Having a reliable internet connection is essential for every business operating today. However, reliability isn’t the only factor businesses must consider when choosing a provider. It’s also a good idea to consider how your company uses the internet. Do you have a large mobile workforce that needs VPN access to business resources? Do you operate multiple satellite offices that have minimal individual bandwidth needs? All of those factors and more can alter your decision-making. To help you make an intelligent choice, here’s how to choose the right internet service for your business.
Major Internet Service Types
Before choosing an internet service type, you must know the major options. Here they are, including the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Fiber Optic Internet
Today, the gold standard of business internet service is fiber optic. It uses cables filled with glass fibers that carry data as light pulses. Since nothing exceeds the speed of light, it makes sense that fiber optic internet offers the fastest connection speeds. The majority of the data traveling across the internet does so via fiber optic cables. Plus, fiber optic data transfer technology is constantly improving. That means choosing fiber optic internet service for your business future-proofs your connection.
It’s worth noting, however, that fiber optic internet service is often more expensive than other options. So, it may not be the best choice if your business needs to keep overhead low. The good news is that the varied speed tiers available via fiber somewhat mitigate that. You should also know that fiber optic connections aren’t yet available to all addresses. So, depending on your office location, it may not be an option.
Cable Internet
Many cable television companies also offer internet service via their coax networks. They provide fast speeds and boast wide availability. Plus, cable internet relies on well-understood and mature technologies. That translates into a reliable service that typically delivers what it promises.
The main drawbacks of cable internet for businesses are speed and price. Many providers do offer speeds that rival fiber optic services. However, they tend to come with high price tags. Plus, those prices may increase if you need features like static IPs and synchronous connection speeds. By contrast, those things are often standard with fiber connections.
Wireless Internet
Wireless internet is another option for businesses. It uses a point-to-point data transmission system to link an office with a nearby provider base station. The obvious advantage is that wireless internet works wherever its signal reaches. As a result, it’s a flexible option that works well for businesses with multiple locations needing connectivity.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Service Type
When you decide what kind of internet service to get for your business, there’s much to consider. Here are some factors that can influence your decision.
Your Business’s Bandwidth Needs
In general, you’ll need roughly 10 to 15 Mbps of bandwidth for each employee in your office. If your work requires the transfer of large files or the use of media, you could need many times that. So, while a smaller office may be suited for wireless internet, cable or fiber internet will likely meet bandwidth needs for larger company networks.
Customer Support Needs
You also must consider what support options a provider offers. If you don’t have on-site IT staff, you may require help from your internet service provider (ISP) more frequently. You’ll want an ISP with high customer service ratings and 24/7 support availability in those cases.
Your Trusted Business ISP
GVEC Internet has been a leading business ISP in the Guadalupe Valley for decades. We offer both fiber-optic and wireless residential, enterprise plans, and business internet plans. Available at numerous speeds and backed by our expert support, we have an option for every business. Plus, our plans have no data caps and no hidden fees. So, if your local business needs affordable and reliable internet in South Central Texas, contact GVEC Internet today!
