How Much Does Business Internet Cost?

How much does business internet cost?

Just like other cost variables for your business... such as office space or your employees, the cost of business Internet service can range from cheap to expensive—from hundreds to thousands of dollars per month.

You may be shocked that some packages are much more expensive than others, despite having the same set of features. Or you might wonder why you can’t just opt for a residential Internet bundle as if you’re running a small business at home.

How Much Does Business Internet Cost?Pricing Variables to Consider

How much does business Internet cost, really?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as installing a business-class network is dependent on a host of factors. To truly figure out business Internet costs, it pays to take a look at the following factors that can impact pricing.

Installation Cost

Installation cost for business Internet varies from one business to another.

First, a company’s location proximity to existing Internet lines will have a huge impact on installation costs. If your building already has existing lines, installation won’t be as pricey as having the Internet provider install the actual lines in your vicinity. By and large, cost depends on the nearest accessible line available, whether it’s a street or a few blocks away.

Second, existing network configuration may also influence installation fees. For instance, your current setup may require a switch or upgrade in structure to accomplish the performance and reliability you need for your business. These configurations may include the following:

• Transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6 subnets for more efficient routing, directed data flows, and enhanced security.

• Multiprotocol Label Switching (MLPS) to enable efficient Wide Area Networks. This high-performance telecommunications setup can boost reliability and performance in large networks.

• Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) directs how packets are routed across the network. It allows for greater network stability and enables routers to quickly adapt by sending packets through another autonomous system (AS) if one AS goes down. For large organizations, this is extremely useful and can enhance a network’s redundancy.

To learn more about the factors that influence fiber Internet installation prices within your building, hop on to this guide.

Quality of Service

Quality of Service (QoS) is a network’s capacity to prioritize certain types of traffic for the best performance and reliability. Consider the difference between a file transfer and a voice call/videoconferencing.

In terms of a file transfer, the client and the server exchange data and will verify if all the bits are delivered. If bits are lost during the transfer, servers can quickly resend them until the entire file is successfully transferred.

However, this isn’t applicable when you’re on a VoIP call or video conference. The server can’t resend lost bits like in file transfers because any interruption in the stream will result in voice call or video stream issues.

QoS recognizes the types of traffic in your network and prioritizes them accordingly. Often, a provider’s QoS is guaranteed in advance and can significantly influence pricing.

Redundancy

Every day, businesses increase their reliance on the Internet to keep applications and systems up and running. Providers need to ensure there is a level of redundancy to decrease downtime. The extent of a provider’s connection redundancy can impact pricing.

Downtime doesn't just hurt your business’s wallet and employee productivity, but can also have a lasting impact on your brand's credibility. Thus the need for a provider with load balancing and connection redundancy to boost network reliability.

Also, it’s worth noting that most businesses make the mistake of choosing a provider whose redundancy connection runs in the same conduit as the primary connection. When this is the case, if your primary service goes down, so does your backup connectivity.

Choosing the Right Business Internet Provider for the Right Price

The right Internet provider for your business should offer the right combination of features, functionality, and fantastic support that fits your unique business needs—at a price you can afford.

When evaluating your options, don't hesitate to ask specific questions and insist on getting an itemized list of the features you'll receive for a specific price quote. In addition, ask about the add-on services and equipment that are included in the pricing you’re offered so you’ll have an idea of any additional expense your business may incur.

Now that you’re aware of the factors which can impact business Internet pricing, the business Internet experts at Atlantech can help you make an informed choice about the right business Internet provider that's appropriate for your existing needs or budget.