It’s no surprise that the internet has greatly changed the way we live our personal lives and conduct business. Many businesses make internet connectivity a top priority to gain new customers, make sales, and process payments.
What are the Different Options?
There are many different types of internet connections that you should be aware of to make the most informed decision for your business. The first type is a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), which uses standard telephone lines. DSL is cheaper than most other options, but slow download speed and lags are a common issue. If you are a small business, this might be the best option for you.
The next type of internet connection is through a cable. This transmits information through coaxial cable lines, which are readily available in most areas. However, if multiple people are using the same circuit, the speed times can be lower. This option is another inexpensive option for price conscious small businesses.
Another type of internet connection to be aware of is fiber-optic. Data is transmitted through pulses of light through plastic channels. This avoids any outside interruptions, making it the fastest source of data transmission. However, there is limited connectivity throughout the US as it is only available in about half the country. Prices for fiber-optic internet are also higher compared to a DSL or cable option, but if your business relies on quick internet speeds, this could be a great option.
What Features Should I Look For?
Once you determine which internet type you want, you will need to decide on a provider that can fulfill all your business needs. The first feature you should analyze is the speeds. If you are a smaller business, all you might need is 100 Mbps, but if you have a larger business with multiple employees, you might need upward of 1 Gig to run your business smoothly. Does your VoiP system require additional bandwidth? You don’t want to have reduced efficiency because you don’t have enough internet speed.
Another aspect to consider in a provider is the customer service. How often are technicians available to fix any issues? What is the average amount of time the internet is down for? These are two questions you need to ask a potential provider. If your business relies on internet connection, you could lose significant profits if you choose a provider that does not solve issues timely.
Also take a look at all the contract fine terms. You want to be sure there are no data caps in your plan. Cutting your internet services off abruptly could lead to serious financial repercussions in your business. Additionally, you will need to understand what the contract terms are for. If you sign a 5-year contract, you are stuck with that provider for the full term unless you pay stiff fees to get out of the contract.
How Do I Make a Final Decision?
All of these factors need to be considered to make the best internet service provider choice for your business. Internet connection should aid in business productivity, not take away from it, making your selection critical. Does this seem like a hard decision to make on your own? Many businesses turn to Utel USA for assistance finding the right internet provider for their specific business needs and budget. Reach out today to be connected with top-of-the-line service providers like AT&T, Comcast Business, WOW, Spectrum and every other provider available to your location.