Running a business from home isn’t as easy as it seems. There are many intricacies to consider, such as a dedicated workspace, a work laptop, and a reliable internet connection to ensure you stay connected at all times.
While the first two are relatively easier to achieve, it will take you a considerable amount of time to pick out the best internet connection for yourself. In that case, it will be a better idea for you to look into internet reviews before you reach a decision.
For instance, taking a look at reviews on Xfinity can give you a better idea of whether Xfinity is a great option for your business or not. I believe it is, since I have been using Xfinity Internet for my business for a while, and it has never let me down.
However, there are also some other factors that you should look into, so that you can pick out the best internet service. Here’s everything you need to take a look at.
Assess Your Internet Bandwidth
One of the first things that you need to take a look at is the bandwidth that you get with your internet connection, since you might have to connect multiple devices to your internet connection. If your existing internet connection has a lower bandwidth, it can hinder your internet performance and slow down your business processes.
However, opting for an internet connection with greater bandwidth can ensure that all your business processes go as seamlessly as possible. Aiming for a high-speed internet connection can also ensure that you get the bandwidth you need. I’ll explain more in the section ahead.
Pick Out the Perfect Internet Speed
Internet speed and bandwidth go hand-in-hand. The faster your internet speed is, the greater bandwidth your internet plan will offer. For a breakdown of internet speeds, if you have light usage at home, then 1-5 Mbps of internet speed should be enough.
For basic streaming and conferencing, a 5-40 Mbps internet speed should be good for you. If you want to stream in 4K or HD on a few devices, then aim for 40-100 Mbps of internet speed. If you have heavy internet usage, such as video conferences and high-definition streams, then you should get an internet speed between 100 and 1,000 Mbps.
I recommend that you use at least a 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) internet connection so that you can make the most out of your experience.
Aim for a Reliable Internet Service
Keeping in mind that you are planning on running a business online, it is crucial that you pick out an internet service that does not compromise on reliability. If you have enough budget for it, a fiber internet connection should be good, but keep in mind it isn’t available everywhere.
In that case, you can also choose to go for a cable internet connection since not only does it give you a high internet speed, but it is also easily available nearly all over the country. On top of that, cable internet is also a very reliable option for running a business from home.
Look into the Customer Support of Your Preferred ISPs
Always remember that an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is only as good as the customer service it provides.
The company should be great at dealing with customers and should give prompt solutions to the problems that people face. Therefore, you must survey and pick out which ISP gives the best customer service.
A good customer service needs to have responsive customer service representatives, and it should offer 24/7 customer service. You should also take a look at customer reviews so you can make an informed decision while choosing an internet service for your business.
Once you ensure that, whenever you have a problem with your internet connection, the company will be ready to help you out as soon as possible so that you can continue with your business processes.
Pay Attention to the Scalability and Flexibility
To run your business smoothly, you’ll need an internet plan that scales with your business as the business grows. Otherwise, you’ll need to keep upgrading internet plans over and over again. Therefore, you should communicate this to customer support representatives so that they can guide you in a better way.
You also have to ensure that your preferred internet service provider doesn’t use any hidden throttling policies or any fair-usage policies that would end up slowing down your internet connection after a certain time or usage.
That can affect your business processes badly and slow your productivity down.
Once you keep these factors in mind, it should be easier for you to pick out the best internet service for your business. After that, all you need to do is focus on your business processes and try to make your business grow as much as possible.
