A single hour of downtime can be catastrophic for your business.
That’s why it’s important to have a reliable internet provider that can help your business stay online, even in a crisis. As more and more businesses go through a digital transformation, staying connected is of the essence. Business internet service can help your business stay online and running no matter what.
So, let’s get to know all about business internet service, its types, and how you can decide what type of provider best suits your business.
What Is Business Internet Service?
A business internet service or an internet service provider (ISP) is simply a company that provides internet to businesses or individual customers. The services may include but are not limited to email services, domain registration, web hosting, and browser packages. While internet service providers offer a lot of services, their primary task is to deliver a reliable and high-speed internet connection that supports a business’s daily operations.
As your business grows, so will your internet needs. A good service provider will help you as you scale. They will also have service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee a certain level of service. This contract will specify uptime guarantees, response times for issue resolution, performance metrics, and more.
An ISP also offers additional security features such as firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), and other security measures to safeguard sensitive data. The type of ISP you choose depends on the type of business you have. Since every business’ needs differ, the type of ISP that works best will also be different.
Things to Consider While Choosing Your ISP
You want a reliable network provider that has good reviews, industry expertise, and more. Since connectivity issues may damage your business, you need to make this decision carefully. Listed below, you will find everything you need to consider before choosing an ISP.
1. Type of Connection
Your business needs the fastest connection possible to ensure full productivity. Below are three basic types of internet connections. What you can get depends on your location.
In rural areas, you can opt for satellite internet only if you have a wide area with clear weather conditions. Similarly, you can also choose a digital subscriber line (DSL). DSL is a type of connection that uses a telephone landline or cable to send a signal through coaxial cable TV lines. It is important to note that these types of connections may be slower at times of peak usage and are best suited for small businesses.
The third type of connection is a fiber connection. This is the fastest and the best type of connection for businesses. Depending on your needs and location, consult with your ISP to figure out which type of connection is best suited for your business in terms of speed and productivity.
2. Availability
If your business has several locations, ISP services may be different depending on those locations. The geographical location or locations of your business may dictate which business internet service provider has services at all the places from which you operate.
3. Bandwidth and Speed
While running a business, it is important to have the fastest speed possible, not only for your business customers but also for your employees. Of course, no one likes slow internet, but higher speeds are also more expensive. Wireless speeds also vary, depending on the type of connection you pick.
This is why you choose your bandwidth carefully. Before choosing your service plan, evaluate how much bandwidth and speed you actually need to ensure your business runs smoothly. From there, you can select a plan that has the best speed-to-bandwidth ratio at a cost your business can afford.
4. Security Needs
Cyberattacks are becoming more common every day. Contrary to popular belief, even small businesses are targets. It’s never a good idea to downplay the risk of a cyberattack on your business.
Your choice of ISP plays an important role in your security strategy. Moreover, you can also work with a managed IT service provider to ensure round-the-clock security.
5. Dependability and Average Downtime
Before you choose an ISP, make sure to ask them what their average yearly downtime is. It could be 3%, 4%, 5%, or higher. You can also ask your provider to make downtime a part of your service level agreement. This way, if your connection is down for longer than allowed by the service agreement, you are entitled to discounts or credits.
6. Flexibility
Businesses have plans for the long run. Your ISP should not be any different. Ideally, you would want to go with a provider that will support your scalability and grow your business. Similarly, you need to have a plan for your future business locations and workforce. Make sure to consider the type of team you will have: remote, hybrid, or on-site. Make an informed decision after doing thorough research. Depending on your business, you might need to evaluate remote technology, like cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure, to support your team.
7. Customer Service
Good support goes a long way when it comes to your business internet service provider. When you are in the process of choosing an ISP, see how they can be contacted. Some things to consider include:
- Are they available 24/7?
- Is there a chat feature?
- How long do they usually take to respond?
Moreover, ask about their technicians in case you run into a problem that requires an ISP technician to come on-site to fix it.
8. Contract Terms and Conditions
It is essential to understand the contract terms and conditions before you sign the contract. Most ISP contracts are for two years. They may also have longer plans which could save your business money in the long run. Alternatively, you should also check for any fines and penalty fees in case you want to end the contract early.
9. Budget
When choosing your ISP, be mindful of your budget. While it is recommended not to cut corners when choosing a provider for your business, you should also not overspend.
With an appropriate budget, you will easily find something that works well for your business.
And sometimes you don’t even need to look! Oppuous provides business internet service and so much more. The best part? We do it all on a budget that fits you! Oppuous is committed to growing your business and protecting it 24/7. No matter how small or big your business is, we have a plan for your needs.
From network and communication to energy services, we do it all. Oppuous is your one-stop shop for all your business needs. We are the reliable internet service provider you have been looking for! Don’t waste any more time. Take a look at our IT services page to learn all about what we can do for you!
Ready to stay connected and secure? Book a free IT consultation with us today, and let’s talk about what we can do for your business!
