How do you decide what connection and internet speed is suitable for your small business?
It’s more complicated than it may seem at first sight. If you go too low spec to save on costs, you’ll end up slowing yourself down. That means lower productivity, which defeats the whole purpose of saving costs. But there’s just as much risk of overpaying for performance you just don’t need.
It’s important to get your internet connection right, but how do small businesses even decide? Once you start diving into tech specs across multiple providers, it can start to get overwhelming. That’s where we come in!
Proudly based in Milton Keynes, we’ve helped countless businesses in the area answer these difficult questions. We’ve got the expertise to provide the speed you need within your budget. This post looks at some of the things we’d consider.
Internet speed – the basics
There are things you need to consider when deciding what the ideal connection and speed is for your business needs.
The first consideration is bandwidth. Bandwidth is the maximum download and upload capacity of an internet connection over a specific amount of time. Bandwidth is measured in megabits per second (Mbps), and calculated on the assumption of only one device downloading or uploading files at any one time.
The higher the number of Mbps, the faster the internet speed. However, if for example the bandwidth provides 5Mbps for one user, you have to take into consideration that the 5Mbps will be shared between additional users, reducing the speed. Think of a motorway, it may have multiple lanes, offering a fast route, but, as more cars join the road, speed will be affected.
Let’s look at important factors that determine the sort of connection you should be looking at.
Your location
Where your business is located can affect the connections available to you. If you’re unable to get full fibre, there are solutions. Boxx can provide dongles which connect you to 4G and 5G if your connection is interrupted.
Number of staff
The more staff you have that require access to the internet the more Mbps you will need.
What you do
Are you a data hungry business?
The more data usage your business requires, the more Mbps you will need. A good example of a business which would require a high-speed internet is a call centre. With a high number of people using the phone lines and internet means they would need significant connection speeds.
The future
It’s sensible to think about your internet connection needs now as a business and what you will require in the future. If you’re planning to expand your team and use of the internet in the coming months and years, it’s a good idea to look at flexible and scalable packages.
Types of connection
Like we’ve already discussed, internet speed will relate to the number of users, devices, and the main activity of your business. It’s also important to have the right type of connection. Here’s a quick rundown of the options.
ADSL
An Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line is a broadband connection that works with the copper wires of existing phones lines. ADSLs are suitable for small businesses who need the internet to complete simple daily office tasks and communications. All ADSL services will stop working as part of the 2025 switch-off, and in many areas you can no longer buy ADSL as part of BT’s “stop sell”
Any ADSL Lines, will need to be replaced by other services such as SoGEA or FTTP before Dec 2025.
FTTC
Fibre-to-the-cabinet uses fibre optic cables to bring super-fast broadband to fibre cabinets, which are connected to roadside cabinets (those dark green boxes at the end of the street). Businesses and homes are then connected to the cabinet with copper wires, and the service is then connected to fibre back to the exchange.
FTTC is suitable for small businesses seeking fast, cost effective and reliable internet connections. It is an effective connection for voice and data communications. However, alongside ADSL, it will be phased out as part of the 2025 switch-off and replaced by SoGEA or FTTP.
FTTP
Fibre-to-the-premises provides a dedicated fibre connection that runs from the exchange to your premises.
FTTP can provide far higher speeds than FTTC. It’s suitable for businesses that require multiple devices to be in use at the same time. Generally, FTTP service are offered with faster download than upload speeds – though it is possible to find offers with equal speeds in both directions.
SoGEA
Single Order Generic Ethernet Access lets your business have a broadband connection without a phone line.
Like FTTC, it uses the copper wires from roadside cabinet to connect to premises. Unlike FTTC, it doesn’t provide a voice line and is used for data connection only. It can lower your costs and won’t be affected by the switch from voice lines in 2025.
G.Fast
G.Fast is a faster version of FTTC. A device is fitted in the cabinet which increases the speed at which data travels down the wires. It is only beneficial to businesses which are close to the cabinet, which represents a small percentage of properties in the UK. So, although G.Fast is excellent value for money, it’s not accessible to most people. Like FTTC, it is being phased out and will no longer be available after 2025.
Leased lines
Whether you’re a small or big business, if you require an uninterrupted speed and connection then it is worth considering a dedicated leased line. A leased line is an uncontended, symmetrical connection, which means upload and download speeds match.
Unlike other internet connections, such as broadband or ADSL, leased lines are not shared with other users, so the bandwidth and speed are consistent and guaranteed. This means that leased lines can offer very high speeds and low latency, making them ideal for businesses that need a fast and/or reliable internet connection.
The private line, solely for your business, has high speeds without risk of disruption. Leased lines can be used to connect geographically separated site together over a private and secure WAN such as an MPLS network. Boxx can successfully arrange a leased line for any size of business, and we’re experts in WAN migration projects.
Getting your internet speed right
Working with Boxx Communications, getting your internet connection and speed right for your business is simple.
The experienced team at Boxx will take you through the entire process. Exploring your business we assess your IT environment, current supplier and consider the best option for your requirements, budget, and timeframe.
We will tailor packages to your needs. Road mapping your customer journey from point of sales to installation, so you know the plan every step of the way. Businesses big or small, we’ve got you.
Get in touch with one of the Boxx team to find out more about keeping your business connected.
