Broadband is a vital service for your business as it enables your team to connect to the internet over a shared fixed infrastructure in the ground. Whether you’re a new company in their first office or a larger company moving offices, getting a reliable and speedy broadband is essential.
One important thing to remember is that to have broadband, you’ll first need a working phone line. So, we’d recommend reading our blog on how to set up an office phone system first to make sure you have everything you need in place
There are many different varieties of broadband available that use either copper or fibre and choosing the right one can be a tricky task. Luckily, we’re here to help and have put together this handy guide on how to set up broadband for your business.
Choose the Right Broadband
When it comes to choosing the right broadband, with so many options to choose from, there are plenty of factors to take into consideration. For example, as a business, you’ll likely need a package that offers high download and upload speeds and a more reliable connection so your employees can work as efficiently as possible.
You’ll also need bespoke security software and potentially VPNs and data backup support to protect your work and client confidentiality – especially if your company is predominately cloud-based. 24/7 customer support service is another beneficial feature with business broadband so if anything should go wrong, someone will be able to help and fix the problem as quickly as possible.
Here are some of the different types of broadband that may suit your current business needs:
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)
ADSL is an advanced dial-up system that is delivered over telephone lines. With download speeds of up to 17Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1Mbps, it’s perfect for new companies needing to keep costs low. However, it’s important to note that connectivity solutions carried over phone lines will be switched off in 2025. This means that unless you live in an area where fibre broadband is unavailable, this form of broadband won’t be around for much longer. That being said, it could be a great option if you need a low-cost, temporary solution to get your business up and running.
Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC)
FTTC uses a combination of copper and fibre-optic cables to deliver a faster and more reliable connection than ADSL. With download speeds of up to 80Mbps and upload speeds of up to 20Mbps, FTTC is a great, cost-effective option for small businesses that use a lot of cloud-based applications.
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
FTTP is a fibre broadband solution that has the highest speeds on the market, with download speeds of up to 330Mpbs and upload speeds of up to 50Mbps and is more reliable and stable than any other broadband product. This is because the speed isn’t affected by the distance. Meaning your employees can work on this broadband network efficiently no matter where in the office they are making it perfect for larger businesses. This type of broadband can also support services such as VoIP and high usage cloud applications.
Choose your Broadband Provider
Once you’ve chosen the right broadband, the next step is to choose the best provider. The first step is to check that any provider you are considering is actually available in your area. The last thing you want is to choose a provider only to find out it struggles to connect. Most providers offer a broadband checker on their websites where you can enter your postcode and see if the service would be a good match.
You’ll then want to view and compare the different packages and deals that each provider offers. Whether you’re a small or large business, the best provider should offer you everything you require in the most cost-effective way. This may take some time and research but choosing the right provider is a crucial step and a big investment into your company so you deserve only the best.
When you’re happy with the provider chosen, simply sign up and make arrangements with them for an engineer to come out to your office location and connect your broadband.
Setting Up the Broadband Equipment with an Engineer
Ideally, your new broadband provider should arrange a day and time with you for an engineer to come out as soon as possible. When they arrive on the day, you’ll decide where you want the broadband equipment to be sited. If you’re unsure, the engineer will happily help you figure out the best place.
Once a place has been chosen the engineer will get to work and install the broadband which should take no more than a day. When your broadband is active, you’ll be notified and will be able to access the internet in your office on your new service right away.
For expert help and advice choosing the perfect broadband and telephony solutions for your business, contact our team at Officeology who will help you every step of the way.
