Gone are the days when businesses relied solely on physical meetings and printed documents. Today, businesses in every sector rely on the internet, and good connectivity starts with the right internet service provider (ISP). 

A stable connection ensures uninterrupted operations, which benefits staff, provides a better experience for customers and clients, enhances overall productivity, and increases business revenue. 

There are many aspects to consider when choosing the right ISP. Businesses can consider the following seven options as they make a decision.  

1. Consider Your Internet Options

Common internet options include: 

• Local Area Network (LAN) cable: This connection is often used in smaller spaces like houses or offices. 
• Fiber optics: This connectivity generally offers a better download and upload speed and is more reliable.
• Wireless: This utilizes radio waves, negating the need for cables and providing flexibility.
• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): Similar to a dial-up line, this option uses a phone line. It provides stronger connectivity and does not require extra infrastructure installation. 
• Satellite: This option offers resiliency and excellent connectivity in remote locations.

To select the right ISP, business owners must consider the connection that would serve them best. For example, if a business is cloud- or online service-related, they might want to choose a more robust option. Satellite might be the best choice if the office is in a rural area. 

2. Think About Speed

Internet speed influences customer support and satisfaction and impacts employee efficiency. Most businesses need a lot of bandwidth for seamless operations. 

Look for ISPs that offer sufficient bandwidth and reasonable upgrade options. As companies grow, they may need more bandwidth. Getting an ISP that offers update options is crucial for better business, satisfied clients and efficient staff.

Businesses can also discuss their needs with the provider. The ISP can advise on the adequate amount of bandwidth needed for the business. Ensure the bandwidth is sufficient to run the business efficiently — too little could interrupt operations, and too much could cost unnecessary spending. 

3. Consider Availability 

Consider finding an ISP that provides service in all the company’s locations, even if they are spread across the country. Check the provider’s coverage map — do they offer a reliable connection to the area? 

Businesses should receive quotes from different providers and decide which ISP offers the highest quality service for a reasonable price. If wireless connectivity is unavailable in the area, businesses can always choose other options, such as LAN, DSL, or satellite. 

4. Think About Safety

Businesses must protect their company and client data. The most reliable ISPs take steps to make their networks safe and secure. Businesses should analyze each ISP’s cybersecurity policies and practices, including using firewalls, monitoring threats and educating their customers on online safety.

5. Prioritize Reliability

Reliable internet service is essential for efficiency. There should be few connectivity interruptions during adverse weather and peak hours, and any maintenance and repair should not affect business. 

Checking service availability at a location alone is not enough. Ensuring the connectivity withstands interruptions is also vital, especially during working hours. 

ISPs should provide these details, but businesses can also inquire about downtime frequency. The information can help decide whether the ISP’s service is trustworthy. 

6. Look for Transparency

An ISP should also be trustworthy and transparent about packages and pricing. However, many ISPs are not upfront about pricing, causing their customers to pay an upgrade premium. In 2023, ISPs ranked second-lowest in customer satisfaction among 42 industries.

In addition, good ISPs should communicate transparently and clearly about billing and payments. Many do not do this. In fact, the same source claims that bill-related calls make up up to half of annual call volume, with confusion about their bills the main concern.

Businesses should inquire about all charges, hidden and plain, before committing to an ISP.

7. Consider Customer Support

In the event of service disruption or downtime, the ISP should provide cohesive and proactive support to ensure service is restored. Good support includes conducting a proper investigation, providing efficient solutions or alternatives, and promptly resolving the problem.

Businesses should align their expectations of good customer service with the ISPs’. This can be ascertained from the inquiry phase itself. An ISP with good customer service would efficiently check the availability and reliability of their coverage in the area and offer packages with relevant bandwidths and costs that fit the business needs. 

Pro Tips for Choosing the Right ISP

Businesses should research an ISP before accepting the service. Take a look at what businesses can do to find out more about an ISP:

• Ask neighbors: A company’s neighbors are a good place to start to find out which ISP they have hired and their speed, availability and reliability.
• Read the fine print for internet throttling: Some ISPs purposely reduce bandwidth to avoid congestion or promote their upgraded packages. This information is usually in the fine print. 
• Check out reviews: Customer reviews are excellent for gauging an ISP’s service quality. Reviews can help understand connectivity, support, throttling, downtime and interruption frequency. 
• Look out for extra add-ons: Some ISPs offer attractive add-ons to existing packages that could be useful for businesses. Examples include backup services, cybersecurity plans and free bandwidth upgrades after a certain period of subscription. 
• Take note of the devices: Opt for packages that include the latest devices. This will reduce the need for repair and maintenance and ensure good connectivity. 

The Right ISP Can Positively Impact Business

A suitable ISP for businesses should provide all-around service and support quality, from speed and reliability to transparency. Choosing the right ISP is vital for offering efficient service to customers, encouraging employee productivity and efficiency, and getting the most out of the investment.