Every thriving small business needs reliable and cost-effective internet solutions. Get it right, and your business is primed to be as efficient and productive as possible. Get it wrong, and your entire operation could become compromised and lose the competitive edge. However, the business internet market is complex and ever-changing. It can be hard to know what's out there, and which solutions will best fit your operational needs. Whether you're a small business owner, IT professional, or office manager, we've got you covered with this guide to business internet solutions. We'll run through each internet service in turn and look at how each solution might meet your business requirements. Pushed for time? Simply call the team at WOW! Business now to get a fast, personalized consultation built around your needs. Our friendly experts assess what you need, provide expert advice, and do the work for you!

Telecom Solutions for Business 2024

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line):

• Pros:

  DSL is widely available and cost-effective. It's also faster than traditional dial-up.

• Cons: DSL speeds vary depending on your business location and distance from the provider, and it tends to be slower than other types of broadband. Some high-speed wireless options can be used to offer competitive speeds.

Fiber-Optic Internet:

• Pros:

  Fiber-Optic Internet is extremely reliable and fast, with rapid speeds for uploads and downloads alike. It's great for businesses that rely heavily on bandwidth and use it intensively, and it's ideal for hosting VoIP telephony.

• Cons: Fiber-optic Internet is only available in some places, and this type of business telecom service can also be more expensive than other business telecom options.

Cable Internet:

• Pros: Cable Internet is faster than DSL, and it's widely available in urban and suburban areas. What's more, it can be cost-effective, thanks to its use of shared infrastructure.

• Cons: Service reliability can vary by provider and speeds can dip during times of peak use.

Fixed Wireless:

• Pros: Fixed Wireless is useful in areas that don't have wired infrastructure, such as rural business spots. It offers a high-speed connection too.

• Cons: The performance of Fixed Wireless can be impacted by trees, buildings, and other physical obstacles, and its availability can also be limited.

Business-Grade Ethernet:

• Pros: Business-grade Ethernet is reliable, scalable, and offers high bandwidth to meet business needs.

• Cons: It tends to be more expensive and its availability may be limited in some areas.

Satellite Internet:

• Pros: This tends to be a popular choice for businesses in rural and remote areas, and it can be installed quickly, for rapid use.

• Cons: It tends to be slow, and may have restrictions on usage. The performance also tends to degrade in bad weather.

T1 and T3 Lines:

• Pros: T1 and T3 lines offer reliable and dedicated connections for businesses, and are especially useful for operations that use high data transfers.

• Cons: Again, these can be more expensive than other options and the installation process can be longer too, due to the physical infrastructure required.

Business Internet Solutions - FAQs

What is a good internet speed for small business?

Generally speaking, small businesses need at least 300 Mbps for downloads and 3Mbps for upload speeds to deliver basic digital functions such as email, file exchange, videoconferencing, and access to cloud-based software. Businesses with more intensive digital requirements will usually need higher speeds.

What do businesses need to consider for telecom needs?

A. Every business will have its own unique telecommunications needs. Factors to consider include:

• Business demands; including data transfer, online activities, and the number of users

• Whether you're planning to run VoIP via your broadband service

• Availability of services within a geography.

• Scalability

• Reliability and support options

• Security considerations

• Contractual terms.

How does VoIP link with internet choices?

Business owners tend to want internet packages that include VoIP. This operates via your broadband (and works particularly well with fiber-optic broadband services.) VoIP lets your business enjoy crisp and clear telephony services for a fraction of the cost of traditional phone services, using the Internet. It's also a great way to maximize the value of your broadband service.

Telecom solutions for successful businesses

Excellent business telecom solutions for business go way beyond basic bandwidth. Businesses need a reliable, scalable, and flexible service that offers secure communications, fast data transfers, and the bandwidth needed to meet all business needs. You need this service around the clock, reliably, but with the knowledge that you have a friendly and competent customer services team on hand whenever you need support. Many businesses will also want to secure additional integrated services such as VoIP, so it's essential to find a service provider that can provide a truly tailored, responsive service with a strong performance history.

Find out more

At WOW! Business, we know your business needs cost-effective, scalable, and reliable business internet solutions tailored to your business operation. We're a leading broadband provider with a vast network that delivers high-speed internet, voice, data center, and business TV services across seven states. We pride ourselves on our ability to offer the best telecom solutions for business clients, with superb service and performance, and highly personalized solutions. Ready to find the perfect internet solution for your small business? Speak with one of our business internet experts today for a personalized consultation tailored to your unique needs!