9 things that companies need from their business internet access providers

For many of us, the Internet has become a constant constant. Take a day off without using Google, posting photos online or checking your email! From video conferences, to employee training, to large file downloads - the same can be said of businesses that regard the Internet as an indispensable tool for their day-to-day operations.

Whether you're a solopreneur or a nationwide team, one day without internet connectivity, or with super slow connectivity speeds, it can translate into lower productivity and worse, profit loss. Internet connectivity is very valuable, while fiber connectivity adds value to real estate properties.

While it is easy for you to sign up for the first Internet access provider, smart business owners choose a broadband provider that takes care of many variables before making a decision.

What companies need from a professional internet access provider

The next time you shop for the best in your area, at the end of this article, you will have a clear picture of what you want from commercial internet access providers.

1. Insufficient bandwidth

This is one of the key requirements that business owners and managers must fully assess. In fact, your bandwidth requirements depend on the form and size of your activities. Consider this and start your assessment with the following questions:

• How fast do you need your internet connectivity?
• How much bandwidth do you estimate?
• How many devices do you expect to transfer data?
• Do you need point-to-point connectivity?
• Once you've answered those questions, your next step is to learn about a variety of high-speed Internet options. Here's a primer from your choices:

Ethernet Over Copper / DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

This is old Internet technology (in the case of DSL, the successor to dial-up modems). By today's standards it is affordable and unreliable. This type uses local telephone lines to transmit data and is far from the line you get.

Cable

Cable Internet relies primarily on standard coax cable lines to provide television services. It is one of the most popular options for residential and commercial customers. Speed ​​is slower at peak times because bandwidth is shared among surrounding users.

Fiber

For businesses, this option is clearly superior to DSL or cable. For one, as we have noted in Fiber-Optic Internet vs. Copper Cable, you should almost always upload the same download and bandwidth.

Fiber also provides scalability - you can start with 10 megabytes today, and if you need 100 megabytes (or more), your provider can easily increase your bandwidth. Contact your provider, which can instantly increase your fiber bandwidth without a service call or installation project.

The easiest way to check the availability of fiber internet in your area is to use our free tool.

2. Take care of security

This is another variable that tops your list. Data center security is one of the biggest unified communications risks for small businesses.

Sure, there are many provider options out there, but not everyone can guarantee that you will be protected from spam, spyware, viral threats and intrusions. The company must also adhere to security to conduct background checks of its own employees. A good guide is to know how company security is managed and managed through an audit, such as SSAE 16 certification.

3. Short installation time

Most ISPs take 30 to 60 days to establish a connection to a new location. When shopping for your business ISP, you and your provider must work together

4. Accessibility support

When things go south in your connection, you need customer support that goes the extra mile. Yes, it's about computers, servers and bits of data, but if your ISP doesn't have a human touch, it's high time you switch to commercial Internet access providers. In most cases, solid customer support is cost-effective.

5. Timely Troubleshooting Feedback

How quickly does an ISP respond to a report interruption or send its field service tech to the site if a failure occurs? Check out field response procedures and make sure they meet your business needs. Often, it takes one or two days for a team to be physically on the field to correct a failure. Consider how a day's delay can affect your business.

6. Provide business phone service

Combining business internet and phone services has many advantages. Not only do you expect to save costs, you also avoid the hassle of multiple bills, support systems and runways when working with different vendors. When you have problems, you don't get the "this is a VoIP provider's fault" excuse.

7. Future oriented mind

Nowadays, everything is growing so fast, you never know when new internet technology will come. It pays to work with a provider who understands the need to be future-oriented.

Take IPv6 for example. This is the next generation protocol for IP addresses. If your business is ready to push the envelope when it comes to technology, it is the ISP that shares your enthusiasm.

8. Reliable upload and download speed

Does your organization need regular upload and download speeds? Or does your operation only require simple web browsing and mail setup? Your answer can play a role in choosing the right business internet service for your needs. Also, you need to consider how many users are connecting at the same time and what they do when emailing online. They need to check email, share files or upload videos constantly. Also, does your ISP throttling bandwidth happen at times or when using certain services?

9. Routing

The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP / IP) to connect billions of devices worldwide. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) connects your work network with the many interconnected computer networks that make up the Internet. The ISP connects to these networks through transport (non-payment) and non-transport (non-payment) connections. The connection of every network in the world is called a path.

When you choose an ISP, whether they are transport or non-transit connectivity (in most cases it is a combination of both), you need to connect to every network in the world that your business cares about. Business can be successful. Surprisingly, there are major national ISPs in the United States who refuse to pay any shipping fees for connectivity and, therefore, they cannot even connect you to the entire Internet in the US because they are unable to negotiate. Transportation contracts with each carrier.