We can all agree that in today’s digital age, it’s nearly impossible to imagine running a business without internet access. And it’s equally impossible to imagine running a business with slow, laggy, unreliable connectivity.
You see, investing in an appropriate business internet solution is just as important as hiring quality employees. It can mean the difference between success and failure. And with the innovations of today continuing to evolve and become more and more web-based, having an internet solution that provides the speed and reliability to support your growth is essential.
So, when it comes to internet speeds, how fast is fast enough? Factors like network usage, scalability, and number of users are among some of the key things to consider when deciding the speed that is right for you.
Let's explore.
Network Usage and Tasks
Start by assessing how you’ll use the internet. The size and nature of your business plays a big role in how much bandwidth you need. For example, a small office with a few employees, that primarily sends emails, likely requires less bandwidth than a company that processes large amounts of data over the internet.
Basic Tasks: light business activities such as browsing the web and sending emails to heavier usage activities like point-of-sale transactions and video conferencing would require minimum internet speeds of 15-75 Mbps.
Heavy Tasks: business activities like HD audio and video streaming, crowded Wi-Fi, and multiple point-of-sale transactions require minimum internet speeds ranging from 75-150 Mbps.
Significant Tasks: heavier business activities like web hosting, e-commerce, and high internet demand require minimum internet speeds of 150-5000+ Mbps.
Identifying your daily business activities will help you determine how much bandwidth you need at the minimum for smooth operations.
Number of Users
The more people using your internet at once, the more bandwidth you’ll need. If your business has several employees or if you serve customers who rely on your Wi-Fi, your internet plan will need to support multiple users without compromising speed.
Here are the recommended minimum internet speeds based on the number of users:
Between 1-10 users: 15-75 Mbps
More than 10 users: 75-150 Mbps
Medium sized businesses: 150-500 Mbps
Enterprises: 500-5000+ Mbps
Cost
When selecting an internet plan, it’s important to view it as an investment in your business rather than just a cost. While it may be tempting to choose a low-cost option, slower or less reliable internet can ultimately cost you more in lost productivity, and poor customer experiences. On the flip side, paying for higher speeds and more reliability will help your business run smoothly, avoid downtime, and improve overall efficiency.
Reliability and Stability
In business, downtime isn’t just frustrating—it’s costly. Whether you’re closing a deal, managing customer data, or conducting a virtual meeting, a sudden internet outage can have a serious impact. That’s why reliability and stability are crucial. Look for an internet provider that offers guaranteed uptime and contingency plans in case of service disruptions. Some providers also offer backup systems that ensure your business stays connected even when your primary service goes down.
Scalability and Future Growth
As your business grows, so will your need for bandwidth. Trends like cloud computing, the rise of IoT devices, and data-heavy applications are becoming the norm. Your internet needs will likely evolve as your business expands and technology rapidly progresses. Choosing a provider that offers scalability ensures your internet plan can grow with your business, without requiring frequent upgrades or complicated transitions.
Choosing the Right Provider
Once you’ve determined your bandwidth needs, the next step is selecting a reliable provider that can meet those needs now—and as your business grows. Your provider should offer flexibility, fast speeds, and robust support, ensuring your business stays connected and competitive.
DOCOMO PACIFIC delivers up to multi-gig speeds, making us the best choice for any business size. With premium customer support, reliable service, and a variety of flexible plans, we can help keep your business running smoothly, even as your needs and technology evolves over time.
Don't let slow or unreliable internet hold your business back. Invest in the right solution that supports both your current needs and your future growth. A fast, stable, and scalable internet connection is key to running a successful, forward-thinking business.
Want to learn more about our fiber solutions for your business?
Visit: business.docomopacific.com/business-fiber-internet
About the Author
Eloisa Hudson
Eloisa has nearly 30 years of experience in a variety of marketing positions including creative marketing, marketing communications, brand marketing, segment/field marketing and demand generation. After 24 years in Southern California in the high-tech software industry she returned to Guam in 2010. For eight years she successfully created and ran a chain of women's clothing and accessories boutiques before returning to the workforce. She is now the Director of Enterprise Marketing at Docomo Pacific.