Choosing an ISP for Your Business

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is responsible for ensuring that you can easily, quickly connect to the Web, send and receive email, and run the basic functions of your online business. Choosing the right provider and the right level of service will give you the infrastructure you need to keep the online portions of your business running smoothly.

You have a lot of choices when it comes to selecting an ISP. There are thousands companies of all sizes, and new ones launch their services constantly. You’ll want to make sure you select a reputable provider that will be there in the months and years ahead. Consider these questions when researching ISPs.

What connection speed do you need?
You have three main options when it comes to connection speed and service availability:

• Dial-up service – Available virtually everywhere, dial-up is the most common for personal use and the least expensive connection. It works best for basic functions like email. Most ISPs support 56 kilobits (kb) per second, the fastest dial-up speed. While the slowest of your options, dial-up service is cheap (many companies charge as little as $10 per month and do not charge a set-up fee) and usually can be activated within a single business day by installing software on your computer. If you plan to rely on dial-up, you should consider dedicating a phone line for Internet access to avoid online disruptions or missed phone calls.



• DSL service – If you need to transmit large data files across the Internet or simply want faster access to image-heavy web sites, you’ll need a bigger, more stable, broadband connection, such as DSL. (Be sure to check with the DSL provider about their download and upload speeds.) DSL is usually a lot faster and a little more expensive than dial-up (service typically starts at $45 per month plus the installation fee). DSL and other broadband connections require a service call for installation, and it may take a little longer to get online. Like dial-up, DSL works through a phone jack so installation can be fairly easy.



• Cable service – Internet access is readily available from many cable companies and can start at $45 per month plus an installation fee if you choose to have the provider set up your service. Some companies will give you a break on price if you also have cable TV access. Check with individual companies to look for savings. Cable and DSL offer approximately the same connection speed which can vary based on the amount of Internet traffic in your location.

How many email accounts will you need?
You’ll need to accommodate all of your employees who will be sending and receiving email and any additional addresses dedicated to general information or inquiries. Any ISP you’re considering should offer multiple email accounts and have the ability to provide more accounts as your company grows. Check whether the ISP limits the size of emails you’ll be able to send, especially if you plan to send large files or HTML emails.

Do you have multiple locations?
Some ISPs serve limited areas. If your business has more than one location that will require Internet access, be sure to choose an ISP that will accommodate all of them.

Will the company protect you from viruses and spam?
A virus can damage your network and slow your productivity. Spam can clutter your inbox, distracting you from important messages and taking up valuable server space. Finding an ISP with services in place to handle these potential problems saves you the worry of system trouble and wasted time.

Is service and support a high priority?
Any interruption in your Internet connection can cause difficulties for your business, so choose an ISP that offers 24/7 technical support from a live person via a toll-free number.

SBC Yahoo! is one provider that offers various connection packages including SBC Yahoo! Dial and SBC Yahoo! DSL. Check the web site of your local cable provider or telephone company for ISP services as well.

Your ISP will impact your business on a daily basis. If you choose the right one, you’ll never have to worry about Internet access -- it will just be there. Understand your options and determine what services are important to you before you make the call.

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