Without the internet, businesses would have to spend a lot more time and money finding customers and gathering feedback from their clients. The days where the office had a typing pool, and the switchboard was the gatekeeper to the outside world have, thankfully, long gone.
Communication is a major component of any successful company; the reliance on traditional landlines and expensive monthly phone subscriptions is superseded by increasingly sophisticated communication platforms and targeted marketing campaigns. Companies need to be able to monitor their competitors and research the latest industry trends — so investing in a good internet service provider is crucial to function.
You can also choose among different types of internet connection service providers to suit your business. Commercial companies like Lingo Connect provide a professional service with the know-how and tools to provide a reliable online connection.
Different types of internet connections
Choosing the right kind of internet connection for your business will depend on several factors such as bandwidth, speed, and costs.
Popular types of internet connections include the following:
Dial-up. This is one of the oldest types of internet connection, and surprisingly, is still being used by many Americans. Remember when you attempted to go online and were met with a screeching sound and slow connection? Yes, that’s the one. You can still use this at home. For business purposes, look for faster alternatives.
Fiber. This type of internet connection is one of the fastest connections out there. It often offers high-speed connections of at least 1 Gbps and above, but does not yet have nationwide coverage.
Cable internet. This connection offers speeds of around 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps. To make the most of your money, you should choose a plan that has no bandwidth limitations. It is ideal for business where downloading and uploading files and video calls is common. Cable internet deals usually come with phone or TV service bundles.
DSL. Short for digital subscriber line, a DSL internet connection usually comes with a landline unit. Speed varies from 3 to 12 Mbps, but has been known to reach 100 Mbps in some locations. It is a good choice for email and web browsing, but not for streaming and video calls.
Satellite. It can be reliable especially for businesses that operate in remote areas. Speed varies depending on the location and usage, and weather can greatly affect the internet signal. So, if you can find faster connection alternatives, then do so.
Internet speed and your business
The right type of internet connection for your business depends on the speed. An internet speed of around 15 to 25 Mbps is sufficient for basic internet tasks such as emails and web browsing. If you have multiple employees and require frequent file uploads, downloads and video conferences, you need an internet speed of at least 25 Mbps and above.
Choosing an internet provider should not be a chore. If know what your business needs and features you want for smooth business operations, professional support will be easy to find.
