How to pick the right internet service plan for your business

We take a look at how to figure out your internet needs, then break down business internet packages in simple, no-jargon terms.

There's no need to break the bank on the internet for your business. It should be fast enough to keep your employees productive, and clients satisfied, but many businesses can conduct operations with a lower or mid-tier package. Keep reading, and five minutes from now you'll know which internet plan is right for your business. 

First, let’s understand why you need business internet? 

Business internet is designed with business needs in mind. It provides a peace of mind that your internet connection is able to serve users engaged in more demanding activities and has features that are often vital for doing business, such as enhanced security or uptime supported by a backup connection.

To keep your business operations running worry-free when your business relies on the internet for activities such as taking payments, video conferencing, transferring large files, accessing and storing valuable data, or timely communication with client, opting for a business internet makes sense. Even if you operate a home-based business, business internet services are available with all the add-ons that you may need.

Business internet tiers explained:

Rogers offers multiple speed tiers of business internet to align with current needs and future growth of your business. But before looking at these tiers, you need to understand what internet bandwidth is. Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection in a specific amount of time. More bandwidth means you can send and receive more data faster. 

Now ask yourself these questions: 

How many users access the internet simultaneously? 

There's no hard and fast calculation for bandwidth required per user, but more people using the internet generally means higher bandwidth requirements. If you have 10 or more people using the internet at the same time, a basic business internet connection probably won't suffice.  

What are they using the internet for? 

Are they surfing the web, messaging, and sending email? Or are they video conferencing and sending files? Do you have customers or clients using your connection however they like (streaming video or music, making video calls, etc.)? Video, media, and file transfers all use significantly more bandwidth. 

How many devices are connected to the internet? 

It's easy to underestimate how many devices are connected to your network. Each employee likely has a laptop and phone, but your business may also have printers, point-of-sale devices, cameras, speakers, lights, and other devices connected to the network. More connected devices mean more bandwidth is being used.  

Now that you have a rough idea of how your business uses the internet, it's time to figure out which package is the best fit. 

Rogers offers a range of business internet tiers: Most popular plans include Business Internet 300, Business Internet Gigabit, and Business Internet 2 Gigabit. Each of these plans include: all necessary hardware, network level security and 24/7 technical support.  A Wireless Backup connection can be added to any plan, providing automatic internet connectivity if the primary wired connection experiences an unexpected outage. 

Here's a closer look at what some of these features mean: 

If all Business Internet plans have the same great features, why choose a pricier package over a less expensive one? As their names suggest, the main difference between tiers is bandwidth. A Gigabit package offers more than three times the bandwidth of a 300 Mbps package, and a 2 Gigabit package delivers double the bandwidth of a Gigabit package. Here's a comparison of some of our popular plans: 

Choosing the right business internet for your company

If you operate a small office doing clerical work, consider keeping it low on costs and cheerful with Business Internet 300. More team members performing more intense internet activities—hosting webinars, sharing graphic design work, running company servers and backups—means you should consider stepping up a tier or two. 

Wall-to-wall coverage with Advantage WiFi 

Beyond internet speed, having reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout your space is just as important. Dead zones or spotty connections can disrupt productivity for employees and create frustration for customers. 

For businesses that need seamless coverage—whether its ensuring employees stay connected no matter where they’re working or providing a smooth online experience for customers — Advantage WiFi from Rogers is another great option. Professional installation means hassle-free set-up for wall-to-wall connectivity. Advantage WiFi is a great option for retail spaces, cafes, beauty salons and larger business operations that see a lot of daily guests in their business spaces and are looking for separate networks for their employees and guests. 

Need Help Choosing? 

Still unsure which internet solution is right for your business? Call one of our business specialists or book a call. They’ll help you assess your needs and set up installation quickly, so you can get back to running your business.