For most businesses, internet access is just as vital as their other utilities. They use the internet to access almost everything from credit card processing, communication, and more daily. There are many service providers in the market, and if you are not aware of what your business needs to operate, you may fail to get the right provider for your needs. You can consider fibre optic broadband for its reputable speed and reliability.
It becomes more comfortable when you understand your business’s internet options upfront to help you connect with the right ISP for your business. The first thing you need to do is take a practical evaluation process from the available providers to learn whether they have what you want. Let’s dive deeper to help you understand the mysteries behind internet service providers.
Types of Connections that are Available
Depending on your business needs and your area, here are broadband provider speed comparisons you can look to see the one that resonates with business requirements.
Fixed Wireless Internet
Fixed wireless internet helps to deliver broadband access through a tower, antenna, plus an express line of sight known as LoS. Also, it uses a fibre optic backbone to help provide stable flow. Towers transmit a wireless signal through radio waves to the business site’s antenna.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
DSL is a major upgrade of dial-up connections a while ago, though it has now acquired a middle-ground status. It utilizes traditional telephone lines and can still work for a small business designed to operate a few employees. The only downside is it’s cheap, and the distance covered from the ISP’s exchange interferes with the download speed, and very rarely will you see it go beyond double digits of Mbps.
Satellite
Many assume satellites can successfully carry internet services, just like a cable does. But dishes and cables can deliver sports center or Game of Thrones without any issue while satellite internet is hard to compare with DSL speeds. Satellite is not a reliable internet as a grounded connection, plus it’s costly than cable internet setup. However, the satellite is functional where there’s a sky, especially if your location is unwired. And tech giants are considering giving satellite a boost, but figuring out first what kind of business it will affect before shifting to it.
Cable Internet
Cable broadcasts data using coaxial cable TV lines, which are spread everywhere. It was easier when cable was rolling out back in the 90’s since TV lines were already there. However, cable internet is not reliable today, especially to meet your business needs.
But the cable speeds can still work for small businesses whose demand is low since the speed can go up to 100 Mbps. Then again, they are obstructed by nearby homes and businesses connected online simultaneously. Finally, the cost of cable is high and still would not effectively power your business with the required speed.
Fibre Optic Internet
Fibre optic internet helps transmit data as pulses of light using plastic strands or microscopic glass without external electromagnetic interference. It’s the modern, fastest, and oldest internet connection there today. The only challenge with Fibre internet is a limitation to reach every place and higher prices. However, with Fibre optic internet speed and reliability, there is room for growth, especially business setting. The internet’s future lies with Fibre optic internet as it beats all other types, hands down.
Factors for Choosing your Preferred ISP
Service Level Agreements (SLA)
Service Level Agreement, also known as SLA, is committed to putting yourself with an Internet Service Provider through a contract. SLA should guarantee you service metrics such as jitter, uptime, packet loss, latency plus response or repair time. For instance, the most popular ISP provides the following service targets
Ø Jitter below 10ms
Ø Packet loss target below 0.1 percent
Ø Response priority – Critical – 4 hours or less
Ø Network quality of service
Ø Round trip latency that is below 40ms
Be careful when searching for the right ISP for your business because some never guarantee your service levels. If you follow closely during your search, you’ll realize that the majority try to avoid any commitment related to service level. So, scrutinize ISP’s SLA to see in detail what is involved and whether it’s worth your money.
Reputation
Searching for your ISP is easier nowadays by checking their reputation through customer reviews. You get to know them before engaging them about their services from people who already use internet services. Places like Google, Yelp, local directories, friends, and other businesses can help you acquire more information about several ISP and their service reputation.
When looking for reviews, understand many ISP offer business services and residential; therefore, check what reviews customers are responding to. It’s vital because they have different needs such as uptime, quality of service, and more.
Customer Support
In any business, the only thing that determines whether their services are worth it or not are customer support. At one time or another, you’ll contact support regarding upgrade inquiries, complaints about downtime, or anything related. Checking the quality of ISP support before sealing a deal with them will help you know whether they are worth it.
Don’t be lured by giant ISP’s as sometimes overlooked about the customer support issue by creating automated services or waiting for a long time before getting any assistance. Luckily, many ISPs with cutting-edge technology are emerging, and their services are excellent. What matters the most is whether the investment is worth the needed services. An ISP with customer support available 24/7 is a perfect option to contact when in need.
Agility and Flexibility
Your business may be small, and even the internet needs probably are minimal. However, when searching for the right ISP provider, make sure to have extra services that you may require later after your company expands.
For instance, in the long run, you may ask for additional VoIP services, and you need to ensure the ISP of your choice offers them.
Wrap Up
Choosing the right ISP for your business should never be a daunting experience. You only need to identify what your business requires and search for an ISP that resonates with that. Many people look at the cost aspect alone as the determining factor but include other stuff that you may not have at the moment. If you loved this guide, then you’ll also like our breakdown of what makes a good internet MBS.
