Understanding broadband speeds for business

Tuesday 24th December 2024

Broadband is the backbone in almost every organisation. But how many of us actually understand the ins and outs and how to navigate through the plethora of broadband jargon?

Whatever type of business you are – large or small – having the right internet speed is almost certainly an essential tool for smooth operations and maximum productivity. But how can you determine which speed is best to support your business needs?

Here we explore what broadband speeds are, what they mean for your business, and how to optimise your connection.

What exactly are broadband speeds?

Broadband speed essentially refers to how fast data can travel to and from your devices. Speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

  • Download speed:The rate at which data comes to you. For example, streaming a video or loading a webpage.
  • Upload speed:The rate at which data leaves your device. For example, sending an email attachment or uploading files to cloud storage.

While download speeds are often the concern, businesses should also prioritise upload speeds. This is especially true in today’s world, where things such as video conferencing and cloud applications are pretty standard practices.

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Why broadband speeds matter

In the modern workplace, every second counts. Slow internet speeds can lead to frustration, wasted time, and even lost revenue. Imagine trying to host a client video call only to have the screen constantly freeze, or attempting to send files to your team only for the upload to drag on for hours – embarrassing and unnecessary.

Here’s where high-speed broadband makes a tangible difference:

  1. Improved productivity: Employees can work faster and collaborate more effectively when they aren’t battling with slow connections.
  2. Customer experience: Businesses with reliable connectivity can respond to queries faster and provide a seamless service.
  3. Innovative tech: Utilising emerging technologies such as cloud computing and AI require robust internet infrastructure.

How much speed does your business need?

Not all businesses require the same internet speed. The key is to match your broadband plan to your operations and scale:

  • Small businesses (1–10 employees): For tasks like email, browsing, and occasional video calls, 50–100 Mbps is usually sufficient.
  • Medium businesses (10–50 employees): Frequent video conferencing, file sharing, and cloud-based apps require speeds of 100–500 Mbps.
  • Large businesses (50+ employees): Gigabit speeds (1,000 Mbps or more) are ideal for heavy data usage, streaming, and simultaneous connections.

Your internet needs will also depend on whether you’re in an office environment or operating remotely across more than one location.

Fibre broadband: a game-changer

If your business is still using traditional broadband connections, it’s probably a good idea to make plans to upgrade to fibre. Fibre broadband uses advanced fibre-optic cables instead of copper lines. These cables deliver much faster and more reliable internet, which is particularly helpful if your business relies on broadband as a major part of its operation.

The key benefits for businesses include:

  • Symmetrical speeds: Equal upload and download speeds for smoother collaboration.
  • Reliability: Fibre networks are less susceptible to weather-related outages or interference.
  • Future-proofing: Fibre can support the increasing demands of modern businesses as technology evolves.

How to make the most of your broadband

  1. Assess your needs: Identify your current internet usage, as well as any pain points. This could be slow uploads or limited bandwidth.
  2. Upgrade when necessary: Be proactive - don’t wait for slow speeds to impact productivity.
  3. Monitor performance: Test your connection speed regularly to ensure you’re getting the service you’re paying for.

Broadband that means business

Having a reliable and high-speed broadband connection is key to smooth and efficient operations – especially in this fast-paced demanding era. For businesses, broadband speed and quality can potentially be the catalyst or demise in growth and efficiency.

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Contact Everflow today!

At Everflow, we understand how critical broadband is to your success. That's why we offer tailored broadband solutions designed to meet the unique needs of businesses.