Internet service providers are an important consideration for any small business.
The internet is a crucial component of your company, and you should have the best connection for your computers to function at their best.
There are a lot of options available when it comes to internet providers that work for your business.
Our team of IT professionals created a list of the best internet service providers and things to consider before signing up.
11 Things to consider when choosing an internet service provider
How much bandwidth is available?
You need to make sure that you have enough bandwidth available for your company to operate smoothly.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a provider that offers more than 100mbps per second. This move will ensure that all the employees in your office can work quickly and efficiently as they move, copy, paste, or email information.
Bandwidth is a finite resource, so you need an internet provider with enough bandwidth to meet your needs in peak usage times.
Use these questions to help guide your decision.
- What is the provider’s peak bandwidth usage time?
- What are the peak usage hours of your company?
Are there any specific times when you need to have full access to high-speed Internet for a project or meeting that will last more than an hour?
Which price and plan option is best for your company?
You may want to consider what kind of pricing plans are available and how they would work for your company.
Small business internet service providers offer different packages and prices. Some are more expensive than others, but it all depends on the services you need and how much bandwidth your company is using.
If your business needs high-speed connectivity with a high data transfer capacity, then a fiber-optic network could be for you! With these services, you’ll have the fastest internet connection possible.
Many providers offer a variety of services and packages, so it’s important to research which will fit your company’s needs best. Here is a list of options from the lowest priced option to the most expensive one:
- DSL
- Cable
- Satellite
- Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Fiber Optic ISP
- Wireless Internet Service Provider (ISP)
It is important to consider what the rates are per month and if there are additional fees (e.g., installation or modem costs).
Does the ISP care about Securing your Data and Privacy?
One of the most important things to think about when choosing a provider is your security. AT&T and Verizon have worked with NSA surveillance programs, so they may have to access your communications.
The best internet provider should have an excellent public reputation. Their reputation may be hard to determine without investigation of their privacy and security policies.
Be sure you know about the security of each internet service provider before signing up for one. Does it use a type of encryption? How often are updates made to its security software or hardware systems?
Can you Tolerate their Customer Service or lack thereof?
It is always important that you have access to customer service when you need them.
Customer service is another important factor in your decision. Some providers offer 24/hr customer support, but this might not be the best option for a small business.
Some providers will charge extra fees and have certain limitations when it comes to their customer service. This service fee could mean a lack of customer support over the phone or no live chat option.
You’ll also want someone on the other end who is fluent in your language in case you need help.
Before signing up with an Internet provider, find out how they will aid if there is ever a problem. Do they have a phone number you can call? Online chat services or forums where customers are active and help each other out?
Need someone to manage customer support for you? With Digital Operating Solutions, we serve as an authorized representative that manages your Internet connection. So you don’t have to lift a finger. Learn more about our remote-managed IT services.
Does Your Small Business Need Highly Reliable Connection?
You need to know if there will be any problems with the Internet service before signing up for an ISP.
It is important to have reliable internet service providers. If you are unable to access the Internet, it can be detrimental to your business.
You want a provider who offers both wired and wireless connections. You also want an unlimited data plan, so there aren’t any surprises if you go over your monthly bandwidth.
Use the following questions to help choose your reliability needs from an ISP:
- What is their downtime, both in terms of hours per day as well as days per year?
- Does it have a backup plan should the Internet fail?
- Do you get any bundled services?
Bundled services are often the best option for small businesses. Bundled service providers will offer a variety of broadband speeds and packages to choose from. These include web hosting, domain registration, or some other type of service as part of your monthly bill.
You can find out more by researching which provider has the right package for you on their website or contacting them directly.
Some ISPs will include additional security measures: antivirus software, spam filtering, or firewalls.
Some top internet providers for small businesses include:
Xfinity by Comcast
Xfinity offers speeds up to 1200 Mbps and has a 99.98% uptime guarantee. This guarantee makes it one of the best choices for any company looking for a reliable Internet provider. You can find more information about this ISP on their website at xfinity.com. They also have an online chat service that you can use to ask questions and get help.
AT&T
AT&T is another popular internet provider. They offer speeds up to 940 Mbps with a 99% uptime guarantee. You can find more information about this ISP on their website at att.com. They also have a phone number you can call if there is ever an issue.
Spectrum
Spectrum, previously known as Time Warner, is a common and well-known internet provider. Spectrum offers speeds up to 1000 Mbps and has a 99% uptime guarantee. You can find more information about Spectrum ISP’s business offering on their website. They also have a telephone number that you can call if there is ever an issue.
Fios by Verizon
Verizon, a popular cell service, has made its name known in the Internet Provider Industry. Fios by Verizon offers speeds up to 940 Mbps with no downtime guarantee. You can find more information about this ISP on their website at verizon.com. They also provide online chat services 24/7.
Frontier FiberOptic
This company offers speeds up to 90 Mbps and has a 99% uptime guarantee. You can find more information on their website at frontierbusiness.com. They also have an online chat service that you can use to ask questions and get help.
Verdict on the Best Internet Service Provider for Your Small Business
The best internet provider for your business depends on the needs of your company as well as the services in your area.
There are many things to consider when choosing an ISP, but it is always helpful to know some of the top options before you start looking.
These are some of the best plans available, but the availability of these plans varies in cost and region. Choosing an Internet Provider for your business can be a daunting and complex task.Our devoted IT team understands that.
