FAST INTERNET PROVIDERS
How fast an internet connection do I need for my business? How much bandwidth do I need? These are typical questions asked by small or medium business owners. Decision-makers ought to be able to answer this question about internet speed so they don’t under-equip their business, or over-spend their budget.
The internet is the lifeblood of business, it enables:
- e-commerce
- online research
- e-fax
- customer interaction (social media, forums, contact forms)
- and much more
Although everyone uses the internet, it is quite common to see businesses with an insufficient internet connection. Not many know what connection level is appropriate for their needs. How much bandwidth you need depends on what you are doing, and how many people are doing it. We have seen businesses literally brought to a stand-still by trying to do too much with too little.
It may seem as if all Internet connections are the same, but some differences beyond price exist between Internet service providers, and between types of connections that a single ISP offers. This guide is designed to help you choose the ISP and the connection that best suit your small or midsize business or organization.
- Internet Connection Types
When shopping for Internet access, you’ll probably encounter several marketing terms frequently. Broadband and high-speed are used to describe pretty much any type of Internet connection that provides bandwidth speeds faster than traditional dial-up access and nearly all connections offered today qualify as faster than dial-up. Wideband, a relatively new term, refers to connection types that provide throughput at levels approaching or exceeding 50 mbps.
- Bandwidth Speed
ISPs offer a couple of service levels or plans for each connection type. The main point of distinction between levels is the bandwidth speed. Choosing a suitable speed is one of the key decisions you must make.
Generally, the greater the number of people who’ll be using the connection, the more bandwidth you’ll need. In addition, the more performance-intensive the users’ needs are for example, watching or streaming video, downloading large files, or using Internet-connected VoIP phones the more the bandwidth you’ll need. On the other hand, users who want to use their connection for email and browsing the Web won’t need as much bandwidth.
- The Fine Print
It’s important to read and analyze the fine print of a service provider’s contract before signing up. The prices that most companies post online are conditional: Many require contracts, ranging from one to three years in order to get the advertised monthly service rate. In addition, some prices include a discount for a set amount of time or are locked in for a limited period. You may even see prices listed that apply only when you arrange to subscribe to a bundle of Internet, phone, and TV service.
Other policies of note are the ISP’s subscriber agreement, its terms of service (ToS), and its acceptable use policy. These documents state the rules governing how you may use the service, including any bandwidth or data usage limits that may be in force. You can browse the ISP’s site for these documents or run a Google search for the company name and the word “policies.”
- Equipment and Installation Fees
Consider the hardware each ISP provides. Some services provide nothing more than a basic modem, while others may give you a gateway that includes a router with ethernet ports, firewall protection, or even a built-in Wi-Fi router. ISPs rarely post this type of information on their website, so you’ll probably have to call the service’s sales line for details.
Installation or activation fees are another variable. Some companies provide free installation and activation, but most make waiving the associated fees (typically $100 to $150) contingent on your accepting a one-, two-, or three-year contract.
Since ISPs usually install the basic Internet modem or gateway and verify access on a single computer, you’ll likely be responsible for setting up the service on your other computers. DSL providers normally provide kits for the user to install, in lieu of offering professional installation; fortunately, most such kits are easy to set up.
As industries merge and the traditional lines between cable and Internet blur, it just makes sense to put the two together. Rather than connecting both services from different cable and Internet providers, a bundle makes financial sense.
Here are some of the options to choose from which perfectly suits your needs:
Internet Providers | Features |
FreedomPop |
|
T Mobile |
|
NetZero |
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You can choose one of these options depending on your area and a little bit of of research will save you a lot of money in the long run and will help you choose some high speed internet options according to your needs.