Business broadband explained

In this day and age, it’s very difficult to run a business effectively without an online presence. The internet can help anyone reach a global audience, from a small start up to a large multinational. It’s extremely important to get the best business broadband package available, as both internet speed and reliability have a huge impact on your company’s operational effectiveness.

Every internet user is given an IP address – a reference code for the internet – and different types of broadband package offer different types of IP address to customers. Some deals include a dynamic IP address, which means that your IP address frequently changes. This is fine for surfing the internet, uploading or downloading files and both sending or receiving emails, which will suit most lone entrepreneurs down to the ground. However, if your business needs to allow customers to connect to any online service that you operate on-site, the best business broadband package for you will provide a static IP address.

There are currently quite a few Internet Service Providers on the market. Some deliver access through your telephone line, although the best business broadband providers tend to offer connections via fibre-optic cables, which are usually much faster at streaming data than normal telephone wires. Some packages will also include mobile access, which is a great choice if you need to keep working wherever you are. Mobile internet uses the 3G network to gain access, which is fast enough to let you manage your emails when you’re not on-site.

Before choosing the right package for you, it’s a good idea to look around the internet for feedback on the speed and reliability of each ISP. Many providers offer fixed-term deals with discounted rates, and while these look appealing at first, you can find yourself tied to a package that doesn’t quite deliver on what it promised. A good provider will offer a fast, stable internet connection, and will also deal with problems quickly and efficiently. This will make sure that access problems interrupt your business as little as possible, giving you the peace of mind you need to keep your company growing healthily.

Jane Tchan is editor of SmallBizPod. She has more than 30 years of experience gained from working across a diverse range of industries, including tourism and leisure, retailing, sports sponsorship and food. During that time she has edited a variety of publications and online media http://www.smallbizpod.co.uk