So, you’ve decided: your business’s current internet service provider (ISP) isn’t cutting it. You’re ready to make the switch, but you don’t know where to start. Here are some of the most important things to consider when shopping around for a new ISP:
- Price
- Reliability
- Customer Service
- Speed
Price
When considering new ISPs, it’s important to recognize that internet service should enhance the business you do, but not be so costly that it keeps you from being profitable. The price you pay should reflect the quality of service you receive, and it should be consistent.
Make budgeting for your business easier by choosing a service provider with consistent, transparent billing that includes no hidden fees or extra charges.
You should also consider an ISP’s flexibility in offerings and pricing. Does the ISP only offer a few different standardized packages? Or, do they offer custom solutions for your business? When just a few standard packages are available, you may feel like Goldilocks trying to find the right fit.
Reliability
Another piece of the internet service puzzle to consider is reliability. You, your customers, employees, and business partners all rely on your internet connection to send and receive data, whether that’s by completing transactions, communicating over email or video chat, or surfing the web. The last thing you need are interruptions causing delays and frustrations.
Time is money, and when you’re running a business, you can’t afford to wait around for outages in your service to be diagnosed and restored. Fiber internet is currently the most reliable internet option around. It’s more resistant to weather conditions that might cause disruptions in DSL or cable internet, and its signal strength far outperforms its competitors.
Customer Service
You provide your customers with great service and personal care. So why should you settle for an ISP that provides you with anything but that? When issues or questions arise, consider what you’d prefer to hear on the other end of the phone: a responsive, helpful representative who lives in your community, or a voice recording informing you that you are 500th in line?
The work you and your employees do matters. You should consider choosing an ISP that will match you with a dedicated business representative to guide you through any questions and concerns about your service.
Speed
Your internet service should support and strengthen your business. Don’t let slow upload and download speeds hold your business back from developing into its full potential.
Fiber is the fastest option on the market for internet. It sends information through light signals, which travel much faster than electricity. If you experience lagging at your point-of-sale systems, during video calls, or receiving and sending email, it’s likely your current bandwidth can’t keep up with you and your employees. For the fastest possible service, consider upgrading to fiber internet. You, your employees, and your customers will certainly notice the difference!
Socket has offered internet solutions to all sizes of Missouri businesses for over 25 years. Whether it’s lightning-fast fiber internet, a new hosted phone system, or a custom package of services, Socket can provide your business with the resources it needs to thrive and grow. Visit our website to request a quote, or call us at 1-800-762-5383 and let one of our dedicated business reps show how Socket can help your business.