The reliance on the internet has grown immense these days and still increasing at a rapid pace. We have seen great transformation after the evolution of the internet as the businesses are striving hard to compete with each other to take the top spot. The competition is growing at a rapid pace, as the digital transformation has connected consumers and businesses globally.
When it comes to choosing a reliable and trustworthy internet service provider for business, we have plenty of choices at hand. From small cable providers to large communication companies, each one is offering distinct services catered to meet requirements. Whether you run a small business or operate a multinational enterprise, the foremost important thing is to find trustworthy and fastest internet service available in your area. In this fast-paced digital world where communication holds upmost importance, the need for high-speed internet remains on the top.
Nowadays, businesses strive hard to keep up with the demand for increased bandwidth. There are many options when it comes to types of internet connections. Fiber, DSL, cable, and satellite are a few choices available for businesses.
In this post, we are going to help you choose an internet service provider for your business to keep you and your workforce connected. Let’s check it out.
Table of Contents
Service Type
Internet service providers offer several service choices to users. The service types largely vary based on speed and availability. The basic types of internet connections are Fiber Optic Service, DSL, Satellite, and Cable. We will discuss briefly these service types to help you decide which one suits you.
DSL (Digital Subscribers Line): DSL internet connection is the most common type of internet connection with coverage in almost every area. It is an affordable option but is relatively slow. Companies like Centurylink, Windstream, AT&T Internet, and Frontier are offering DSL internet.
Cable Internet: It is widely available and much faster than DSL. However, the biggest disadvantage of cable internet is that it slows down during peak hours. Windstream, Cox, Charter Spectrum, and Time Warner Cable are few names offering reliable cable connection.
Satellite Internet: Satellite internet is a great option for people living in rural areas, where other connections are not available. Although it is a bit expensive, yet an option worth considering if there isn’t any other service provider in your area. Viasat and HughesNet are two popular service providers offering satellite internet.
Fiber Optic: One of the most reliable and fastest internet connections that offer speed up to 1Gbps. However, fiber optic internet is only available in limited areas. Windstream, Frontier, and AT&T are offering fiber-optic service for households and businesses.
Upload and Download Speed
The next thing you need to consider is to upload and download speed offered by a service provider. However, before that, you need to analyze what speed you need in your organization to keep everyone connected without any speed issues. The speed of the internet should be smooth and lag-free even during peak time. If you are opting for low-speed tier just to save some bucks – you will lose more money than you save. Make sure that everyone gets enough speed to complete their tasks without delays. For instance, if the marketing team has to upload a newly made video on YouTube to promote business, it must be completed in a jiffy. Otherwise, the productivity would lag and you may suffer in the long-run.
Data Limits
With hundreds and thousands of employees working simultaneously, the data consumed is far greater than what we normally consume at our homes. Businesses can’t afford speed throttles and hindrance in the workflow. Make sure to choose the service provider that offers unlimited data cap with its plan. For instance, Spectrum deals offer unlimited data, no contract option, and speed up to 940Mbps.
Customer Support
Sometimes things aren’t working smoothly and the internet is no exception. When facing disruption and connection issues, customer support is the first thing that comes in mind. When choosing your service provider, make sure that they offer full customer support 24/7. Don’t forget to read customers’ reviews about support. Most of the service providers have a bad reputation when it comes to customer support. Check for the live chat options if you want to get immediate response and to avoid long holds.
Agility and Flexibility
With time, businesses grow and need to scale up their IT infrastructure including internet connection. For instance, if a company hires 100 more employees to its marketing department, the upload download speed needs to be upgraded. Make sure that your service provider offers agility and flexibility to upscale the existing needs without any hassle.
Also, some internet service providers offer services like SD-WAN and VoIP. Before subscribing, make sure to check what is in the package that suits your budget as well as requirements.
Cost and Contract
Internet service providers advertise prices that look so economical and attractive, no one can afford to ignore them. However, the bad side is that the cost is only applicable for a limited period. After a year or two, the cost will increase and the budget may get out of control. Make sure to calculate the cost beforehand to stay away from any bullshit.
Moreover, if in case you are not satisfied with the services and thinking of switching to another provider, you may have to bear early termination charges. Look for no-contract options to avoid extra charges.
