9 Things to Look For in a Business Internet Provider
Are you shopping around for business internet service for the first time? Perhaps you're looking for new service because your current provider just isn’t cutting it? You already know a solid business internet is a must-have for operational efficiency and your company’s bottom line. But what you might not know is how to determine which service provider is capable of meeting your business’s unique needs.
At Lighthouse Technology Solutions, we know it's not uncommon for business owners to feel somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer number of internet options available and when that’s the case, it’s easy to opt for the first provider you come across.
If you take that route, though, and you’re not sure what you need or what to look for in a provider, be prepared for disappointment. You’ll likely end up with inadequate service or the opposite: features and services you don’t need, don’t use, and don’t want to pay for.
What should you look for to make sure you get everything you need and nothing you don’t? Read on to find out.
Solid Security
There are plenty of business internet providers out there, but how many of them place a heavy focus on cybersecurity? Data security is one of the greatest threats facing businesses that conduct operations online, and cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to gain access to sensitive information and commit fraud.
As you are considering your business internet options, keep these staggering statistics in mind:
● A single spear-phishing attack cost companies an average of $1.6 million in 2020.
● In 2020, over 85% of organizations were victims of phishing at least once.
● One in two companies was targeted by ransomware in 2019. In 73% of those attacks, the cybercriminals successfully encrypted company data.
● Experts predict global cybercrime losses will exceed $10.5 trillion by 2025.
● Security breaches have increased 67% since 2014.
Given the growing risk and potential implications of a security breach, it’s critical that you select an ISP that offers robust cybersecurity solutions. If you want to protect your assets and other sensitive information (who doesn’t?), this is non-negotiable.
Adequate Bandwidth
If your business internet doesn’t have sufficient bandwidth, operational efficiency will inevitably suffer. So how much do you need? To determine the amount of bandwidth that’s appropriate for your business, you’ll need to consider several factors, including:
● The size and nature of your operation
● Whether you need point-to-point connectivity
● Whether you have or plan to upgrade to a VoIP phone system or cloud-based phone service
● Your upload/download speed requirements
● The number of connected devices
● The amount of data transfer you anticipate
● Whether you plan to use video conferencing
If you're unsure how much bandwidth your daily operations require, a knowledgeable business internet provider can help you calculate your business’s peak internet needs. At Lighthouse, we know how critical adequate bandwidth is for any company, but we also understand there’s no sense in paying for service you don’t really need.
When you trust our team with your business internet, you can count on transparency. We prepare custom solutions that give you exactly what you need while ensuring you get the best deal available.
Easily Accessible Tech Support
If you don’t have a dedicated IT team, you need a business internet provider that offers competent and responsive customer support. You should be able to reach support quickly and easily if or when your connection has issues, and ideally, service should be available 24/7.
Timely Installation and Troubleshooting
The last thing you need is to sign a contract with a provider only to find out they’ll take months to get your business internet installed. And while it might seem like a simple enough task, some providers can take forever to set up and implement service.
If you’re existing connection isn’t cutting it and you’re upgrading for more bandwidth, chances are you can’t afford to wait around for slow installation or sporadic communication regarding your delivery timetable. Before you select a provider, make sure you’ll have a knowledgeable project manager who will communicate frequently and honestly regarding your installation timeline.
Similarly, make sure the ISP responds to and addresses troubleshooting requests in a timely fashion. Ask about field response policy and the average time required to fix issues. Depending on your business volume, lengthy outages or other problems can seriously impact daily operations and ultimately, your bottom line.
Bundled Business Phone Service
If you’re looking to cut down your business phone and internet costs, you may want to consider signing with a provider that offers to combine the two. That’s especially true if you’re thinking about making the switch from traditional phone service to a cloud phone system or VoIP phone system.
But combining business internet and phone service doesn’t just stand to save you money; other benefits you’ll enjoy include:
● Consolidating separate phone and internet bills into a singular bill
● Having one go-to support source for internet and phone issues
● Reducing the number of vendors you have to deal with
● Eliminating troubleshooting runaround issues that are common with multiple vendors
● Better reliability of both systems
● Easier scaling of both systems
A Connection that Meets Your Business Needs
While some companies still rely on dial-up services, this is a thing of the past because it's almost impossible to efficiently run a business with this system now. So you need a provider who can offer you multiple types of business internet that are streamlined to fit your company's needs, and here are just a few options Lighthouse can provide you with.
Broadband
When you need affordability combined with high performance, high-speed broadband is the recommended choice. It can accommodate cloud computing, network interface devices or streamlined cable modems, and customized internet options, making it a great choice.
Fiber-Optic Internet
Fiber optic offers the strongest connectivity, highest speeds, and superior security, with download times of up to 940 megabits per second. The fiber optic cables beam information at lightning speeds because there's no use of metal or copper wires, leaving less risk of interruptions.
Business DSL
If you need the most affordable, reliable, high-speed internet business, DSL is the right match. It comes with multiple advantages, including minimal installation, higher bandwidth capacity than dial-up, and it offers a secure modem to ensure you have the connection you need
Scalability
Even if you own a smaller business but are planning on expanding, you need a provider who can scale your services as you grow. As your clients and employee numbers increase you need a provider who can offer the support and upgrades that are streamlined, so you can keep your focus on building your business and not on your connectivity
Monitoring Options
Many people associate good connectivity with quick speeds, but successful connectivity is made up of various features. You need a provider who understands the data and components in your network and will offer streamlined monitoring solutions, including top-rated privacy features, enhanced security and managed Wi-Fi, so you never have to worry about your coverage.
Service Level Agreement
As you shop around for business internet providers, it’s important to understand how the ISP’s service will perform on an ongoing basis. You’ll find plenty of DSL and broadband providers that promise service “up to” a certain speed, but keep in mind that “up to” is not a guarantee.
Fiber business internet providers, on the other hand, provide a service level agreement (SLA) with their contract, which guarantees a specific level of service. This agreement details the expected performance parameters of the internet service, along with timeframes for repair and scheduled maintenance. The SLA should outline:
Uptime
This measures the amount of time you’ll have operational service in any given 30-day period. Fiber business internet should guarantee 99.9% or better connectivity and speed.
Packet Delivery
This is defined as the ratio of data packets received to data packets sent. Business internet service should guarantee no more than a 0.5% packet loss ratio. If packet loss increases considerably, latency will likely also increase.
Latency
This measures the amount of time necessary for a packet to travel on the network. For smooth operation of real-time apps like video conferencing or surveillance systems, one-way latency of 100 ms or less is generally suitable; 50 ms or less is ideal.
Request a Free Business Internet Quote Today
If you’re looking to switch business internet providers or you’re shopping around for the first time, our team at Lighthouse Technology Solutions is here to serve you. We specialize in helping business owners find high-quality, cost-effective technology solutions that are customized to their unique needs. Whether you’re looking for business WiFi, broadband, DSL, fiber, or SD-WAN, we can help you determine the best business internet solution for your budget.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, feel free to give us a call today at 612-345-9177 or request a free quote online. You can also message us with any questions, and we’ll be in touch.