The internet service provider (ISP) best suited for your business will depend upon your specific needs. Because just as not all ISPs are alike, neither are the businesses that they serve. That’s why it’s important to do your research when selecting the best ISP for your business.
First, be sure to do a thorough review on the state of your current business, your priorities and future goals. This analysis will help you to decide which things are critical to running your business and which are items that will assist in future growth.
Next, do a search to find the ISP provider options available in your local area and any other areas that you may expand into. You may find that you have more options than you initially thought.
Starting Your Search for an ISP
One business may rank their priorities differently than another, however we have found nine common things that businesses (especially small to medium-sized businesses) should consider when starting a search for an ISP.
Have you considered the following?
- Type of Internet Connection
- Availability
- Speed and Bandwidth
- Your Security Requirements
- Reliability and Average Yearly Downtime
- Flexibility
- Customer Support
- Contract Length
- Your Budget
1. Type of Internet Connection
The location of your business may determine which options are available to you. Dial-up is the slowest. While this type of connection was common in the early days of the internet – your business will probably have newer, and better options available today.
For rural areas, satellite could be an option if you have a wide-open area with a clear view of the sky. (Note: buildings deep in the forest will need to look for other options.)
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) uses telephone land lines and cable transmits a signal through coaxial cable TV lines. These types of internet connections became popular 20 years ago, but they are still available today. DSL and cable are definitely faster than dial-up or satellite and they may work well for a small business.
Fiber is the common term used to describe fiber-optic internet. It’s the fastest connection currently available. Fiber may or may not be available in your area. (Check with your local providers.) Currently, about 43% of the United States has fiber internet available, however, this option is quickly expanding – even into smaller towns and rural areas.
2. Availability
Does your business have one location or many? Are they located within the same geographic area or does your business span across several states? Answers to questions such as these may point you in the correct direction as you are considering which option is the best ISP for your business. Some ISPs offer a wider geographic area than others.
3. Speed and Bandwidth
Keep your customers (and employees) happy with fast and reliable internet service. Because the alternative is a slow and unreliable business internet connection, which could frustrate your customers and reduce your potential sales volume.
Faster speed often means higher cost. That’s why it’s important to determine your business’s needs and plan for the amount of bandwidth that you’ll use on a regular basis. A small business won’t need as much as a larger one.
4. Your Security Requirements
Cyberattacks come in all shapes and formats. Proactively preparing now, could save your business from big headaches and limit the potential for damage. Any business (even small ones) could be at risk for a cyberattack. Don’t downplay your risk. Otherwise your data and your business could suffer the consequences.
Your chosen ISP will be a part of your security strategy. In addition, working with a Managed IT Services provider can assist in keeping your network safer, 24/7. Keep cyberattackers at bay or you might receive a ransom note asking you to pay to unlock your data.
5. Reliability and Average Yearly Downtime
Ask the ISPs in your area what their average yearly downtime is. Is it 97%, 98%, 99% or higher? Consider requesting a Service Level Agreement (SLA) to be a part of your contract. That way, in case your internet connection is down longer, your business will receive a discount or credit to your account.
6. Flexibility
The ISP that you choose today may fit your needs, but where do you see your business in five years? Or ten years? Choosing an ISP today with the flexibility to grow with your business could save you from future headaches. That’s why doing your research now, is key.
Another thought to consider is where your workforce will be located and how it might change as your business grows. Will your future workforce be remote? Or will they have a hybrid schedule? Be prepared by evaluating your remote technology and consider a cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure along with an ISP prepared to evolve with your growing business.
7. Customer Support
Know in advance what your options are to contact your ISP before your service goes down. Can they be contacted by phone? Does their website have an interactive chat feature? And will your ISP have tech support available 24/7? Know the available options of how to contact customer service or report a service request. Also ask about the ISP’s technicians – are there local technicians available in your area in case you need on-location support? Not all ISPs are the same and neither is their customer support.
8. Contract Length
While most business ISP contracts are for two years, many ISPs offer other term lengths as well. Longer term lengths may present savings for your business. In addition, read the fine print and know what the terms of service will be, including any penalty fees in case you need to cancel the contract early.
9. Your Budget
While you are weighing your options, be sure to include your budget and the cost of the ISP’s services as considerations. Having a fast connection is important to a business but be mindful of your budget. Keeping an eye on your changing needs will benefit your business as it grows!
Expert Technology Advice at a Fraction of the Price
If you are a small to medium-sized business trying to grow, outsourcing your IT needs could be a sound strategic and financial choice. Every business could benefit from having an expert giving advice on how to align technology with your business needs, but smaller organizations often do not have the budget available to hire their own internal, full-time Chief Information Officer (CIO).
However, it is possible to have the advice of a CIO without adding a full-time executive to your staff. It’s called a Virtual CIO (vCIO). This expert is your advocate offering strategic vision and a creating a technology roadmap for your growing business. A vCIO can help your business take a proactive approach towards your long-term technology budget, provide a broad perspective on technology and help your business manage change and sustainable growth to assist you in staying on track and ensuring success. Contact us to learn more about vCIO services at Elevity.
