No matter how many apps and tools you have to help you run your business, the key to a successful business is making sure that you have enough internet for your needs. The last thing you need is to be in the middle of a video conference, or just trying to upload a send a large file to a client, and discover that your current speeds aren’t enough to handle the task. On the other hand, if all you do is occasionally access the internet and check email, you don’t want to spend a lot of money on bandwidth you don’t need.

Cable/Fiber Optics

Cable internet and Fiber Optics both offer some of the highest internet speeds available for your office. The average download speeds are between 20 mbps and 100 mbps, although some providers top out at 50 mbps. You can Boost your Office WiFi using the available tools, but you should be aware that the upload speeds vary (they usually the same as, or slower than download speeds, though.)

Cost:

The cost for ultra-high-speed cable or fiber optic internet depends on which speed you choose and slower speeds tend to cost less. Many companies offer discounts and promotions for new customers. For example, FiOS promotion codes still give good Verizon discounts in markets across the country.

You should consider cable or fiber optics if:

• You do most of your work in your office;
• You do a lot of data-intensive work, like video conferencing and uploading large files;
• You have a VoIP phone system;
• You have several devices accessing the internet;
• You need a service that will allow you room to grow.

DSL

DSL is slower than cable and fiber optics, and the average download speed is between 5 Mbps and 15 mbps. As with cable and fiber optics, the average upload speeds are the same as, or slightly slower than, the upload speeds.

Cost

DSL can be cheaper than cable or fiber optic but, in some areas the higher DSL speeds could be the same as some of the lower cable and fiber optic speeds. However you can often find discount codes and promotions to reduce the cost.

You should consider DSL if:

• Neither cable nor fiber optics is available in your area;
• You do most of your work in your office;
• You do small to moderate amounts of data-intensive work, like video streaming;
• You only have one or two devices connected to the internet, and;
• You don’t see your internet needs increasing any time soon.

Satellite/4G

4G and satellite are lumped together because they tend to have the same functionality, speeds, and limitations. However, 4G has a huge advantage over satellite because it is portable. You can actually turn most 4G internet devices into a personal Wi-Fi hotspot, which makes it ideal for travel use.

4G and satellite speeds are close to DSL speeds, with many topping out at 10 Mbps. 4G and satellite plans often have caps on how much data you can use each month. If you go over your data limit, you could be charged an extra fee or the provider could cut you off until the end of the month.

Cost:

Satellite and 4G are very expensive considering the speed and data limitations. For example, Verizon offers a plan with 4GB of data for $30 per month; more than you would spend for unlimited data at similar speeds on a DSL service.

You should consider satellite if:

• Cable, fiber optics, and DSL are not available in your area;
• You do most of your work in your office;
• You don’t do any data-intensive work and are certain you won’t exceed your monthly data;

You should consider 4G if:

• You meet the criteria for satellite, or;
• You travel a lot.

About the Author: This article is written by Tara Miller

Photo credit: ntr23