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10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Business Internet Provider

In business, every connection matters. The right internet choice keeps your business moving forward, while the wrong one could hold you back. Your choice of a business internet provider can impact everything from employee productivity to customer satisfaction. With so many options available, how can you find the perfect internet services for your business? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

What is Business Internet?

Business internet refers to broadband internet services designed specifically for the needs of businesses. Unlike residential internet, it often comes with features such as:

Higher Speeds: To handle multiple users and data-intensive tasks.
Service-Level Agreements (SLAs): Guarantees for uptime and performance.
Static IP Addresses: Essential for hosting servers and remote access.
Enhanced Security: Tools to safeguard sensitive data.

Whether you run a small business or a large enterprise, business internet ensures your operations run efficiently and uninterrupted.

What is a Business Internet Provider?

A business internet provider delivers high-performance broadband services tailored to meet the demands of businesses. Business internet plans offer essential features designed to meet the demands of modern operations, including faster speeds, reliable customer support, advanced security, and guarantees for uptime through service-level agreements (SLAs).

Choosing the right provider involves more than just speed—it’s about finding a partner who can scale with your business, keep your data secure, and ensure your operations run smoothly.

1. Assess Your Business Needs

Understanding your business’s specific internet requirements is crucial to selecting the right provider. Start by considering these factors when shopping internet services for business:

Number of Users and Devices: How many employees and devices (e.g., computers, printers, smart devices) will use the internet simultaneously? A higher number of users typically requires more bandwidth.
Activities Requiring Bandwidth: Evaluate tasks like video conferencing, cloud-based applications, or large file transfers. Activities like these demand higher speeds and stable connections.
Peak Usage Hours: Identify times when your business sees the highest internet usage. This helps in choosing a plan that handles demand without slowdowns.
Future Growth Plans: Anticipate your business’s growth in the next few years. Opt for a provider that offers scalability to meet increasing needs.

Additionally, consider the impact of these needs on productivity. For example, inadequate bandwidth could slow down operations, frustrate employees, and affect customer experiences.

What activities require high bandwidth? (e.g., video conferencing, cloud-based apps)
What are your peak usage hours?
What are your growth plans?

Understanding your needs will help you determine the required speeds and bandwidth, ensuring you choose a plan that can handle your current and future demands.

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2. Understand Different Business Internet Connection Types

The type of internet connection you choose can significantly impact your business operations. Each type comes with its own set of strengths and limitations, so it’s important to understand how they align with your needs:

Fiber Optic Internet: The fastest and most reliable option, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds, ideal for businesses handling large amounts of data or relying heavily on cloud-based services. Dedicated fiber optic lines are ideal for businesses that need top-tier speed, customized service, and private lines. Broadband and shared fiber allows for small- and medium-sized businesses to experience the speed of fiber without the price of dedicated. Users typically experience speeds from 50 Mbps to 1-5 Gigs on shared, though slowdowns are possible during peak usage.
Fixed Wireless Internet: Fixed wireless delivers internet via radio signals, making it an excellent option for businesses in underserved areas. A versatile solution for businesses requiring a dedicated, private, and reliable connection or backup internet plan. Initially designed for remote or underserved areas, fixed wireless is now becoming more widely available, offering flexibility without the need for physical cables. Using Points of Presence (PoPs) installed on towers or buildings, fixed wireless providers deliver internet to businesses and residents within a defined radius. This makes it an excellent choice for companies handling sensitive customer data or those needing guaranteed connectivity. Fixed wireless offers up to 99.999% uptime, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Best for small businesses with basic internet needs, offering affordable connections. Often regarded as a relic these days, this internet type has limited bandwidth and extremely low maximum speeds. It’s not recommended for most modern businesses.
Cable Internet: Suitable for mid-sized businesses, providing moderate speeds but may experience slower performance during peak times. Cable internet utilizes coaxial cables to connect businesses and residents on a shared network. Businesses on this internet type can typically handle moderate activities such as backups and file management with multiple users.
Satellite Internet: Designed for remote locations but typically slower and more expensive than other options. Using a receiver dish, a business can connect to an internet signal via satellite. This form of internet typically has data limits, high latency issues, and is susceptible to bad weather. It’s recommended as a last resort for most businesses today.

Choosing the right connection depends on your location, budget, and operational demands. For more information on different business internet types, read more here.

Comparison Table of Business Internet Types

Internet Type

Best For

Pros

Cons

Fixed Wireless

Established businesses requiring consistent uptime

Fast, private, installation in as little as 14 days

Limited availability

Fiber

Large businesses, data-heavy tasks

Fast, reliable, low latency, symmetrical speeds

Limited availability

DSL

Small businesses

Affordable

Slower speeds

Cable

Mid-sized businesses

Moderate speeds, widespread

Bandwidth sharing

Satellite

Remote locations

Available in remote areas

High latency, costly

Dedicated Fiber Internet

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3. Compare Business vs. Residential Internet

Residential internet plans might appear budget-friendly, but they lack the essential features that businesses need for seamless operations. Without a business internet plan, you might face:

Inconsistent Speeds: Residential connections often prioritize downloads over uploads, leading to slower performance for activities like video conferencing or file sharing.
Limited Support: Residential providers typically offer general customer service, which may not prioritize urgent business needs.
Security Risks: Business-grade internet includes enhanced security features like firewalls and encrypted data, which are often absent in residential plans.
Downtime Vulnerability: Without SLAs, residential plans offer no guarantees for uptime, leaving your business exposed to costly disruptions.

Choosing a business internet provider mitigates these risks by delivering reliable performance, dedicated support, and robust security tailored to your operational needs. To determine if business or residential internet is right for you, read more in our guide here.

4. Prioritize Speed and Reliability

Internet speed is critical, but so is reliability. Consider the following when evaluating your next business internet plan:

Download and Upload Speeds: Choose a plan that matches your operational needs. High business internet speed ensures smoother workflows.
Latency and Jitter: These are critical factors for ensuring smooth video calls and real-time applications. Latency refers to the delay between sending and receiving data. High latency can result in noticeable lags during online meetings or data transfers. Jitter describes the variation in latency over time. Consistent jitter can cause disruptions, such as choppy audio or dropped video frames. Both latency and jitter are particularly important for businesses relying on VoIP, video conferencing, or other real-time services.
Uptime Guarantees: Look for providers offering 99.9% or higher uptime.

Suggested Speeds by Business Activity

Business Size

Activities

Recommended Speeds

Small Office

Email, browsing, VoIP

50-150 Mbps

Small Retail Store

POS systems, light cloud usage

75-200 Mbps

Medium Business

Video conferencing, file sharing, cloud apps

300-500 Mbps

Large Enterprise

Data backups, streaming, large file transfers, large teams

1 Gbps or higher

5. Back Up Internet Connection for Business

Downtime can be costly for any business. Whether it’s a brief hiccup or a prolonged outage, interruptions can lead to significant losses. A backup internet connection for business ensures continuity during outages and safeguards your operations.

Why Downtime Matters for Your Business

Downtime is more than an inconvenience; it can have serious consequences for your business operations. Here’s why reliability should be a top priority:

Lost Productivity: Employees are unable to complete tasks when systems are offline, resulting in missed deadlines and decreased efficiency.
Revenue Loss: Downtime during peak business hours can mean losing sales opportunities, especially for e-commerce platforms.
Impact on Customer Trust: Frequent outages can erode customer confidence in your business, driving them to competitors.
Data Integrity Risks: Unstable connections increase the likelihood of incomplete data transfers or corruption.

A dependable internet provider minimizes these risks by offering robust infrastructure, proactive monitoring, and quick issue resolution. Reliable uptime isn’t just a convenience; it’s a critical business asset. Learn why every business can benefit from a redundant internet connection in our Q&A interview with EarthLink Business Vice President of Sales Kris Maher.

Tips to Ensure Reliable Service

Evaluate Uptime Guarantees: Look for SLAs that promise at least 99.9% uptime.
Check for Proactive Monitoring: Choose providers that use advanced network monitoring to identify and resolve issues before they affect your business.
Test Customer Support: Contact support before signing a contract to assess responsiveness and expertise.

Fixed Wireless: A Great Backup Internet Option

Fixed wireless internet is a highly reliable backup solution for businesses that cannot afford downtime. Here’s why it stands out as a secondary connection:

Independence from Wired Networks: Fixed wireless does not rely on cables or infrastructure, making it unaffected by issues like damaged fiber lines or construction work.
Quick Deployment: It’s faster to set up compared to other backup options, which is ideal for businesses needing immediate solutions.
Cost-Effective Backup: Fixed wireless provides robust connectivity without the high costs associated with some other backup systems.
Rural Coverage: Especially useful in areas where traditional wired backup options are unavailable.
High Speeds: Some providers offer speeds up to 20 Gbps, accommodating data-heavy operations and seamless connectivity.
Reliability: Provides up to 99.999% uptime, ensuring your business stays operational even during outages during outages.

By pairing fixed wireless with a primary fiber connection, your business ensures seamless operations even during outages.

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6. Evaluate Costs and Bundles

Balancing cost with quality is key when selecting a business internet provider. A smart choice ensures you get the most value without compromising performance. Here’s what to consider:

Transparent Pricing: Avoid hidden fees and surprise charges by choosing a provider with upfront pricing.
Bundled Services: Save money and streamline services by combining internet with VoIP, cloud storage, or other business tools. These bundles often provide significant value.
Contract Terms: Look for flexibility in contracts, such as month-to-month options or trial periods, which can help you avoid long-term commitments if your needs change.
Scalable Plans: Choose a provider that offers the ability to upgrade or adjust your plan as your business grows or changes.
Value-Added Features: Look for plans that include extras like enhanced security, dedicated customer support, or managed services, which can save you additional costs in the long run.

Taking the time to evaluate these aspects ensures that your business gets the right balance of cost-efficiency and functionality, enabling seamless operations and growth.

How Much Does Business Internet Cost?

The cost of business internet varies based on speed, connection type, and additional services. Here’s a general breakdown:

Small Businesses
$50 – $150 / month for speeds up to 300 Mbps

Medium Businesses
$150 – $300 / month for speeds between 300 Mbps and 1 Gbps

Large Enterprises
$300+ / month for speeds above 1 Gbps and custom SLAs

Remember, higher costs often come with additional features like enhanced security and dedicated customer support.

7. Ensure Scalability

Your business may start small, but choosing a provider that can grow with you ensures long-term success. Scalability allows you to:

Easily Upgrade Speeds: As your team expands or adopts more bandwidth-intensive applications, seamless upgrades keep your operations running smoothly.
Add New Services: Providers offering flexible add-ons, like managed IT or advanced security features, help you adapt to changing demands.
Support Business Growth: Whether opening new locations or scaling e-commerce capabilities, a scalable plan supports your goals without disruptions.
Avoid Switching Providers: Partnering with a provider that anticipates your growth saves time and hassle down the line.

By focusing on scalability, you invest in an internet solution that grows alongside your business.

8. Check Availability in Your Area

Not all providers offer the same coverage, making it essential to research availability in your area. Start by using ZIP code tools to identify which services are offered where your business operates. Factors like local infrastructure and provider presence can affect the quality and speed of service available. Understanding your location’s specific offerings ensures you select a provider that can meet your needs, whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote community.

9. Review Customer Support

Responsive customer support can be a lifeline during outages or technical issues, saving your business valuable time and money. Here are the key aspects to look for:

24/7 Support: Ensure the provider offers round-the-clock assistance so you can resolve issues quickly, no matter when they arise.
Specialized Business Lines: Look for dedicated teams trained to address business-specific challenges, ensuring efficient and knowledgeable responses.
Proactive Communication: The best business internet providers notify you of outages or maintenance schedules in advance, minimizing surprises and allowing you to plan accordingly.
Local Support Options: Business internet providers with regional or local support centers can often deliver faster, more personalized service.

How to Test Customer Support

Before signing a contract, evaluate the provider’s support by calling their helpline with a pre-sales query. Assess their response time, professionalism, and ability to answer your questions thoroughly. A responsive and reliable support team can make a significant difference in maintaining your business’s operations.

10. Research Security Features

Protecting your data is critical in business. A security breach can have devastating effects, including financial loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences. When evaluating business internet providers, ensure they offer robust security measures such as:

Firewalls and Encryption: These protect your network by blocking unauthorized access and ensuring data transfers remain secure.
Threat Detection and Prevention: Look for services that monitor your network in real-time to identify and mitigate potential cyber threats before they cause harm.
Remote Worker Protections: As remote work becomes more common, it’s essential to secure endpoints and connections for offsite employees, ensuring they can access company systems safely.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple methods.
Data Backup Solutions: Providers that offer automatic backups ensure your critical data is protected and recoverable in case of an attack or system failure.

By partnering with a provider that prioritizes cybersecurity, you can focus on growing your business with confidence, knowing your data is safe.

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Make the Right Choice with EarthLink Business

Selecting the right business internet provider is a pivotal decision. With EarthLink Business, you get reliable speeds, unmatched support, and scalable solutions to help your business thrive. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to find the perfect internet plan for your business.