The 21st century is known as the technological era where digitization has changed the way businesses are seen, done and perceived. The wide acceptance of internet came in the late 90s but till then the Internet had started to shift traditional businesses towards the force of digitization. The understanding of the Internet became easier for the 90s generation but turned out to be a bizarre concept for the earlier generation, further leading to a wave of continuous confusion. Small-scale businesses were the most to suffer as internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, downloading, uploading, network strength became complicated theories. Knowing that this has and will continue to tangle many small business owners, here is a step-to-step guide on internet speed:
Before knowing the left and right of Internet Speed, it is important to understand WHY you as a small business owner require Internet:
Considering that small scale businesses are primarily into retail, manufacturing and production, E-commerce (transactions conducted electronically) is the best way to bring your shop online.
In simpler terms:
- Take orders online
- Sell services
- Communicate with customers online
- Get more customers
- Create online 24×7 support
- Expand your business online
Since taking over your shop online can create a self-sustaining business, which will provide you with ease in the days to come, the next step is to understand Internet Plans, Website and Hosting:
In order to create a website, you require an Internet plan, which can be selected easily from multitudes of telecom providers. Here are few small points to remember while choosing an internet plan:
- Order a wireless network or Wi-Fi from any telecom partner. The offline package will include router and a cable, that usually is installed by the telecom partner itself.
- Choose a Wifi package that offers at least 50 MbpS or higher speed (higher if you have a team working with you on site)
- Please note that since there are numerous telecom partners, not all of them deliver on their promise. Make sure you read reviews online and then zero on a plan from a company that also offers 24×7 support.
What internet speed should you choose?
Internet speed is the center of the business online, all the transactions, access, and availability depends on that entirely. A good starting point for your business would be 50 Mbps that will easily facilitate Facebook, instant messaging, emailing, downloading, uploading, sending and receiving of files, streaming videos, listening to music, or watching/online streaming of movies.
Another deciding factor for internet speed is number of users. If you have a team that includes 5-10 people then you would want to chose speed above 50 Mbps, but in case there are only 2-4 active users at one time, then 50-70 Mbps would be a perfect speed.
Infographic provided by M247.
Other things to be kept in mind while choosing Internet Speed:
Customer Support: The telecom industry is a bull race where nearly every company wants to become a maiden choice of Internet provider in the country. Unfortunately not all company survives the basic expectations of customers. It is best to choose a company that offers online and offline support for your immediate internet issues. Many company bases 3-4 working days as an average time to get any internet connectivity issue resolved, but there are others as well, that offer immediate troubleshooting of the issue.
Promotional Installations and Package: Since the time Wi-Fi became a household necessity, many telecom companies offers free routers and installation, the first time. Other than that, they also compliment the selected package with fee waivers for minimum of 3 months. Make sure you compare internet speed offerings by different companies online and then shortlist your right internet provider.
Billing: Digital pays has resolved nearly half of bill payment issues. Instead of writing cheques, and making a cash deposit, telecom companies now offer digital payment options like wallet transfers/netbanking/IMPS. Before finalizing your Internet partner, make sure that you are offered online payment options, since many Government run ISPs still continue with offline payment mode.
What type of Internet connection should you choose?
FTTP or Fiber To The Premises is one of the most common internet service these days, but it also depends on your neighbourhood if they have an underground fiber setup. FTTP connections are faster as compared to DSL connections which are slowly becoming obsolete.
Wi-Fi network: Adopted by majority of population, Wi-Fi networks are common and are offered by nearly every telecom partner. Only a router is required along with server connectivity, and you are good to go.
Choose your plan wisely as the way we use internet is changing drastically. Keep in mind your future business plans, and then elect a righteous Internet speed.
