Business Internet Service Provider – What’s the difference?

We often get asked if there is a difference between business internet service providers and standard internet service providers so we thought it would be helpful to do a blog.

An important factor is the price, standard broadband can be £20 per month whereas a dedicated business internet solution could cost you £400 per month. Contrary to popular belief there is a reason for this – to put it bluntly you get a much better service with a business internet service provider.

The first thing that affects your connection is your bandwidth. While broadband can now deliver speeds up to 152Mb they don’t always inform you that’s only your download speed. Business internet service providers can offer you symmetrical upload and download speeds, which can prove vital for many companies.

With standard broadband providers, you are also likely to be sharing with other residential and business users. This means that throughout the day, as the line gets more congested, your speed will fluctuate heavily. For residential users, although this can be a minor frustration, on the whole, it doesn’t have a huge impact. With businesses, you can lose millions per year from internet downtime. As all businesses rely on the internet so much more to sell their product or service its important to have a business internet service provider that understands your needs.

Customer support

Another key factor is the overall service. How many of you have had to call a service provider before only to be stuck on hold for ages (no doubt to a premium rate number)?

Well, that problem should not exist for a business internet service provider. Not only will they often have 24/7 support. It will be through to tech professional which is probably not the politically correct term. But they know everything about your network. That coupled with pro-active network monitoring and a set fix time really makes a huge difference to thousands of businesses in the UK.

So in the decision to go for a business internet service provider is simple – If you are a business can you afford not to?

Why are businesses not switching to another ISP?

Recent research suggests that, as a nation, we’re so loyal to our internet service provider that we’re more likely to leave our spouse than leave our supplier. Brand loyalty does, of course, have its advantages, but when it comes to business broadband, failing to explore other options could mean we’re preventing ourselves from adopting new technologies — such as leased lines — and we could even be increasing business outgoings, too. So why are we so shy about seeing what others have to offer?

Brand Loyalty

According to Real Business, the reason we’re so loyal to our internet service provider is simple: it all comes down to fear. Regardless of whether our existing service meets our needs or not, we’re concerned about trying something new. It’s definitely an ‘out of the frying pan, into the fire’ type scenario we’re imagining. This is especially true when we’re making the switch from one type of connection to another; changing from standard business broadband to a more advanced, dedicated leased line, for example.

Who Are the Best Internet Service Providers?

Which internet service providers offer the best packages and the most attractive tariffs? Well, it all depends on who you ask. Of course, internet service providers will favour their own services. Whether that’s business broadband or leased lines, for example, and will always try to highlight their rates as great value for money. That’s why it’s important to do a little independent research of your own.

Consumer Reviews

So where are the best places to look for internet service provider reviews? A great place to start is by taking a look at those providers who have triumphed at this year’s awards ceremonies. The annual PC Pro survey is the perfect place to start your research, as the winners are voted by magazine readers who have the first-hand experience of these companies, using services such as leased lines and ADSL. This year, Virgin and BT were two of the highest ranking internet service providers so that’s worth taking into account when choosing a provider. It’s a good indication of their commitment to providing great service.

Online Comparison

Another option is to look at broadband and leased line comparison websites like us. Why? Because these websites act as an unbiased source providing you with the facts; no sales pitches, no mumbo jumbo, just exactly what you need to know: services, packages, and prices. If you compare leased lines and other services online, you may be able to find an even better deal, too.

Be Flexible

When you’re reading consumer reviews and checking out ISPs, don’t overlook any internet service providers that aren’t familiar. Some of the smaller, lesser-known leased line providers, such as Wavenet, Luminet, and Onecom, are actually some of the best providers out there. While BT and Virgin are good choices, a provider doesn’t need to have a big name to offer a big service.

Make the Right Choice for You

While reviews and word of mouth are both great ways to narrow down your choices, remember that what’s right for one business may not be right for another. One internet service provider may not offer certain services, like the more advanced leased lines, for example. So who is the best internet service provider? It’s impossible to answer, as it’s all subjective. However, we can help you to find the best internet service provider for your business. Compare leased lines and broadband today with us today. Just fill out the form on the right-hand side and we will be happy to help you find the best quote.