Because of the benefits it brings to the table, the Internet has become a necessity not only for individuals but also for businesses. According to the UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) study, around 80% of businesses all across the globe use the internet.
If you own a business in London, you would already know that the business landscape here is dynamic and competitive, and requires you to have a reliable broadband connection for your business to stay ahead.
However, due to the abundance of options available, selecting the right one might seem challenging. But you can simplify this process by using the right approach to finding the best broadband provider for your business needs.
Let’s discuss how it’s done.
How to choose the best broadband provider in London
Here’s a list of steps that you can follow to choose the best broadband provider for your business in London.
Identify available providers
Start the process by researching broadband providers available in the area where your business is located. The most effective method for this step is to perform online searches. It’ll allow you to find websites of popular broadband providers in London, where you can enter your postal code to check their availability in your area.
Once you have a list, narrow it down to those with positive customer reviews and ratings based on their reputation and service quality.
Determine technology
The next step is to evaluate the technology and infrastructure of the providers you’re considering. Focus on the types of connections they offer, such as fibre-optic, DSL, or satellite, and determine their availability in your area.
- Fibre-Optic: Currently, it’s the fastest and most reliable option available in London, and it covers around 68.45% of the city’s area. It’s advisable to opt for fibre technology, if possible because it delivers superior speed and performance, which is essential for business operations.
- DSL and Cable: These technologies use telephone lines and coaxial TV lines, respectively. Although not as fast as fibre-optic, DSL and cable can still provide sufficient speeds for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Satellite: Satellite broadband makes for a good option for rural and/or remote areas, where other technologies are not available. That’s why it’s less common for business use in London. However, it can be a viable option, if you can’t go for other broadband types, though its performance can be affected by weather.
Look for business-specific solutions
After selecting the technology, you can narrow down your options further by focusing only on the best broadband deals in London, designed specifically for businesses. During this step, pay close attention to the internet speed each package offers because it’ll directly affect your business operations.
Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right speed based on your business size:
- Up to 10 Users – 50-100 Mbps: This speed is suitable for a small team that needs to handle tasks like video conferencing, large data backups, and remote work. It’ll also be enough if your business involves hosting a website or running an e-commerce platform.
- 10 to 25 Users – 300-500 Mbps: This range provides the necessary speed and bandwidth to support a medium-sized team for remote collaboration tools, large video conferencing sessions, and extensive data backups to the cloud.
- Over 25 Users – 1 Gigabit: For larger teams or businesses expecting significant growth, gigabit internet (1,000 Mbps) is an excellent choice. It’ll offer the speeds needed for running multiple cloud applications, sharing large data files, and managing multimedia projects efficiently.
Analyse customer service
Customer service is also a critical factor to consider when looking for a broadband provider in London. That’s because responsive 24/7/365 customer service will ensure that any issues with your broadband are resolved quickly and effectively.
Ideally, the provider you choose should offer support through multiple channels, such as phone, email, and live chat.
Consider yearly downtime
Downtime refers to the period when your internet connection is unavailable, and it can impact your business operations negatively. Look for providers with high uptime percentages, such as 97% to 99%.
It’s also wise to request an SLA (Service Level Agreement) as part of your contract, as it’ll guarantee compensation or discounts if the provider’s downtime exceeds the agreed limits.
Assess scalability
Even if your business is small now, choose a broadband provider with services that can grow with you. It means that you should go for a company that offers scalable solutions. It’ll allow you to upgrade your broadband speeds and services as your business expands, without worrying about connectivity issues.
Consider contract length
While most business broadband contracts in the UK are typically two years, many providers offer different term lengths. Longer contracts might offer cost savings, but it’s important to read the fine print thoroughly.
Understand the terms of service and any penalties for early cancellation to avoid unexpected costs if you need to change providers before the contract ends.
Factor in your budget
Budget is especially important for small businesses because every cost impacts your bottom line. While a reliable internet connection is essential, it’s important to choose a provider that fits within your budget.
Additionally, it’s also important to keep an eye on your needs and budget as your business grows to make sure that you stay within your financial limits while getting the service you need.
Prioritise security
According to statistics, cyberattacks are growing year after year. That’s why it’s critical to choose broadband with advanced security features, like firewalls, antivirus, and threat detection and prevention. It’ll allow you to protect your business data and customer information.
Final words
Choosing the right broadband provider for your business is a crucial decision, as it can directly affect your business operations and growth. Although it might seem challenging at first, using the right approach, outlined above, can help you simplify the process.
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to make an informed choice for your business’s broadband needs.
