Where business broadband is concerned, things are changing. The days of getting online via traditional PSTN and ISDN lines are dwindling, and the ability to work via quicker and more flexible connectivity options is increasing.
However, if you’ve not given your business broadband contract much thought in recent years, this type of change might be a little concerning. Are you getting the best deal? Will your current type of connection even work in the next few years? The answer to these questions is probably not, but fear not, we can help.
The good thing about the currently changing connectivity landscape is that there are now more types of business broadband than ever before, and we’ve put together this complete guide to help you understand which is the best business broadband option for you. No more letting your current provider sting you with inflexible contracts and expensive deals; you’ve got the tools to find a solution that genuinely works for your organisation.
Your Business Broadband Options
It’s easy to assume that the best business broadband option is the quickest option (or the one your current provider tells you is the best). However, every business is different, and this means that connectivity requirements can vary wildly too. A multi-site and technologically demanding organisation will need a considerably different setup compared to smaller teams and hybrid organisations. It’s crucial to understand what each type of business broadband offers and how its benefits and drawbacks may apply to you before locking in a new contract.
Fibre Leased Lines
A fibre leased line is arguably the most reliable form of business broadband, providing a dedicated circuit between your premises and the local exchange. This means that the resulting connection is used exclusively by your business and provides guaranteed bandwidth even during peak hours.
The reliability of a fibre leased line is reinforced by commercial-grade service level agreements and guaranteed fix times, giving added peace of mind. Of course, this premium type of connection can come at a premium price and installation isn’t necessarily a quick process. However, for large organisations and environments where downtime simply isn’t an option, it’s hard to find a better business broadband solution.
Great for: Medium to large businesses reliant on a foolproof connection
FTTP Broadband
If your business is located in an area where full fibre is available, FTTP broadband should be heavily explored. FTTP (fibre to the premises) delivers pure fibre directly from the exchange to your building without the use of any copper lines. This enables ultra-fast speeds (we’re talking up to 1,000 Mbps depending on location) and the reliability needed for cloud systems, video conferencing, and the day-to-day demands of modern and hybrid working.
Unfortunately, the main downside to FTTP broadband is availability, and this type of business broadband is not available everywhere just yet. Roll-out plans are moving rapidly, though, and if you do fall in a full fibre area, it’s hard to argue that there’s a better business broadband option.
Great for: Cloud-first, hybrid organisations wanting a future-proof connection.
SoGEA
While FTTP broadband is probably the best-known alternative to traditional copper lines, it is not the only option. SoGEA (single order generic ethernet access) provides a fibre-to-the-cabinet setup but without the need for a separate phone line. Given that the PSTN switch-off deadline is creeping up, SoGEA broadband is a great option for businesses looking for a future-ready option.
While SoGEA business broadband doesn’t offer the speeds of full fibre, speeds are still strong, and reliability tends to be solid. This also makes installation simple and costs less than some of the more advanced options available.
Great for: Businesses looking to prepare for the PSTN switch-off with a solid but affordable option.
Mobile Broadband
Our overview of the best business broadband options wouldn’t be complete without mentioning mobile broadband. This type of connection uses 4G or 5G networks to connect your organisation to the internet via a separate router or hotspot.
While speeds can come close to some fixed-line services, we wouldn’t recommend mobile broadband as your primary connection. However, it is a highly valuable tool to use as a backup or temporary solution. For example, if your main line suddenly goes down or your team is working on the go, mobile broadband can keep things going.
Great for: Backup connectivity and temporary setups.
So… What Is The Best Business Broadband?
Now we’ve explained the different business broadband options, it’s time to return to our main question: “What is the best business broadband?”. You’ve probably guessed that the honest answer depends on business size, setup, and priorities. The most important thing is that your connection supports your team, not the other way round.
At Agile Comms, we can help you to scope out your connectivity options and find the best business broadband for your organisation. We work with a cross-section of the industry’s best carriers and can provide you with an unbiased recommendation and a flexible, scalable, and future-ready broadband solution that meets your needs. Simply get in touch today to chat about your requirements and we’ll help you to understand the next steps.
