Internet Essentials for Small Businesses

For most small businesses, the internet has become integral to how they do business. But not all internet services are the same. It’s worth taking the time to find the optimal small business internet service for your needs from an internet service provider (ISP) that you can depend on. 

At WOW! Business, we take pride in the quality of our internet for small businesses. We offer a variety of internet plans for your business at different price points so you can get exactly what you need without breaking the bank. 

Let’s look at some of the key factors to consider when choosing a small business internet service. That way, you can make an informed decision about which is right for you. 

How Do Different Types of Internet Connections Compare in Terms of Speed and Reliability? 

When it comes to small business internet service, you have several different options to choose from. These include: 

DSL Internet  

DSL internet utilizes copper phone lines to deliver internet to your business. It’s one of the more affordable business internet plans available, but there’s a reason for that. DSL can’t provide the speed and bandwidth of cable internet and can’t even come close to the performance of fiber. 

Although speeds can vary considerably depending on the location, DSL typically offers around 25 Mbps download speeds and 3 Mbps upload speeds. Because it’s usually above ground, DSL service is not usually as reliable as cable or fiber. 

Sometimes, DSL is the best option you have. But if you have other choices, like cable or fiber, your business will be better served by one of those. 

Cable Internet  

Cable uses a coaxial cable that was originally designed for cable television. It is available in most locations and offers faster speeds and better reliability than DSL. 

Download speeds can range from 5 Mbps to over 1,000 Mbps (1 Gig) with upload speeds between 5 Mbps and 50 Mbps.  Cable is often underground and is less prone to interruptions than DSL. It can handle many more simultaneous users than DSL, but not as many as fiber.  

Fiber Internet  

Fiber uses fiber optic cables to transfer data as light signals. It’s the best internet option out there for speed and reliability. Speeds can range from 200 Mbps to 20 Gbps. One of the most significant aspects of fiber is that it offers equal download and upload speeds, so you can upload as quickly as you download. This is important when you use a cloud backup and other cloud-based applications.  Fiber is the most reliable type of connection and the least prone to interruptions.  

What Internet Speed Does a Small Business Need? 

Small business internet plans are available at many speed levels and it makes sense to only pay for as much as you need.  The ideal speed is one that meets all your current usage needs and is prepared for future demands. The two key factors to consider when choosing internet for small businesses are:  

• What do you use the internet for: Web browsing, emailing and social media scrolling are considered relatively light internet usage, while video conferencing is considered heavier usage. Slower speeds are ok for light usage but will lead to serious performance issues if you move into heavier usage. 

• How many users and devices are connected: A few users and devices are fine for a slower plan but if you have a lot of users and/or devices, faster speeds and more bandwidth are necessary to avoid performance issues. 

A small business with light usage and a few users can be fine with a 100 Mbps connection. However, a business with heavy usage and/or numerous simultaneous users needs a more powerful connection, such as a 1 Gig connection.  

What Specific Features Should I Look for In an Internet Plan for My Small Business? 

The main things to focus on when considering small business internet service for your company are:  

• Speed: You always want to have enough speed for your applications to function correctly. Otherwise, you and your employees will be waiting around for the internet to catch up with your needs. 

• Bandwidth: This refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted at one time. It’s as important as speed because without enough bandwidth, applications won’t work correctly. Fiber internet is the best option for optimal bandwidth. 

• Reliability: The fastest connection in the world is useless if the internet is down all the time. Businesses need connections that work consistently. 

Choosing the Right Internet Service Provider (ISP): How to Choose an ISP 

When choosing among ISPs, consider the following:  

• Service area: ISPs only serve certain areas. Even in a single town or city, an ISP may only offer small business internet service in certain neighborhoods. 

• Customer reviews: How do other small businesses feel about the ISP? 

• Available plans: Many ISPs have different packages available depending on their technology and service area. For instance, one might offer fiber in your area while another won’t. 

• Reliability: While you certainly want a fast connection, reliable business internet is arguably the most important for business purposes. 

• Cost: Some ISPs offer better deals than others. However, keep in mind that those low prices might expire after a set time and automatically increase in cost afterward. 

Get WOW! Business Internet Today! 

Let us elevate your business with our reliable and fast internet plans. Reach out to our dedicated team today to learn how we can support your growing business.