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Recommended Internet Speed for Business: How Fast Should It Be?

As businesses rely increasingly on digital transactions and communications, reliable internet access becomes crucial to modern business owners. While you work out the finer details of business operations, consider choosing services that meet the recommended internet speed for business. A growing operation requires more bandwidth and speed to maintain a satisfactory standard for employees and customers.

For example, options like business fiber internet by TelecoSolutions improve your overall digital infrastructure by improving internet speed and accessibility. Such options accommodate your business’s growth with scalable solutions that meet you where you are. Learn more about internet speed and how it affects your business below.

Measuring Internet Speed

Internet speed refers to the data you can upload or download in one second. For example, two employees want to upload compressed files of important documents. They each use their own connected devices to complete the task.

When they begin uploading, your digital infrastructure will split the upload speed between them. If your internet is slow, a file that would otherwise take one minute to upload now takes two minutes. Thus, each employee loses a whole minute that they could better use on other tasks.

Although this example may not seem dramatic, time is money in all business operations. If you multiply that lost time with a larger staff, you’ll decrease your team’s productivity. Additionally, speed or lack thereof also applies to other digital functions such as:

  • Video conferences
  • Downloads
  • Transactions

Internet service providers measure internet speed in megabits per second (Mbps). Aim for providers that offer higher rates of Mbps to secure faster data-intensive actions with fewer lags to increase productivity and efficiency. Another term commonly used for internet speed is bandwidth.

What is Bandwidth?

Bandwidth refers to your internet’s capabilities over a specific period of time. Bandwidth measurements typically refer to the speed at which one device operates during online activities like uploading or downloading. Thus, an overall bandwidth of 400 Mbps provides 200 Mbps to two devices. Four devices will receive 100 Mbps and so on.

Businesses with lower bandwidth experience decreasing speeds with each device connected to the network. Additionally, other factors can affect your internet speed including:

  • The activities a user performs
  • The types of devices used
  • The type of internet service you use

The activities that have the most influence over speed are uploads and downloads.

Upload Speed vs. Download Speed

The recommended internet speed for business takes uploads and downloads into account. But what is the difference between the two? Discover what each term means in reference to your overall internet speed and efficiency.

Upload Speed

Upload speeds generally refer to the time your network devices need to send data. For example, a member of your staff works from home. They must receive files and communications on their personal computer at home from your work desktop.

The upload speed is the speed at which you send those files. Uploads may also refer to:

  • Outgoing calls
  • Sending texts or emails
  • Web address communications

Slow upload speeds can cause lags that prevent your network devices from showing pertinent data. Video conferences may fail to stream efficiently. Calls can be cut out.

The minimum recommended upload speed is 5 Mbps.

Download Speed

Download speed refers to how quickly a device receives data. When you attempt to access a website, your network should meet the minimum download speed requirements for you to access the entire website properly. Slow download speeds can affect the same assets and interactions as slow upload speeds.

However, it affects your attempted data access instead of how you send data. The recommended minimum download speed is 25 Mbps. Your needs could expand as your business grows and your access requirements shift.

Thus, you should prioritize scalable and readily available broadband options to facilitate your business’s inevitable growth.  

Types of Internet

Which internet service should you choose for your business operations? Different types of internet have varying levels of capabilities. Learn more about the most prevalent internet options below.

Satellite

Satellite internet services require a satellite dish installed at your business’s physical address. Once installed and connected, the satellite communicates to satellites in outer space via radio waves. It boasts download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds of around 3 Mbps.

DSL

A digital subscriber line (DSL) requires a landline to operate. This option is not ideal for most businesses. The download speeds sit at 6 Mbps with upload speeds of 1 Mbps.

Cable

Cable offers some of the quickest internet speeds available. The download speed can hit up to 500 Mbps. Upload speeds cap out at 50 Mbps.

Fiber Optic

Fiber optic internet is another high-speed option that works great for businesses. It has the highest Mbps for both upload and download speeds out of all other options.

What is the Recommended Internet Speed for Business?

The recommended internet speed for business is a minimum of 25 Mbps for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads. However, you will experience data complications as your business grows, attracts more customers, and requires more staff. You could still encounter upload and download complications once your bandwidth caps out.

Numerous factors can affect your bandwidth’s efficiency. Before settling on a less expensive digital infrastructure to save money, consider how the following factors will affect you:

  • Number of employees
  • Number of network devices
  • The number of employees who require devices
  • How employees should use the devices

You will greatly improve business operations by shooting for higher speeds with service providers that can evolve with your needs.

While your business may not require the largest available bandwidth, it may require a little extra speed on any given day. Speak with an internet provider that understands your business needs to pinpoint the best approach.

Request a Quote from TelecoSolutions

Not only do we know the minimum recommended internet speed for business, but we can also assist you in finding the best speed for your business. Contact our representatives at TelecoSolutions to learn more about fiber internet installation services. Call us at 800-546-9810.

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