Business Internet Connections.
Business Internet connections, frankly, for most business people, is a confusing topic so this page is a fast track lesson in Business Internet basics!
So let us help you demystify it a little – this is the aim of this web page….to help you understand the options and the differences in cost, performance, reliability, function and lead-time.
If you know what you want and you are a business or organisation in Kent, Sussex or London, then please just get in touch on 01892 578666. If you are outside this area we can still help you depending on your requirements.
For everyone else, please read on!
Internet Connections – an Overview for A Business Owner.
One of the first things to explain is that small businesses and organisations have been a little fortunate over the years in that many have managed to run their small operations on standard broadband (ADSL) often costing less than they pay for their SKY TV at home!
However, in recent years, as businesses and organisations move data, applications, services and servers (and telecoms) out of their premises effectively migrating to The Cloud, standard broadband (including fibre broadband) just doesn’t cut it in that it isn’t fast or reliable enough.
There is now quite a number of different types of business internet connection available to businesses and we cover each one in some detail here on this web page. These include ADSL (standard broadband), Bonded Broadband, FTTC Broadband, FTTP (Fibre To The Cabinet) , SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access) EFM, Fibre Ethernet (Leased Lines), satellite and mobile broadband (4G and 5G) and WiMax. We also mention SIP and VoIP. We also touch on Community Fibre projects.
It is important to note that the choice of connection and therefore the performance varies from one premises to another. It is also worth pointing out that it takes us 5 MINUTES to check what you can get at any given location.
Deal with an Internet Specialist
By the way, we know what we are talking about so please contact us for help and advice. We know more than most!
As a side note, this page (and the video above) has been brought up to date in June 2023 since the options have changed so much over the past few years.
It is also worth noting at this early juncture that fast private business internet connectivity (as opposed to regular public broadband) is now a lot more affordable than it used to be so many smaller businesses are now moving away from standard ADSL broadband. This is because the technology had improved as has the affordability and access – the UK government has also been subsidising the costs of certain connections (direct Fibre Ethernet connections) up to £ 2,800 and this is still the case (June 2023)!
The other major factor that has increased the uptake in faster and more expensive connections is the change that has taken place in voice and telephony as people migrate away from digital ISDN phone lines to VoIP, SIP and hosted telephony. In many instances, organisations can spend the money they save on ISDN on a more expensive and faster business internet connection which is dual purpose taking care of both voice and data.
It is also important to point out the Big Switch Off that has already arrived for some and will arrive for all UK businesses and households in December 2025. This involves all normal analogue PSTN phone lines and ISDN lines being switched off forcing everyone to move to SoGEA, Fibre or wireless and move telephony to VoIP.
We have done a video on the here – The End of The Phone Line.
We highly recommend you visit our purpose-made video and blog page here – What is a Leased Line?
What are the different types of Business Internet Connections?
This is a converged version of FTTC which basically means you can use it for voice and normal business internet connectivity – voice is prioritised and, consequently, call quality is guaranteed.
This is an option normally when fibre broadband is available.
It has a Service Level Agreement (guaranteed performance and repair time)
You can get up to 18Mbps up and down guaranteed and more download if you pay when it is available
It uses a normal line which CANNOT be used for normal telephony
Prices start at around £ 170 per month plus the cost of the phone line.
Lead time is 1 Month as long as you have the phone line installed first!
This is essentially the entry level ‘leased line’ as it is private internet, not public as it is all yours
At the time of writing this , 4G is available in quite a lot of areas. 5G is still a few years away but is available in some areas. With 4G you can get some decent speeds but as this is mobile data using a SIM, you may have a monthly data usage allowance. So pick one with unlimited data.
For an individual using a mobile phone or tablet this may be fine. But for an office, it would probably not work out well as you may use the data allowance up quite quickly. It all depends on your usage.
So a good use for this is as a back up to a normal or fibre broadband connection – you can put a SIM in your router and have a temporary fast back up – a good solution! Or you can buy a 4G router and possibly connect it to your main one depending on the router.
When 5G eventually becomes available in the mainstream, the cost will be expensive to start with and probably reduce as it starts to get used to servicing our everyday needs (eg servicing our driver-less car systems).
If you are in Kent, I recommend you try here – Rural Broadband
What kind of Business Internet connection can I get?
As stated previously, this all depends on the location of your premises.
If you are in a very rural location, then your choice of Business Internet may be very limited. In most large residential areas, it is likely that fibre broadband is or will shortly become available due to the providers wanting the TV Consumer business.
If you are in an industrial estate, it is likely you can get decent Business Internet connectivity like a direct fibre ethernet connection but not necessarily fibre broadband.
If you call us and give us a postcode, we can check within minutes and give you pricing.
We can also visit your premises or potential premises and locate/visualise what is there including direct fibre – this is a really important consideration for organisations who may be relocating and may not know what is possible or indeed what the lead times might be – getting a new internet connection for your new premises is often the longest lead time and can often govern the timing of a relocation!! Getting us involved early (even before you have decided where to move to) can be an invaluable service which we can provide free of charge!
Can I use the Internet for Voice? ( SIP, VoIP and Hosted Telephony).
What are the alternatives to Gamma?
Business Internet Connections FAQ
What VoIP products can I use on my Internet Connection?
Installing Internet throughout Kent, Sussex and London.
