The world of Internet speed is confusing especially when you are picking out a new ISP for your business that too for the first time. The speed you want for your business depends on your Internet usage needs and the number of devices connected at a time. To help you figure out what business Internet speed you will need and how fast your connection should be, here’s a complete guide.
Understanding Download and Upload Speed
Before you do anything, it’s important to understand the meaning of download and upload speed.
Download speed is the rate at which data is transferred from the Internet to the PC. So, If you are going through your emails, this task will consume the download speed offered by your provider. All Internet activities require download speed but some activities require more speed than others. As each new employee is added to the team, you will need a faster download speed.
Upload speed, on the other hand, is the rate at which data is transferred from your PC to the Internet. When you are attaching a file with an email, this task is performed with the help of the upload speed. This speed is highly crucial if you need to upload large files without interruption or delays. So next time an ISP claims to offer speeds up to 5/1 Mbps, that means it is 5 Mbps of downloading and 1 Mbps of upload speed.
What’s the Average Business Internet Speed?
The most commonly offered business speeds include 5/1, 10/1, 30/5, and 50/10. The speed requirements vary from one business to another. The average business Internet speed is 19 Mbps. However, this average is likely to increase year after year, as the business grows.
How Much Internet Speed Does Your Business Need?
Let’s cut to the chase and see how much Internet speed you need. Here’s an estimate of ideal Internet speed based on the number of devices using the Internet simultaneously.
| Number of Connected Devices | Activities | Download Speed |
| 1 to 2 | Browsing, research, and checking the inbox | 5 Mbps |
| 3 to 5 | Downloading large files, business communication | 25 Mbps |
| 5 to 10 | Frequent file sharing, POS transactions, video streaming | 75 Mbps |
| 10 to 15 | Cloud computing, data backup, video conferencing | 150 Mbps |
| 15 to 20 | Streaming, video conferencing, server hosting | 250 Mbps |
| 20 to 30 | Cloud computing, heavy data backup, multiple server hosting | 500 Mbps |
| 30 and more | For enterprise-ready offices that cannot afford interruptions | 1000 Mbps |
What to Consider When Choosing Internet Speed for Business?
Now that you know what is a good Internet speed and the recommended speed for each type of online activity, to determine the right speed, you must consider some factors. Such as:
Number of Users
How many users or devices will be connected to the Internet at the same time? More users mean more speed.
Online Activity
What activity will users perform while they are connected to the Internet? If it’s general browsing, checking emails, then you might not need much bandwidth. On the contrary, if you need uninterrupted speed and your business relies on video conferencing, server hosting, you will need higher bandwidth.
Technology and Capabilities
When settling for speed, you must also consider the technology you are using. This includes the Laptops, PCs, and software that you use for normal business operations.
Types of Internet Connections in Your Area
When choosing speed, do some research on the type of connections available in your area. DSL Internet, cable, fiber optic, and satellite connections are the most common types.
Speed Recommendation for Small Offices
Small offices don’t need more than 5 Mbps. However, if their job involves such tasks that require heavy bandwidth, then, of course, you will need much more than 5 Mbps. Having a faster connection is always advantageous. It’s useful in case your business is growing.
If the business uses VOIP phones or Cloud RIS services that demand generating data backups regularly, then having a faster bandwidth is highly beneficial. When it comes to the types of the Internet to choose from, it’s best to settle for cable Internet. It’s widely available in most cities and states.
Speed Recommendation for Large Companies
Naturally, large organizations need high-speed Internet. Their Internet activities include data backup, streaming, video editing, VoIP, and other activities that demand large bandwidth. Choose any speed between 20 Mbps to 80 Mbps.
If you are an enterprise that heavily relies on the Internet and can’t compromise on the quality speed, then choose 1000 Mbps Internet speed, which is available via fiber-optic connection only.
Should I Get Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is mandatory now because it makes employee mobility within the organization easier. If you think your business needs it, search for reliable wireless Internet providers in your zip code.
Hotels, sports bars, and even malls offer public Wi-Fi to their customers. See if this what you want. After all, free Internet makes your customers happy and improves employee productivity. Keep in mind this would mean you will have to purchase more bandwidth because you are not just catering to your employees but customers.
However, free Wi-Fi can sometimes backfire. Make sure you have a security policy for that and enable WPA2-Level security. Additional measures include a firewall, and changing the password frequently.
Choosing a Provider
With these Internet speed classifications, you will get an estimated speed for your business. The next thing to do is to find out what providers are available in your area. List down at least 5 providers that you think are great when it comes to speed, pricing, business security features, and customer support. Chat with each of them to discuss your requirements. Some providers also designed an Internet plan tailored to web design services.
Ideally, be firm about what your team wants. Only then the ISP can best meet your needs. It is essential to make the right decision when it comes to Internet speed for your business because a slow connection can hinder productivity. It may also cost you, customers. Therefore, don’t mind the whole expense. Consider it an investment for your future.
Summing Up
These guidelines can help you decide what speed you need for your business, but sometimes, it’s challenging to predict the bandwidth needs accurately. Therefore, it is best to consultant IT experts to help you determine the ideal speed for your business. You can also give a call at 1-844-363-0089 to connect with a support representative and discuss your needs.
FAQs
How much Internet speed do I need for business?
Most small to mid-size businesses operate well at 25 Mbps. if you have more than 5 connected devices at one time, you will need more speed.
What is high-speed Internet?
There is no indisputable explanation of what high-speed Internet is. ISPs say it’s more about the plan than the speed. Therefore, any type of Internet that’s fast enough to meet your need is high-speed Internet.
