The Best Broadband Connection for Your Business

Those in the 21st-century business world know by now the importance of the internet to their success. Businesses in the digital age use the internet for critical purposes such as advertising, communication, research, and customer service. Virtually every business is online, and with this comes the need for a reliable internet connection to run smoothly.

Broadband is the main term here, and it is popular. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports that more than 97% of people had access to high-speed internet in 2021. This, in essence, is what broadband is–high-speed internet access.

And for us to do the routine, daily tasks that we often take for granted–work, go to school and stay connected–broadband is necessary. Without it, we may still be using dial-up.

Types of Broadband

Broadband connections are individualized–specific to your needs. The characteristics of your group or business–and your daily internet needs–will determine which type of broadband best suits you.

The type of broadband connection will determine if you have fast, reliable internet. Understanding the different types is the first step in deciding the right choice for you.

DSL

DSL, short for digital subscriber line, is a common type of broadband connection that operates via your telephone line. Unlike dial-up, a DSL connection uses frequencies your telephone line doesn’t need so that you can make calls while using the internet. 

DSL is a fast, reliable connection that is perfect for those who just need the basics–so maybe not a business. Those who opt for a DSL connection often live in rural areas with limited options. 

Fiber

Fiber internet is the newest and perhaps fastest connection on the market. Reaching speeds upwards of 1,000 Mbps, fiber-optic internet transfers data in the form of light rather than electricity. 

A fiber internet connection is great for every purpose, but there are a few downsides. The lightning-fast speeds and low lag time can make a hole in your wallet. Additionally, fiber isn’t available in as many areas as its counterparts due to how new it is. 

Cable

Cable internet is one of the most common internet connection types–for a good reason. This service uses the same coaxial cable as your television–specifically, your ISP sends data through the cable to your modem. 

Cable is highly reliable due to the use of an actual cable. It’s fast and resistant to outages. However, the network is interconnected, meaning you can experience slower speeds during peak hours. 

Wireless

Wireless internet is what it sounds like–an internet connection that doesn’t use wires. Examples include 3G and 4G cell service and a home WiFi hotspot.

A wireless internet connection is suitable for those who need fast internet but not very often. It’s not ideal for business. 

Satellite

Satellite is a wireless internet connection that retrieves a signal from–you guessed it–a satellite. You stick these dishes on your roof or in the yard.

Satellite internet isn’t the fastest; however, it’s available virtually anywhere. This is another great option for rural areas where cable, fiber, and DSL aren’t available. 

Broadband Over Powerlines

With Broadband over Powerlines (BPL), you can simply plug your computer into a power outlet and instantly have internet access. For this to be an option, the electric company in your area must add powerline adapters and repeaters to the existing power framework. 

BPL internet is the last resort. It’s slow, outdated, and not suitable for a business by any means. 

How Fast Should Your Business Broadband Be

The optimal speed required will vary from business to business. What you need will be different than the store across the street. The following are questions you should ask yourself when determining your internet speed requirements:

• What type of business do you have?
• Do you upload and download large files often?
• Are your internet speeds limited to sending emails and communicating with customers?
• To what extent does your business depend on fast internet speeds?
• How many employees will use the network at any given time?

Top Broadband Providers for Businesses

The best broadband provider for your business will be specific to you. Fortunately, there are many providers out there for you to choose from. 

Best Overall: Verizon

• Verizon’s Fios internet boasts blistering speeds and is 99.99% reliable. Their 1 Gig plan features up to 940 Mbps, and the customer service is superb–you can reach them 24/7 via Facebook, Twitter, and chat.

Most Budget Friendly: Frontier

• Offering attractive qualities such as waived activation fees, no router charges, and no annual contract, Frontier shouldn’t be slept on. Additionally, each plan comes with free access to Frontier Business Suite–normally $800/year–that includes a SmartVoice line and WiFi-enabled phone, access and backup of 200GB of data in the cloud wherever you are, a multi-device security pro and a WiFi router.

Best Customer Service: AT&T

• Let’s begin with a few accolades: In 2021, J.D. Power ranked AT&T first for customer satisfaction in the small to medium-sized business category and third in the very small business category. 
• AT&T also offers speeds that are right up there with Verizon–up to 1,000 Mbps upload and download speeds. 

Best for Rural Business: Viasat

• Viasat is to rural businesses what DSL and satellite are to rural homes–it has you covered. With Viasat’s widespread availability, those who lack a corner office on 5th Avenue can still run a successful business. Download speeds range from 35 to 100 Mbps–putting Viasat at the top of the list over most other broadband providers. 

How to Choose a Broadband Provider for Your Business

As stated, the best broadband service provider will be specific to your individual needs and wants. Every business operates differently. 

You make conduct HD video conferences regularly. Or constantly upload and download large files. In short, several factors go into dividing the type of broadband connection you want, and you should relay them to potential providers. 

• Availability - Before deciding on the broadband connection you want, you should ensure it’s available. It varies, but types of broadband, such as fiber, may not be accessible. 
• Speed - Most businesses want their internet to be speedy–no one wants to speed most of their day waiting on “this old technology.” Smaller businesses can do without the fastest internet, but larger businesses will have to increase Mbps.
• Data Cap - Knowing if your plan has a data cap is beneficial. These are limits–a ceiling if you will–on how much data you can use. Going over can slow your speed. 
• Cost - Naturally, the cost of your plan will be a main topic of concern. You can’t buy what you can’t afford. Fiber is usually the most expensive, but you want to get the most bang for your buck.
• Reliability - Your internet should be reliable–it just should be. It’s difficult to run a successful business if your connection is inconsistent.
• Customer Support - You will have technical issues from time to time, no matter how reliable your internet is. This is where customer support comes in. Will they be there for you when you need them most?
• Type of Connection - Cable or wireless? Are you in a rural or urban area? These are critical questions to consider. Fiber, DSL, and cable connections serve different purposes–knowing yours is crucial.

The Bottom Line

Deciding the best broadband connection for your business can be overwhelming. How can you decide with the different types of connections, multiple providers, cost, and reliability? But you have to eat that frog–it’s imperative to the success of your business. 

Fortunately, you can go to this site to find the best internet services in your area.