Exploring Business Broadband Packages: Finding the Best Fit for Your Company’s Needs

With experience in broadband services and water conservation, Emily guides businesses towards practices that protect the environment without compromising performance.

When not consulting, Emily enjoys gardening and cooking with homegrown vegetables.

In today’s digital age, a reliable broadband connection is an essential component of any successful business. It facilitates internal communication, online sales, cloud computing, and remote working.

However, with the abundance of broadband packages available, finding the best fit for your company’s needs can be a daunting task. This article aims to guide you through the process of navigating the options and selecting the most suitable business broadband package.

In this guide

• Identify Your Business Needs
• Types of Business Broadband Packages
• Implementing Energy Efficiency Measures
• Consider the Extras

Identify Your Business Needs

Before delving into the available broadband packages, it is crucial to thoroughly understand your business requirements. Consider the following factors and questions to gain clarity:

Budget

Determining your budget for business broadband services is an essential starting point. Consider the financial resources you can allocate to broadband connectivity while considering the potential return on investment (ROI) in terms of improved productivity and operational efficiency.

According to a survey conducted by Ofcom in the UK, small and medium-sized businesses spent an average of £151 per month on broadband services in 2020.

Strike a balance between cost, desired features, and reliability. Cheaper packages may not meet your speed and dependability requirements, while more expensive packages may include unnecessary features. It is important to consider the value proposition of each package.

Speed Requirements

Assess your speed requirements based on the nature of your business operations and the specific activities that demand high-speed internet.

According to Ofcom’s Connected Nations Report 2021, the average download speed for small businesses in the UK was 52 Mbps, while the average upload speed was 28 Mbps.

Consider activities such as uploading and downloading large files or media content, conducting video conferences and online meetings, and utilising bandwidth-intensive cloud-based applications. The number of employees and connected devices that will be using the broadband connection should also be taken into account.

Consult with your IT department or technology service provider to estimate the minimum speeds necessary to support your operations effectively. They can help assess the specific bandwidth requirements for your business activities.

Research the average speeds offered by different broadband packages and providers in your area. Understanding the available options will help you make an informed decision.

Static IP Requirement

Determine if your business functions require a static IP address. Some applications, such as hosting a server or setting up a virtual private network (VPN), necessitate a static IP address for consistent and reliable connections.

According to a survey conducted by ISPreview.co.uk, 72% of small and medium-sized businesses in the UK required a static IP address for their operations.

Standard home broadband packages typically do not include a static IP address. If your business relies on applications or services that require a static IP, you may need to consider business-specific broadband packages.

Consult with your IT team or relevant service providers to evaluate the need for a static IP and its impact on your network infrastructure. They can guide you on whether a static IP is necessary for your specific requirements.

Importance of Customer Support

Assess the level of customer support required for your business based on how heavily you rely on internet access and the impact of potential internet service interruptions on your operations.

According to a study by Zen Internet, 74% of UK businesses considered reliability to be the most important factor when choosing an internet service provider, followed by customer support (64%).

Determine if 24/7 customer support is crucial for your business, especially if you operate outside regular business hours or across different time zones.

Research the reputation and reliability of different broadband providers’ customer support services. Look for providers that offer responsive support, shorter response times, and proactive communication during service disruptions.

By thoroughly assessing these factors and answering the associated questions, you can develop a clear understanding of your business needs and priorities. This information will guide you in selecting the most suitable broadband package that aligns with your budget, speed requirements, static IP needs, and customer support expectations in the UK.

Types of Business Broadband Packages

When exploring business broadband packages, it’s important to understand the different types available to find the best fit for your company’s needs. Here are some common options:

ADSL Business Broadband

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is the most basic type of broadband, delivered over traditional copper phone lines. It is widely available and relatively inexpensive, making it a suitable option for smaller businesses with lighter internet usage.

Key features of ADSL business broadband include:

• Availability: ADSL is widely available in both urban and rural areas.
• Cost: ADSL packages are generally more affordable compared to other types of broadband.
• Speed: ADSL provides asymmetrical speeds, meaning the download speed is typically faster than the upload speed. However, it offers slower speeds compared to other options, which may not be suitable for businesses with high data usage or bandwidth-intensive activities.

It’s important to note that the actual speeds achieved with ADSL can vary depending on factors such as the distance from the telephone exchange, line quality, and network congestion.

Fibre Business Broadband

Fibre broadband offers significantly faster speeds compared to ADSL and is an excellent choice for businesses with high data usage or those that require fast and reliable internet connectivity. Fibre broadband utilises fibre optic cables to transmit data, enabling faster and more efficient data transfer.

There are two main types of fibre broadband:

• FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet): With FTTC, fibre optic cables are connected to street cabinets, and the final connection to the premises is made using existing copper lines. This type of fibre broadband offers faster speeds compared to ADSL but may have limitations due to the use of copper lines for the last mile.

Key features of FTTC fibre broadband include:

• Speed: FTTC provides faster download and upload speeds compared to ADSL, allowing for quicker file transfers and smoother online activities.
• Availability: FTTC coverage is more extensive compared to FTTP, making it available in many areas.
• FTTP (Fibre to the Premises): FTTP delivers fibre optic cables directly to the premises, offering even higher speeds and a more reliable connection. It eliminates the need for copper lines, resulting in faster and symmetrical upload and download speeds.

Key features of FTTP fibre broadband include:

• Speed: FTTP offers the fastest speeds available, making it ideal for businesses with high demands for data transfer, video conferencing, and cloud-based applications.
• Symmetrical speeds: FTTP provides equal upload and download speeds, enabling efficient collaboration, data backups, and cloud-based operations.

It’s worth noting that FTTP coverage may be limited in some areas, so availability should be verified with service providers.

Leased Line

A leased line provides a dedicated and symmetrical broadband connection exclusively for your business. Unlike other broadband options, leased lines are not shared with other users, ensuring high reliability and consistent speeds.

Key features of leased lines include:

• Speed and reliability: Leased lines offer ultra-fast and symmetrical speeds, allowing for seamless video conferencing, large data transfers, and mission-critical operations.
• Scalability: Leased lines can be easily scaled to meet the growing bandwidth requirements of your business.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Leased lines often come with SLAs guaranteeing uptime, response times, and performance, ensuring a high level of service.

Leased lines are generally more expensive compared to other types of broadband due to their dedicated nature. They are well-suited for businesses that heavily rely on a stable and fast internet connection to support their operations.

Satellite Broadband

In areas where other types of broadband options are limited or unavailable, satellite broadband can be a viable solution. Satellite broadband utilises satellites to establish an internet connection, making it accessible in remote or underserved areas.

Key features of satellite broadband include:

• Wide coverage: Satellite broadband can reach locations where other types of broadband infrastructure may not be feasible.
• Reliability: Satellite broadband offers a reliable connection, enabling businesses in remote areas to access the internet.
• Speed and latency: While satellite broadband provides a reliable connection, it may not offer the same high speeds or low latency as other options due to the inherent signal transmission limitations of satellite technology.

Satellite broadband can be a valuable solution for businesses operating in remote areas or locations where traditional broadband options are limited.

Understanding the different types of business broadband packages is essential for selecting the best fit for your company’s needs. ADSL offers basic connectivity, while fibre broadband provides faster speeds. Leased lines deliver dedicated and symmetrical connections, and satellite broadband offers access in remote areas. Consider the specific requirements of your business, such as data usage, speed, reliability, and location, when evaluating the available options to make an informed decision that meets your connectivity needs.

Consider the Extras

When comparing business broadband packages, it’s important to consider the additional features that providers may offer alongside their core broadband service. While these extras may not be the primary factors in your decision-making process, they can provide added value and convenience to your business. Here are some common additional features to evaluate, along with relevant data and cost information:

Web Hosting

Some broadband providers offer web hosting services as part of their packages. This feature allows you to host and manage your business website, email accounts, and other online assets. Consider whether your business requires web hosting and if the provider’s offering aligns with your website and email needs.

• Storage space: Providers typically offer different storage space options, ranging from a few gigabytes to unlimited storage.
• Bandwidth: Consider the amount of data transfer allowed per month, as this can impact the performance of your website.
• Scalability: Assess whether the web hosting service allows for easy scalability as your business grows.
• Cost: The cost of web hosting can vary depending on the provider and the package. Prices can range from £5 to £50 per month, depending on the features and storage capacity provided.

Email Accounts

Many business broadband packages include email accounts with custom domain names. Having professional email addresses that match your business domain can enhance your brand image and professionalism.

• Number of email accounts: Providers typically offer a specific number of email accounts included in the package, ranging from a few to unlimited accounts.
• Storage capacity: Consider the storage capacity per email account, which can range from a few gigabytes to unlimited storage.
• Attachment and mailbox size: Evaluate any limitations on attachment sizes and mailbox storage.
• Cost: The cost of email accounts can vary depending on the provider and the package. Prices can range from £2 to £10 per month per email account, depending on the storage capacity and features included.

Cybersecurity Software

Some broadband providers bundle cybersecurity software or offer it as an optional add-on. This can provide an added layer of protection for your business’s network, devices, and data.

• Features: Evaluate the features and capabilities of the cybersecurity software, such as antivirus, firewall, and intrusion detection systems.
• Protection level: Consider the level of protection offered for both inbound and outbound network traffic.
• Integration: Assess whether the cybersecurity software integrates with your existing IT infrastructure and whether it meets any compliance requirements specific to your industry.
• Cost: The cost of cybersecurity software can vary depending on the provider and the package. Prices can range from £5 to £20 per month per user, depending on the features and level of protection provided.

Cloud Storage

Certain broadband packages may include cloud storage solutions, allowing you to securely store and access your business data and files remotely.

• Storage capacity: Providers typically offer different storage capacity options, ranging from a few gigabytes to terabytes of storage.
• Accessibility and synchronisation: Consider the accessibility and synchronisation features of the cloud storage solution across different devices and platforms.
• Security measures: Assess the security measures in place to protect your data, such as encryption and backup options.
• Cost: The cost of cloud storage can vary depending on the provider and the storage capacity needed. Prices can range from £5 to £50 per month, depending on the storage capacity and features included.

While these additional features may incur additional costs, they can provide added convenience, enhanced security, and streamlined operations for your business. Evaluate whether these extras align with your specific business needs, and consider the potential benefits they can bring to your operations when comparing the overall value of different business broadband packages.