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By Emma Lewis, bOnline
In these tough economic times, every penny counts – especially when you run a small business. As we look to cut our bills as much as possible, it’s tempting to go for the cheapest broadband deal you can find.
Of course, shopping around for the lowest price broadband is important. But there are plenty of other things to factor into your decision too.
How Do I Find the Right Broadband Package For My Business?
If you can run to it, it’s generally worth getting the fastest broadband speed you can manage (fibre is ideal). This is because you get a faster speed and bigger bandwidth, so more people can be online at once streaming or video calling for instance. On top of that, by signing up for faster fibre broadband you’ll also be best placed to switch to digital VoIP phone systems. Making this switch is now unavoidable, because by December 2025 traditional landlines will have been turned off permanently.
When choosing which broadband provider and which package to go for, ask yourself:
How Many People Will Be Using My Broadband Connection?
If you employ several people already, or you work from home and have a big family, it’s again worth opting for fibre broadband to accommodate multiple devices. If you don’t, you could well end up with infuriatingly slow connection speeds and lots of buffering.
How Much Am I Willing To Pay For Broadband?
Obviously you need to pick a broadband provider and pricing package that matches your budget. Do your homework and shop around to get the highest speed package for the lowest price.
How Reliable Is It?
When it comes to running your business, you need fast business broadband that is absolutely reliable. The last thing you want is broadband that keeps dropping off, because not only could you miss out on sales, it won’t do your reputation any good either.
Check out the coverage for different providers in your area (Uswitch.com is a good place to start). Once you’ve got a shortlist, it’s also worth looking at customer reviews to help you make up your mind. Read up on Trustpilot and Google Reviews as well as any case studies providers have published on their website.
How Long Do I Feel Comfortable Being Tied In For?
Once you’ve signed up to a broadband contract, you’re generally tied in for a set period of time. The length of your contract will vary, depending on what package and provider you choose. Sometimes it’s 12 months (ideal if you like more flexibility) but often it’s 18 months or 24 months. If you do need to leave your contract early, there are often hefty charges involved. So make sure you’re clear from the outset.
There’s no need to spend any more on broadband than you have to. It’s about getting the right balance between speed and cost. But when you run a small business, we really recommend taking the time to do your research because – like most things – the devil is in the detail. The cheapest option may not always be the best.
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