If you started your business to make an impact on the world, you want that impact to extend as far as possible— including into the digital world. It is critical for you to get an internet connection that can sustain your entire office. The following guide will help you gauge your office’s internet speed needs and determine if an upgrade may be what you need.

Internet Speed Intel

Connection speeds are usually measured in megabits per second. A megabit is a million units of data; the more of these your connection can transmit each second, the faster it will be and the more people it can support. Sufficient speed simply means that your level of internet service can transmit the amount of data your business requires. In general, your connection speed should be proportional to the number of devices in your office, and the functions it must support.

The more devices you connect and the more complex services you require, the faster internet service you’ll need. For example, a solopreneur with a laptop and cell phone connecting to the internet will not require the amount of data transmission as a business with multiple employees who each require internet access through phones, tablets, and computers. Similarly, a businessperson who mainly uses internet service for browsing and sending emails will not require as much internet speed as one who regularly utilizes live streaming and HD video services.

What’s Your Speed?

So, how much internet speed does your business need? First, check your internet speed by conducting a speed test. If the results are slower than expected, there are some easy things you can do to troubleshoot the issue yourself:

Modem Upgrade: Your modem may not be able to facilitate the speed you’ve signed up for, or it may be outdated.

Too Many Devices: Are you connecting to your internet with devices you aren’t using all day? Are employees connecting with multiple business AND personal devices? Disconnect devices that aren’t necessary.

Unsecure Network: If your internet connection isn’t password protected, you may be unwittingly sharing your internet connection with neighbors which can slow your speed.

Wi-Fi: Wireless connections are slower than plugging in directly to your internet service.

Still too slow? It may be time to talk with your local service provider about an upgrade. Choosing the best internet plan for your business can be a daunting task. There are many different factors to consider from what type of business you are running to how the devices within your small business are being used. By starting off with these questions, you will be able to find the best plan for your business without breaking the bank.