you planning to expand into a bigger space soon? Or maybe you want to add offices next door. Before you commit to a particular internet provider, ask yourself these questions to figure out if switching will actually improve your bottom line.
To put it simple, your internet connection allows computers to talk to one another. Your browser connects to the website you want to view, while your printer prints documents and files stored on your hard drive. Without proper internet connectivity, none of these tasks can happen. Fortunately, you don't necessarily need to pay exorbitant sums of cash to obtain quality internet. There are plenty of great deals available that cover all your basic needs.
It's important to note that not all internet connections are created equal. Just because a provider advertises "business grade" internet does not automatically mean that you'll receive top notch service. Companies like Comcast advertise their products as "internet," but they're really talking about a bundled collection of TV channels, music streaming apps, and other extras. Similarly, while Verizon Fios is marketed as a superior internet provider, it can't compete with the overall value provided by Google Fi.
With that said, here are some tips for choosing the fastest corporate internet provider:
Ask specific questions. Don't assume that a given internet provider covers all of your needs. Make sure you know what you want out of your internet plan before you begin shopping.
Check reviews. Online forums and social media pages are filled with opinions about internet providers. Do your homework and see what others have to say about the companies you're considering.
Consider price. Remember that prices fluctuate seasonally and based on demand. Be prepared to wait until the lowest rates appear.
Take advantage of promotions. Sometimes, companies will offer special discounts on their premium offerings. Check with your chosen internet provider to see if they currently have any specials going on.
Don't forget to shop around. There are countless internet providers offering competitively priced solutions. Take your time and research the market thoroughly before deciding on a single provider.
Keep in mind that the speed of your internet connection matters. Higher speeds translate into faster file transfers, smoother games, and quicker searches. Of course, higher speeds also increase your bills. If you're looking for a cheap internet connection, try searching for a provider that specializes in business class internet.
Choosing an ISP can be tricky if you're not sure what to look out for when it comes to choosing the right provider for your company's needs. There are so many different options that it can feel overwhelming at times. But don't worry -- here's everything you need to know about finding and buying the perfect business internet plan with our handy guide!
Whether you've got a startup or just want to upgrade from your current home DSL connection, there are several things you should consider before signing up for any new service. We'll cover all of those below, but first let's take a quick glance at why it matters which type of internet service your company uses.
The average American household spends over $300 on monthly bills related to their broadband services. That means that most people have some form of wired internet access available, whether through cable, fiber-optic, satellite or even wireless. The same goes for businesses, though they may spend more money since each person who works from the office has a separate line connected to the network.
If everyone in your company only needs 10Mbps, then chances are you could get by using something as simple as ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line). This is the standard way for households to connect to the internet these days. It offers speeds between 512Kbps and 4Mbps, depending on how far away your house is from the nearest telephone exchange. If you live too close to town or work in an urban setting, however, you might find yourself paying much higher prices than necessary. In such cases, a better option would be to switch to one of the top business internet packages. These come with speeds that range anywhere from 50Mbps to 1Gbps. As you'd expect, companies that require high bandwidth will pay dearly for faster connections.
But while a gigabit per second isn't cheap, it doesn't always mean you need to spend thousands every month. Even if you aren't doing anything too time sensitive, like streaming videos online, you still probably won't notice a difference unless you start working with large files or uploading lots of data. So if you're looking for the absolute best deal for your business, stick with a package above 100Mbps. Otherwise, you might end up spending hundreds on extra charges without getting any real benefit.
Since smaller offices tend to use less bandwidth compared to larger ones, it makes sense that they typically buy cheaper business internet plans. A lot of them also opt for slower speeds because they usually have fewer employees. However, if you have around 5-10 workers, it's unlikely that you'll ever see a problem. For example, if you were running a call center where incoming calls needed to be answered immediately, you would likely need to purchase a plan that offered at least 200Mbps. On the other hand, if you run a web hosting firm that didn't need much bandwidth, you wouldn't necessarily need to go beyond 100Mbps.
While you could technically build a dedicated server to handle your website traffic alone, most experts recommend against it. Instead, they suggest opting for shared servers. They allow multiple users to share the same hardware, thereby lowering costs and increasing reliability. While it wouldn't make much sense for a single user, a shared server allows you to spread the cost across dozens of clients.
Lastly, it's important to remember that your internet usage tends to fluctuate throughout the day. Most people check their email and browse social media sites during off hours, so it's wise to avoid purchasing a plan with peak hour pricing. Many ISPs offer discounts if you sign up for longer contracts, especially if you commit to two years or more. You can further save by bundling your bill together with another service.
Businesses often rely heavily on the internet to stay competitive. Whether they're selling products via websites, managing customer accounts, or simply communicating with suppliers and customers, the ability to keep moving forward depends entirely upon the quality of the connection they receive.
There are tons of factors that determine how well you'll perform online. From location to security protocols, there are plenty of variables involved. To ensure smooth sailing, you'll need to carefully analyze how you intend to utilize your business' internet connection. Then, once you've figured out exactly what kind of bandwidth is required, choose a suitable plan.
For instance, if you have a few employees who regularly upload photos to Facebook or send emails to colleagues overseas, you'll definitely want to invest in a business internet plan that provides at least 300Mbps. Meanwhile, if you only occasionally post status updates on Twitter or chat with friends back at home, you can probably get away with a lower tier. After all, no one expects you to constantly stream HD video 24/7.
Finally, you should also ask yourself what additional applications you'll need to install. Some software programs automatically adjust themselves based on the type of internet connectivity you provide. Others require constant monitoring and maintenance. And others require access to special tools that may only exist outside of the normal channel. Before making a decision, figure out what you'll actually need and how much control you'll have. Don't forget to include the expense of upgrading equipment, either.
On top of all that, it's crucial to realize that high-speed internet does not guarantee uninterrupted performance. When you subscribe to a business internet plan, you become part of a community that shares resources. Unfortunately, this includes hackers looking for ways to disrupt your site or steal information. You must implement strong security measures to protect yourself. Here's how to secure your business' internet connection.
So now that you understand what makes for a great business internet experience, it's time to shop around. Fortunately, many major carriers sell bundles that include both residential and business internet plans. Just compare various offerings until you find the one that suits your specific requirements. Make sure to read reviews from trusted sources whenever possible. Finally, if you already own your own private modem or router, you can skip the middleman altogether and directly order an unmanaged bundle from your chosen carrier.
We hope this article helped clear up any confusion regarding what internet plans are ideal for your particular business. Now that you know what to look out for, it's easy to find a reliable provider that meets your budget and delivers the exact level of performance you need.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.