Navigating the world of business internet can be a complex task, especially when faced with a plethora of options and technical jargon.
To simplify this process, we’ve put together an updated overview of the most popular high-speed internet alternatives available today and the best internet options for business.
This guide will help you understand the key differences and benefits of fiber, satellite, fixed wireless internet, and more, ensuring you make an informed decision for your business needs.
For a deeper understanding of how business internet differs from home internet, refer to our detailed comparison in our blog post, Home vs. Business Internet: Which is Right for You?
Connection type | Typical speed range | Latency | Availability | Monthly cost (est.) | SLA? | Best fit for |
Fiber optic EarthLink Dedicated & broadband | 50 Mbps – 10 Gbps | 5–20 ms | Urban & suburban; expanding metro areas | $100–$500+/mo | Yes | Cloud-heavy operations, video conferencing, large file transfers, mission-critical uptime |
Fixed wireless (EoFW) EarthLink Ethernet over fixed wireless | 10 Mbps – 10 Gbps | <10–30 ms | Urban & suburban; near fiber backbone | Custom quote | Yes; 99.999% | Fast deployment, network redundancy, fiber alternative, locations mid-renovation or without cable access |
Satellite (LEO) | 135–310 Mbps | 20–50 ms | Near-universal, including rural & remote | $250–$500+/mo | Limited | Remote locations with no terrestrial broadband; backup connectivity; field operations |
Satellite (GEO) | 25–100 Mbps | 600–700 ms | Broad rural & remote coverage | $100–$300/mo | Limited | Last-resort option in areas with no other broadband; not suitable for VoIP or video conferencing |
DSL Digital Subscriber Line | 1–100 Mbps | 25–70 ms | Wide; declining as copper is retired | $45–$100/mo | Rarely | Small businesses with basic email/browsing needs in areas without fiber or fixed wireless access |
Ethernet over Copper (EoC) | 1–50 Mbps | 20–50 ms | Urban & suburban; phasing out | $150–$500/mo | Often | Businesses needing symmetrical dedicated bandwidth where fiber is unavailable; bridge solution while awaiting fiber buildout |
T1 line Legacy dedicated circuit | 1.544 Mbps | 10–30 ms | Limited; most carriers discontinuing new sales | $175–$480/mo | Yes; strict SLA | Legacy voice & data applications on existing contracts; not recommended for new deployments |
Speed and cost ranges reflect market averages as of 2026 and vary by provider, location, and plan tier. EarthLink Business offers fiber and fixed wireless solutions with guaranteed SLAs. Explore options or get a free quote. Latency figures represent typical real-world ranges under normal operating conditions.
Fiber Optic Internet for Business: Speed, Reliability, and Availability
Fiber optic internet transmits data as pulses of light through glass or plastic cables, delivering symmetrical speeds typically ranging from 300 Mbps to 10 Gbps, making it the fastest and most reliable wired connection type available to businesses today.
Fiber optic technology, though not new, remains a gold standard in business internet for its speed and reliability. If your business location has access to fiber, this option can offer unparalleled high-speed connectivity.
However, installation can be challenging and costly, especially in areas where fiber infrastructure isn’t readily available. Also, consider adding a secondary broadband service for full redundancy, as physical lines can be susceptible to damage.
Fiber Advantages | Fiber Disadvantages |
Fiber internet delivers much faster download and upload speeds comparable to other internet connections | Installing fiber internet, especially to individual homes, is much more expensive than traditional internet connections |
Fiber internet is less susceptible to interference and weather damage | While fiber is expanding, it’s not available in all areas, particularly in rural or underserved regions |
Data transmitted over fiber optic cables using light signals is less vulnerable to interception and corruption compared to other internet connection types | The monthly subscription cost is often more expensive than other internet connection types |
Best for: Businesses with 10 or more employees running bandwidth-intensive operations, like cloud-based software, VoIP phone systems, daily video conferencing, or large file transfers, in urban or suburban locations where fiber infrastructure is already available. Ideal for organizations that need a guaranteed SLA, symmetrical upload and download speeds, and a connection that can scale from 50 Mbps to 10 Gbps as the business grows. EarthLink Business Dedicated Fiber is purpose-built for this use case.
Satellite internet has evolved since the first commercial broadband satellites launched in the early 2000s. Today, satellite internet comes in two different technologies: legacy GEO (Geostationary Equatorial Orbit) and LEO (Low Earth Orbit).
GEO satellites orbit approximately 22,000 miles above Earth, which introduces high latency (600–700 ms) that limits their suitability for VoIP, video conferencing, and other real-time applications. GEO satellite internet is capable of speeds up to 150 Mbps.
LEO satellite constellations orbit just 340 miles above Earth. That proximity reduces latency to 20–50 ms, which is comparable to cable internet, and capable of speeds up to 250 Mbps. These faster speeds make satellite internet a viable option for businesses, especially for those in rural or remote areas.
Satellite Advantages | Satellite Disadvantages |
Available in rural and remote areas where no other broadband reaches | GEO satellite has high latency (600–700 ms), limiting real-time apps; LEO satellite latency (20–50 ms) is far more usable |
No terrestrial infrastructure required; LEO options deploy quickly with consumer-grade hardware | Weather conditions (rain, snow, heavy cloud cover) can disrupt signal quality |
LEO satellite now supports VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud-based workloads | Some providers impose data caps or speed throttling after usage thresholds |
LEO bypasses local outages and ground-based network disruptions | Business-grade equipment costs can be significant |
Best for (LEO satellite): Businesses in rural or remote locations with no terrestrial broadband available, such as agricultural operations, remote field offices, construction sites, or franchises in underserved markets. Also viable as an emergency backup connection for any business needing continuity when a primary terrestrial circuit fails.
Best for (GEO satellite): Last resort only. GEO satellite’s 600–700 ms latency makes it unsuitable for VoIP, video conferencing, or cloud applications. Appropriate only for very basic use where no LEO or terrestrial option is accessible.
Ethernet over fixed wireless (EoFW) delivers dedicated, enterprise-grade internet by transmitting data over licensed microwave radio frequencies between a provider’s antenna and a receiver at the business location. It offers symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps with low latency, without requiring a physical cable connection to the premises.
Fixed wireless technology, using microwave radio frequencies, offers a compelling alternative to fiber, especially for businesses requiring quick installation and network diversity. It’s not Wi-Fi, but a dedicated connection providing symmetrical speeds up to GigE.
Fixed wireless is particularly beneficial for its fast deployment and ability to offer path and network diversity, making it a reliable option for businesses seeking redundancy in their internet connection.
Fixed Wireless Advantages | Fixed Wireless Disadvantages |
Fixed Wireless offers high-speed, enterprise-grade internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds | Fixed Wireless installation can take several weeks or months, depending on fiber infrastructure availability |
Bandwidth is dedicated, so performance doesn’t degrade with peak usage or shared traffic | Service is typically only available in areas already close to fiber backbone networks |
Fixed Wireless has low latency, making it ideal for VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud-based operations | Fixed Wireless plans are often priced at a premium compared to shared or residential internet services |
EarthLink Business Fixed Wireless backs its service with a guaranteed 99.999% uptime SLA, along with a dedicated account manager and 24/7 U.S.-based support. | Line-of-site technology can experience limitations based on surrounding infrastructure or extreme weather conditions |
Best for: Businesses in urban or suburban areas that need enterprise-grade dedicated internet but can’t wait for fiber installation timelines, are in a location where fiber isn’t yet available, or need a secondary connection for redundancy and failover alongside an existing fiber circuit. Fixed wireless deploys in as little as 7–14 days, requires no underground cable infrastructure, and delivers symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps backed by a 99.999% uptime SLA. EarthLink Business Fixed Wireless is one of the only providers offering this SLA tier on a wireless connection.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) delivers broadband internet over existing copper telephone lines, with download speeds typically ranging from 1 to 100 Mbps depending on the distance between the business location and the provider’s central office. It’s widely available but increasingly limited for bandwidth-intensive business operations.
DSL, an early broadband technology, operates over traditional phone lines and offers varying speeds based on the user’s proximity to the service provider’s central office. While this technology used to be widely available, its performance and speed are limited, making it less suitable for businesses requiring high-speed internet and consistent connectivity.
DSL Advantages | DSL Disadvantages |
DSL uses existing telephone lines, making it widely available and easy to install | Internet speed decreases the farther your location is from the central office |
DSL is a stable connection option for basic internet use like web browsing and email | DSL offers lower bandwidth and is not ideal for streaming, gaming, or remote work |
DSL service is usually more affordable than newer broadband technologies | Upload speeds are significantly slower than download speeds, limiting two-way traffic |
Best for: Very small businesses or solo operators with minimal bandwidth demands (primarily email, basic web browsing, and occasional document uploads) in locations where fiber, fixed wireless, and cable internet are not yet available. DSL is not recommended for businesses running VoIP phone systems, video conferencing, cloud-based software, or remote access tools, and should be treated as a transitional solution while evaluating upgrade paths to fiber or fixed wireless.
Ethernet over Copper (EoC) uses bonded pairs of existing copper telephone wires to deliver symmetrical business-grade internet speeds, typically up to 20–50 Mbps, without requiring new infrastructure, making it a step up from DSL for businesses in areas where fiber is not yet available.
EoC provides a symmetrical service using bonded copper wires. It typically offers speeds up to 10 Mbps but, like DSL, is sensitive to the distance from the service office. Business Ethernet over Copper can be a step up from traditional DSL but may not meet the requirements of businesses needing faster and more reliable internet.
EoC Advantages | EoC Disadvantages |
EoC can deliver symmetrical speeds, making it better than DSL for business uploads | Performance drops significantly as distance from the provider’s equipment increases |
EoC leverages existing copper wiring, reducing installation time and costs | EoC supports limited bandwidth, typically maxing out around 20–50 Mbps |
EoC is a good fit for businesses in urban areas where fiber is unavailable, but copper lines exist | Copper infrastructure is aging and being phased out in favor of more modern solutions |
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses in urban areas that need dedicated, symmetrical bandwidth but are in a building or market where fiber hasn’t been built yet. EoC is a stronger option than DSL for businesses that require consistent upload speeds for cloud backups, hosted VoIP, or regular file sharing. It should be treated as a bridge solution, as copper infrastructure is actively being retired by carriers nationwide. Businesses currently on EoC should begin evaluating fiber or fixed wireless upgrade paths.
A T1 line is a dedicated, symmetrical data circuit that delivers a fixed 1.544 Mbps of bandwidth in both directions over copper and fiber infrastructure. It’s a legacy enterprise standard valued for its reliability and strict SLAs, though largely superseded by faster and more cost-effective technologies for most modern business applications.
T1 internet, capable of delivering a steady 1.544 Mbps speed in both directions, is a legacy technology adapted for both voice and data. While T1 lines offer a reliable connection, their speed limitations make them less viable for businesses with high data demands. Bonding multiple T1 lines can increase speeds, but this solution may become costly and cumbersome for growing business needs.
T1 Lines Advantages | T1 Lines Disadvantages |
T1 lines offer dedicated bandwidth, providing consistent speeds and uptime | Maximum speeds are limited to 1.544 Mbps, which is outdated for most modern needs |
The connection is symmetrical, making upload and download speeds equal | The cost per Mbps is significantly higher compared to newer technologies |
Comes with strict service-level agreements (SLAs), ensuring high reliability and support | Scalability is limited, requiring multiple T1 lines to increase bandwidth |
Best for: Businesses already on an existing T1 contract with a voice or data application that hasn’t yet been migrated to a modern alternative. T1 is not recommended for any new deployment in 2026. Most major carriers have stopped selling new T1 circuits, and the cost-per-Mbps is significantly higher than fiber, fixed wireless, or even EoC. Businesses still operating on T1 lines should contact EarthLink Business to evaluate migration options to dedicated fiber or fixed wireless.
Selecting the right internet service involves considering factors like speed, availability, uptime, packet delivery, Service Level Agreement, technical support, and cost. Not sure where to start? Use the comparison table above to filter by speed, latency, and cost tier, then review the Best For callout at the end of each section to match your business profile to the right connection type. For a step-by-step evaluation framework, see the FAQ section below.
If you’re looking for a reliable connection that caters to your specific business needs, EarthLink Business is here to help.
With our expertise in providing both fiber and fixed wireless solutions, we can tailor a connectivity package that aligns perfectly with your business requirements, supported by our industry-leading SLAs.
To get started, contact our team at 833-988-2627 today for a free consultation and quote. Let’s ensure your business stays connected with the right high-speed internet solution.
For most small businesses, fiber, or Ethernet over Fixed Wireless are the strongest choices. Fiber delivers the highest speeds and symmetrical upload and download speed performance, while fixed wireless offers enterprise-grade dedicated bandwidth with faster deployment timelines and built-in network redundancy, which is a key advantage for businesses that can’t afford downtime. The right choice depends on your location, how many employees share the connection, and whether your operations rely on real-time applications like VoIP or cloud-based software. See our full guide on 10 things to consider when choosing a business internet provider to help narrow your options.
It depends on the number of users and the types of applications running simultaneously. The FCC updated its broadband benchmark in 2024 to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload as a baseline for modern business use. In practice, a business with 20–30 employees regularly using video conferencing, cloud applications, and VoIP should plan for at least 500 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth. Larger organizations with heavy cloud workloads or multiple concurrent video calls should consider gigabit-speed service. EarthLink Business broadband plans scale from 50 Mbps up to 10 Gbps to match a wide range of operational demands.
Both are enterprise-grade options, but they serve different needs. Dedicated fiber is the better long-term choice where infrastructure is available. It offers the highest bandwidth ceilings, the lowest latency, and symmetrical speeds ideal for data-heavy operations. Fixed wireless delivers comparable reliability and symmetrical performance up to 10 Gbps, typically deploys in as little as 7–14 days, and provides valuable path diversity for businesses that need a redundant connection or a primary connection in areas where fiber hasn’t yet been built out. Many EarthLink Business customers use fixed wireless as a secondary failover connection alongside a primary fiber circuit.
It depends on the type of satellite service. Traditional GEO satellite internet operates with latency of 600–700 ms, which causes noticeable audio delay and packet loss on real-time applications. This makes it a less-than-ideal solution for VoIP or video conferencing. LEO satellite providers like Starlink operate at much lower altitudes with latency of 20–50 ms and business-tier speeds of 135–310 Mbps, which can support VoIP and video calls in remote locations where no other broadband option exists. For businesses evaluating backup connectivity or connectivity in underserved areas, EarthLink Business’s emergency and backup internet solutions include both fixed wireless and satellite options. For locations where terrestrial options are available, our hosted VoIP phone system is best paired with a fiber or fixed wireless connection.
A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is a contractual commitment from your internet provider that defines guaranteed uptime, response times for outages, and remedies if those standards aren’t met. For business operations, an SLA is the difference between a best-effort connection and one with real accountability. EarthLink Business Fixed Wireless backs its service with a guaranteed 99.999% uptime SLA, along with defined repair response times, a dedicated account manager, and 24/7 live support. Consumer-grade and shared internet services typically carry no SLA at all.
For very basic business use, such as email, light web browsing, and a small number of users, DSL can still function as a low-cost entry point where no better option is available. But its distance-dependent speed degradation, asymmetrical upload and download performance, and hard bandwidth ceilings make it poorly suited for businesses running cloud-based software, VoIP phone systems, video conferencing, or remote access tools. As copper infrastructure continues to be retired, DSL availability is shrinking, and most businesses that currently rely on it should begin evaluating upgrade paths. EarthLink Business internet options include broadband fiber and fixed wireless alternatives designed to replace aging DSL connections without long installation timelines.
Start by narrowing your options by availability; not every connection type is offered at every address. From there, evaluate your needs across four dimensions:
