Reliable internet is like oxygen for small businesses.
At a time when businesses are increasingly interacting with their customers through virtual means, the internet has become an integral part of the business structure. The quality of your connection can easily affect the service you provide – so how can you ensure you’re getting the right bang for your buck?
To make sure your internet service specifically suits the needs of your small business, here are 5 important considerations to take into account.
Speed
If you’ve ever been frustrated by a file taking too long to upload, or having to get past that dreaded loading screen whenever you try to watch a video – don’t worry, we’ve all been there. If you’re a small business owner, however, this is a sign that you may need to upgrade your internet package.
But how much speed would you actually require?
Depending on the day-to-day activities of your business, a basic package of about 15 to 25 Mbps is suitable for emailing, and light downloads or uploads. If you use a POS system to process debit and credit transactions, a higher speed is needed, around 50 to 75 Mbps. For smooth audio and video streaming or heavy file transfers, aim for up to 100 Mbps.
Data Caps
Data caps are the limits on your bandwidth, typically placed on your monthly data. Check with your potential provider to see if there are any caps on your internet, so you can freely upload and download without worrying about exceeding your monthly limit.
Flexibility
As your business evolves over time, you need to be sure that your internet provider can accommodate the growth of your business. Expansion of the business entails more employees, greater file transfers, or even the usage of cloud computing, thereby changing your internet needs. Check how flexible your provider can be, and the charges associated with upgrading your service.
Customer Support
When you have customers that rely on you, it is imperative that you are able to rely on your provider as well, in case anything goes awry. How quickly can your internet provider attend to any technical difficulties? Do they provide 24/7 support? These are all important questions to consider when choosing the right service for your business.
