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Woohoo! Here’s a toast to your new business! We’re so proud of you for mustering up the courage and taking the leap. Now that you’re done with the hard part, it’s finally time to check off the mental checklist that’s been bothering you for quite some time.
Office space | |
Furniture | |
General office supplies | |
Equipment | |
Internet connection |
Good going, fresh entrepreneur! You’ve checked almost everything off your list. The only thing left now is a solid internet connection. Wait, don’t panic! We understand that finding a reliable internet service provider (ISP) for your new business setup can be super overwhelming. After all, you need the internet for just about everything.
Keeping in mind the significant role this technological blessing plays in our everyday business functions, we have prepared a comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide that will assist you in finding the ideal ISP for your setup.
Did you know : The internet is one of the major building blocks of a successful business. So, if you want to see your business grow, instantly get access to a reliable ISP by following the steps mentioned below.
Business Internet Service: A Buyer’s Guide
1. Check your address to see what internet providers are available in your area. 2. Determine your business’ internet speed requirements. 3. Decide the type of internet connection you need. 4. Compare the different ISPs available near you. 5. Choose an ISP and select a solid internet plan. |
Now that you’ve gotten a gist of all the essential steps of choosing an ISP for your business, let us go ahead and explore them in detail.
1. Find Internet Providers in Your Area
First things first: check to see which ISPs are available near you. While it may seem too basic, the significance of this step cannot be ignored. Internet service availability essentially is location-dependent. In simpler words, different areas would have a different set of ISPs, each with their distinctive offerings, infrastructure, plans, and pricing structures.
However, the good thing is that the top internet service providers offer their services in a large number of states, so you don’t have to worry a lot about their availability. Cox, for example, offers its internet services in around 19 states. You can simply enter your zip code or get in touch with Cox customer service to see if this provider is available in your area.
How Can You Find the Best Internet Provider in Your Location?
Simply enter your zip code below to find an in-depth comparison of the best internet providers present in your area. Once you are aware of all the relevant options, shortlist the providers based on your business’ internet speed needs.
2. Determine Your Business’ Internet Speed Requirements
It’s completely normal for a new businessperson to think that low internet speed would work well for their small business with just a few employees. But, what if the business operations include downloading large files, transferring a lot of data, and conducting Zoom meetings all day? In that case, it would require high-speed internet. On the contrary, a business with more than fifty employees doing little more than drafting and sending emails probably does not need a lot of speed.
Hence, it is always wise to first determine your business’ internet speed needs so you don’t end up signing up with an internet provider that is offering too little or too much speed.
To make things simpler for you, we have prepared a little speed guide for different business levels. You can also read our blog about to get a better understanding of the amount of speed you need for your business operations.
Speed (in Mbps) | Business Level (and approximate number of employees) |
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25-50 Mbps |
This speed would be ideal for a startup with a maximum of 5 employees. With this much speed, they can easily:
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50-75 Mbps |
This internet speed would be perfect for a small business with a maximum of 10 employees. This speed can easily support:
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75-100 Mbps |
This speed is best for small businesses with a maximum of 15 employees. It can seamlessly support:
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100-150 Mbps |
This internet speed is well suited for rapidly growing businesses that need high-speed internet to support:
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150-500 Mbps |
With this much speed, you can easily carry out all the activities mentioned above and cater to increasing employee counts. For big firms, internet speeds of 1 Gbps and above are also available. |
3. Decide the Type of Internet Connection you Need
Wow! You’re halfway through!
Now that you are aware of the location of your business and the speed requirements, you can go ahead and easily choose the right type of internet connection. We are saying this because, again, the location of your setup determines which connections are available to you; and the speed helps you choose the connection type. Listed below are the four main types of internet connections:
Type of Internet Connection | Who’s it for? | Notable Points |
---|---|---|
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) |
DSL is an ideal option for small businesses in both urban and rural regions that have a few employees and so need basic internet services without being too heavy on their pockets. |
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Cable |
Cable internet is best for small and medium-sized businesses that need it to regularly share files, perform online backups, and browse the web. |
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Fiber |
Fiber-optic internet is the number 1 choice of all those businesses that have multiple heavy internet users. It is the swiftest and oldest internet connection there is. |
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Satellite |
Satellite internet is the perfect option for businesses located in remote or rural locations. It, however, isn’t as reliable as a grounded internet connection. |
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4. Compare the Different ISPs Available Near You
Well done fresh entrepreneur! You’re done with the major steps.
Based on the speed requirements and connection type, you must’ve successfully shortlisted the ISPs available near you. Now comes the fun part.
‘Comparison’
While this act is looked down upon in the practical world, comparison in the world of ISPs is important. Carefully analyze the various plans each provider offers and start comparing them by price, speeds, contracts, data caps, hidden fees, etc.
Pro Tip : Always look at customer reviews when comparing ISPs. The feedback given by customers gives you a better idea of the ISP’s performance.
In the table below, we’ve discussed all the factors that will help you compare the ISPs that you’ve shortlisted. Start comparing!
Pricing |
Check which internet providers are offering services within your budget. Also notice if they are offering exciting bundle deals, discounts, etc. |
Data Caps |
Data caps can be a big headache for heavy internet users. Hence, it is always safe to look for an ISP that offers unlimited data. |
Contract Length |
While most ISP contracts are for two years, some offer shorter terms as well. We, however, would recommend you to look for an ISP that offers no contracts as this will save you from the hassle of paying early termination fees. |
Customer Service |
Check, which ISPs are offering around-the-clock customer support. Select the one whose customer service is active, vigilant, and present 24/7. |
Equipment and Installation Fees |
See which providers are offering the option of renting their router or modem. Also, check if they are offering free installation services. |
5. Choose an ISP and Select a Solid Internet Plan
You’re well informed about your business internet requirements, you’ve done your comparison and you’ve understood the several aspects of internet pricing and speeds.
Now comes the moment of truth. Feel those butterflies in your stomach? No worries, you’re done with the tricky part; all you have to do now is combine all of this information to decide what plan and internet provider is best for you.
Once you’ve finally made your decision, go to the provider’s website, explore all its internet plans and deals, see what plan matches your needs, and instantly sign up for it. You can also contact the ISP’s customer service department and get assistance in choosing the plan that best meets your requirements.
We understand that managing business functions isn’t a very easy task. Business owners wish to bring efficiency and innovation into their work operations. Keeping in mind all of this, we would recommend you opt for a fiber-powered fast, and reliable network like Cox Internet. By signing up with Cox Internet plans, you get access to incredible speeds, lower latency, and free advanced security. You can also explore Cox Bundles and other exciting deals by visiting the provider’s website or getting in touch with a customer service representative.
Sign Up with Cox Internet right away- Call (855) 814 6044
The Sum Up
Choosing an internet service provider for your business shouldn’t be a very daunting task. With conviction and the right information at your fingertips, you’re well on your way to selecting an ISP that will best meet your business requirements. We hope the steps mentioned in this blog prove to be helpful for you. You can also read our blog on ‘’ to further refine your knowledge. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need my zip code to show me the available internet service providers?
By entering your zip code, you get to find the top internet service providers and deals near you. We don’t save your personal information; your zip code is simply the most convenient way to match you with the ideal internet providers.
What are any three factors you should consider when choosing an ISP?
The three main factors to consider when choosing an ISP are:
- Availability
- Speed
- Internet connection type
How many types of ISPs are there?
The different types of ISPs include:
- DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
- Cable
- Fiber
- Satellite
Check for services and offers available in your area