Things Small Businesses Should Consider When Choosing Broadband

 

For some small businesses and sole traders, a residential broadband package has them covered. But once you add a couple more staff members you quickly realise that to really compete in the modern business world, you're going to need modern business broadband.

Here are a few of the factors to consider when choosing your broadband package and provider.

1. Service Level Agreements

Customer service is almost always improved when you upgrade to business broadband but most importantly, factors like your up/down speed and maximum acceptable downtime will be enshrined as part of a service level agreement (SLA). Make sure that the provider you choose has a service level agreement that is acceptable to you.

2. Up/Down Speeds

A fibre connection is preferable if you have multiple members of staff, as you will significantly higher bandwidth and up/down speeds.

If you are a sole trader or perhaps a partnership sharing an office, an ADSL connection will most likely be sufficient.

Run a test of your current internet speed and use that as a benchmark.

3. Scalability

If they're successful, owners of small businesses begin to think about scaling up. Be sure that you are not locking yourself into a contract that will hold your business back.

Choose either a short-term contract (six months to one year) or a contract which can be scaled up if you suddenly hire 10 new staff and need to double your internet use.

4. Cost

Quality should always be your first consideration, but price is still important. Make sure that there is a benefit to everything you are being sold, don't pay more for extra features and add-ons that your business will never use.

5. Read Reviews & Ask For Advice

Nothing will give you a better picture of the quality of a broadband provider than speaking to their customers directly. Canvas other business owners/managers that you know on network like LinkedIn and ask for their experience of different small business broadband providers.

6. Consider Bundled Services

Broadband might not be all you’re looking for. Many business broadband providers also supply phone lines, managed IT services, computer hardware, managed print services and more.

To improve your small business as a whole, look for providers that allow you to mix and match services for the best deal. This also goes a long way to making just working with one provider simpler.

 

We hope this has been a helpful guide and will give you pointers to make the right choice for your small business broadband.