A reliable, fast broadband service is now as essential to the success of a business as capital, a solid business plan and a team of employees.
But does every business require a specialised business broadband connection? Or if you’re running a smaller business, or a business from your home, can you get by with a cheaper home broadband service?
This guide will take you through the essential differences between home and business broadband, as well as the difficulties businesses could face if they choose a residential service.
What is business broadband?
Business broadband is a dedicated broadband connection that’s set up in an office or workspace to support a much larger demand for internet services.
Typically, business broadband packages are more comprehensive than residential broadband and have more dedicated services. So expect faster speeds, bigger capacity, more secure and reliable connections, and as a result, a higher monthly price
What’s more, business broadband connections are widely accessible across the UK too. Recent broadband statistics show that, as of January 2022, the number of UK properties (both residential and commercial) that cannot receive a decent broadband service (having a download speed of at least 10 Mbit/s and an upload speed of at least 1 Mbit/s) from a fixed line stands at around 506,000—just 2%.
What do you get with business ?
If you’re running a business containing more than ten employees, you should definitely consider getting a dedicated business broadband connection. There are a number of key features included in business broadband deals that are essential to keeping your business running smoothly.
Here’s the difference between home and business broadband:
1. Business broadband service guarantee and compensation
If your network has a fault, many of the best business broadband providers pledge to get your connection back up and running the next working day to minimise disruption and inconvenience to customers.
For example, many of the BT Business Broadband deals come with an ‘Always Connected Guarantee’ and will provide you with 4G mobile broadband hub to use as a backup in case there’s ever a problem with your fixed line broadband.
Service guarantees with residential broadband are much less common. And if providers do offer these guarantees, the timeframe in which they promise to get you back up and running is much longer.
In the event that a business broadband provider is unable to get you back online in the time frame promised in the contract, you’re often entitled to compensation.
2. Dedicated customer support for business broadband
If your business broadband connection goes down, it’s vital you get back online as soon as possible, or you could risk losing revenue and damaging your reputation. For that reason, business broadband deals typically offer around-the-clock, UK-based customer support, so you can get help with any problems whenever they occur.
In contrast, home broadband typically operates customer support services only during select hours.
Business broadband customer support staff also prioritise business broadband callers, so there’s less chance of you being stuck in a queue waiting to speak to an operator.
3. Business broadband traffic is prioritised
The likes of BT and TalkTalk prioritise business broadband traffic over residential broadband customers.
The result is that the speed and quality of your connection won’t be affected by other customers’ usage patterns, such as a neighbour downloading lots of HD video. This also means it won’t slow down at busy times of day, keeping your business running smoothly.
4. Better security
If your home computer is hacked, it can be a major inconvenience. But if your business broadband network is compromised, it could be a disaster for you and for your clients.
For that reason, business broadband services come equipped with higher-grade security software.
5. A router that’s made for businesses
Business broadband routers and residential routers can differ substantially. If you only need to connect 10 – 12 computers, a standard residential router or small business router will be fine. If you’re a larger business, you’ll need a more powerful Wi-Fi router that provides coverage between 1,500 to 2,000 square feet and over multiple storeys.
Business broadband routers also provide higher levels of security, including a VPN server and firewall, and filter content, too.
6. Static IP address
A residential broadband service gives you a dynamic IP address. This is a unique number to identify your computer, so your IP address will change every time you connect to the internet.
With business broadband deals, though, you’re provided with a static IP address. This allows you to use your connection for a host of business-specific features that are critical to the day-to-day operation of many businesses.
With a static IP address, you can:
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Host your own server, which is vital if your business needs to receive large files. Plus, it ensures clients can connect to your server without complications.
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Host your own website or domain name server.
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Remotely connect to your computer from another PC so staff can access applications remotely.
