Tips For Choosing Your Company's Internet Service Provider

In such a technology-centric age, internet access is essential for every business owner and their employees. From marketing to customer relationship management, your online access will become a staple of your day-to-day operations. If you're establishing a new business entity, you should prioritize your internet access choice early in the process. While cable and fiber optics are two of the most common options for business internet connections, you shouldn't dismiss the benefits of choosing a satellite internet provider. Here are a few things to think about if you're exploring your options for your company's internet connection.

What Kind Of Connection Speed Is Offered?

One of the most important considerations when you're buying any kind of internet service is the connection speed that's provided. Most companies will directly advertise their connection speed, but you need to read those figures carefully. Often, they are presented as being up to a certain speed, but there's no guarantee that you'll actually achieve those speeds with your connection.

You can get a better idea of the service if you ask about the average upload and download speeds for their subscribers. In addition, you should ask about how many subscribers they have on their service. Make sure that they don't overload their network with a large volume of subscribers, because the more users there are consuming the resources, the slower the connections are likely to be. There's only so much bandwidth to be had on each connection, and too many users tapping that bandwidth can cause congestion and slower load times.

What Type Of Equipment Is Available?

Another thing to consider as you're evaluating your internet service options is the quality of the equipment. While most cable, DSL, and fiber services offer the same basic types of equipment for modems, routers, and the like, satellite service is a little different. You'll need to have a physical satellite to receive signal. Make sure that the equipment offered is commercial grade so that you will have a stronger signal when you need it.

Commercial satellites are larger, more durable, and more powerful than residential varieties. This helps to ensure that the satellite will receive signal even in times of questionable weather. You won't have to worry about losing signal when it's cloudy like many people are worried about with satellite connections.

Do They Offer Contingencies For Issues?

Having a strong, consistent internet connection still won't do you any good if you don't have a contingency for power failures and other problems. The last thing you need is to have a power outage that takes your entire network infrastructure down. Ask about battery backups and uninterruptible power sources to offer you some form of additional power as a fall-back for outages.

In addition, another contingency you need to inquire about is the availability of an antenna backup for a stronger signal. This will help to counter any potential problems with thick cloud cover or inclement weather. Since your company's internet connection is a vital part of your operation, you need to have something in place to keep that connection secure.

Is There Customer Service Available?

The final consideration is to find out what kind of customer service options you have available to you. If the satellite company doesn't offer 24-hour support, you should look to someone else. Remember that your company's network and internet access will need to be up and running at all times, especially if you're hosting your website from your own infrastructure.

Also, make sure that their customer service and tech support teams have a thorough understanding of the equipment and potential problems. That way, you'll have a resource to turn to for solving issues no matter what time it is.

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