Having the right internet speed is just as important for your business as having the right tools or team. In today’s digital world, your internet connection powers everything, from emails and cloud storage to video calls and team collaboration. But faster isn’t always better; it’s about finding the right balance that meets your needs.
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the best internet speed for your business.
What is Internet Speed?
Internet speed refers to how quickly data travels between your devices and the internet. It’s measured in megabits per second (Mbps), and it’s usually broken into two types: download speed (how fast you receive information) and upload speed (how fast you send it).
For example, downloading a large file or streaming a video depends on your download speed. Uploading documents to the cloud or making video calls relies on upload speed. Both are important, especially in a business environment.
Understand How You Use the Internet
To choose the right speed, start by thinking about how your business uses the internet on a typical day.
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Do employees mostly send emails and browse the web?
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Are there regular video calls with clients or team members?
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Do you upload or download large files?
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Do you use cloud-based software or storage?
Each of these activities uses a different amount of bandwidth. A few people browsing the web won’t need as much speed as a team regularly joining HD video meetings or uploading high-resolution images.
Consider the Number of Users and Devices
It’s not just about how many people are in the office. Most people connect with more than one device, like laptops, phones, tablets, sometimes all at once. Each device adds to your internet usage.
A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 5–10 Mbps per user for basic tasks. If video calls, file sharing, or cloud apps are part of your daily routine, you’ll want more.
Think About Peak Times and Priorities
Internet usage often peaks during certain times of day, like first thing in the morning or right after lunch. If everyone’s online at once, slower speeds can affect productivity.
Also, consider which activities are most important. You might want to prioritise things like business apps and video meetings over non-essential browsing or streaming. Many routers let you manage this using “traffic priority” or “quality of service” settings.
Don’t Forget Your Equipment
Even if you pay for a fast internet connection, outdated equipment can slow everything down. Make sure your router, Wi-Fi access points, and cables can support the speeds your business needs. If you’re using cloud services or hosting video calls, wired connections often offer more reliability than Wi-Fi alone.