Choosing a business internet connection

Types of connection

• Fiber is generally the fastest and most reliable, with the same speed up and down.
• Cable is widely available and fast for downloads, with slower uploads. It is often shared with neighbors, so speeds can drop at busy times.
• Dedicated internet is a private line for your business only, with guaranteed speeds and faster repairs. It costs more.
• Wireless options, such as 5G and fixed wireless, are useful where cables cannot reach, and as a backup.

What to compare

• Upload speed. Video calls, cloud backups and sending files all use upload. Many plans are fast down and slow up.
• Repair commitments. How quickly will they fix an outage? Business plans should give a target in writing.
• Static IP addresses, if your systems need them.
• Contract length and moving terms.
• Who actually supplies the line. Two providers sometimes use the same cable, which matters if you want a backup.

Plan for an outage

If the business stops without the internet, add a second connection from a different provider, using a different type of line, set to take over automatically. It is usually much cheaper than a day without internet.