More than ever, businesses need internet that can handle connections with a global market. Fortunately, for small businesses, the Internet helps to level the playing field a bit more when you’re competing with large businesses. Your location will affect your internet options, especially if you’re in a remote area. Here are some things to consider when you choose your business internet.
DSL
As the most economically priced internet option, DSL is often the connection of choice for small businesses that require minimum internet capabilities. DSL uses telephone lines so your speed depends on how far your business is from the telephone line exchange. Upload speeds can reach up to 24 Mbps, which can support approximately 15 simultaneous users. With DSL, you don’t need to share bandwidth with other subscribers. This could be an advantage if your business is in a high population density area.
Cable
If your business has up to several dozen simultaneous users, cable may be a better choice. Cable runs over standard television cables and gives you download speeds up to 400 Mbps. However, with cable, you’re sharing bandwidth with other subscribers, so your speed will vary during peak times, which are usually during work hours.
FiOS
This type of connection involves accessing the internet via fiber optic lines. FiOS is not as commonly available, since special equipment has to be installed. It’s also more expensive. However, if it’s available, it can give your business speeds up to 1 Gbps (or 1,000 Mbps). Fiber optic lines are not as susceptible to interference by weather conditions. They’re also harder to hack.
Fixed Wireless
This internet option is more recent. Instead of relying on copper, cables, or fiber, fixed wireless accesses the internet via radio signals. It can reach up to 40 Mbps and can be accessed from any location within the network coverage area, which is great for mobile office needs. However, it’s often more pricey and is mainly offered in metropolitan areas. Trees and buildings can also cause interference with the service.
Satellite
This option should only be considered if you’re not able to get any other type of business internet service since speeds only get up to 15 Mbps. This option is still better than dial-up though, so if your business is in an area that’s off the grid of regular internet providers, satellite is the way to go. With satellite, the internet is accessed via a satellite dish, which then bounces the internet signal off a satellite that is orbiting the earth. The signal has to travel a very long distance, which is why the speed is lower.
T1 or T3 Dedicated Lines
If you don’t want to share your lines with other subscribers, you can pay more to get dedicated lines and guaranteed service speeds for your business. This is a recommended option for businesses that need mission-critical reliability and faster speeds.
Thankfully, with all the high-speed options, your business doesn’t need to rely on dial-up anymore. Regardless of your location, your business should be able to find a business internet service that fits your needs and keeps you connected and competitive in the global market.