Years ago, we only saw online platforms as a means for communication – sending emails and chats, endless pinging, and posting on our friends’ walls. But nowadays, it has become an integral part of most businesses’ marketing strategies simply because it allows for a wider reach without actually paying for a lot of marketing materials, like fliers, billboards, and other traditional methods. Since more and more businesses are shifting to digital, having a reliable primary and backup internet connection has never been more crucial. In this blog post, we’ll talk about backup internet for businesses and why it matters.
What Is Backup Internet?
Backup internet or failover internet is a type of secondary internet connection that takes over once your primary connection fails. By having a failover internet in place, you don’t have to worry about being disconnected or your business operations being disrupted because of an internet downtime. Some of the most common options for backup internet include 4G, 5G, satellite, and fiber internet.
Read also: Having WiFi Connection but No Internet – Why and How to Fix
Why Is Backup Internet Important for Businesses
Some businesses only think of a backup internet plan as an unnecessary expense — only because they’re not experiencing any significant downtime at all. However, did you know that many businesses lose millions a year due to internet issues? We’re pretty sure you wouldn’t want that for yourself, so here are some points to ponder about the importance of backup internet for businesses:
- Guarantees Business Continuity
- Minimizes Financial Losses
- Uninterrupted Customer Interaction
- Enhances Data Security for Businesses Using Cloud-Based Apps
- Boosts Employee Productivity
- Help with Security and Compliance Requirements for Specific Industries
If you were to get a reliable failover internet, your business will have these benefits and more. And since you’re already in this blog, we’re pretty sure you’re already considering one, and that’s a good sign. You’re already a step closer to choosing the right backup internet for your business.
Read also: How to Improve Your Internet Connection
Characteristics of a Reliable Backup Internet for Businesses
Just like how you choose an internet plan for your home, choosing a failover internet for your business requires careful research and planning. Not all internet plans and providers are reliable, so you have to be wary. Here are the characteristics of a reliable failover internet you should look out for:
1. Redundancy
A reliable backup internet solution should provide redundancy by utilizing a different network or technology than the primary connection. This diversity minimizes the risk of both connections being affected simultaneously by the same issue, such as a local outage or a technical glitch with a specific ISP.
So for example, if you’re committed to X internet provider with a fiber internet plan, it would be smarter to get your failover internet from Y internet provider with a satellite or cable internet. This way, you are relying on two different providers and technology in case anything happens.
2. Availability
Next up, availability. Depending on your location, your options will vary. If you’re eyeing for fiber internet, you will probably find it a bit challenging because fiber optic technology isn’t as common across the country compared to cable and other types of internet. So if you’re in a remote area looking for a failover internet, your best choice would be satellite internet such as Dish Internet. You can never go wrong with it.
3. Scalability
Regardless of the size of your business, it’s always a good idea to look for a backup internet that can handle the increasing demands of your business. Many internet providers require a specific term before you can cancel your plan or otherwise require you to pay for an early termination fee (which can be quite hefty!). You don’t want to be stuck in an internet plan or provider that cannot keep up with the needs of your business.
4. Low Latency
As much as possible, you should opt for a failover internet option with the lowest latency. Latency can significantly affect your business operations, especially if your day-to-day tasks require real-time communication, video conferencing, or other latency-sensitive applications. A backup internet solution with low latency ensures that your business remains agile and responsive, which allows you to have a smooth and efficient experience for both employees and customers.
5. Security
The last factor we want to highlight is the security your failover internet can provide. As a business, you handle confidential data that can be a target for cyber threats. Therefore, your backup internet solution should prioritize security. Look for features such as encryption protocols, firewalls, and other security measures to protect your data during transmission. This not only keeps your business information safe but also ensures compliance with data protection regulations and industry standards.
Read also: How to Deal with Slow Internet Speeds at Home
Tips in Choosing a Backup Internet for Your Business
We understand that it’s not easy to choose a backup internet for your business. It could be because there is only limited availability in your area, you have a limited budget, or something else. But regardless, there are several tips you need to keep in mind whenever you’re choosing a backup internet for your business.
1. Do Your Research
Just like how you ended up on this blog article, doing research is crucial before you make a decision. Especially if you’re choosing for the first time, it wouldn’t hurt to take some of your time to open your laptop and look into various resources that might help you in your decision.
2. Always Compare Plans or Quotes from Different Providers
The internet industry is competitive, so you can always find a better plan at an affordable price. Aside from that, make sure that you’ll only consider reputable internet service providers to ensure the quality of service.
3. Check Out Reviews Online
Many people can now freely share their thoughts or experiences regarding a specific service – which can be a good thing for many people. You can check the reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, Yelp, and other popular sites. However, you should also be wary because there are also fake reviews out there that want to tarnish the reputation or boost the reputation of specific providers.
4. Ask for Recommendations
One of the better ways to choose backup internet for businesses is through recommendations. Ask your friends or relatives that live in your area if they have a recommended internet plan and check that out. You’ll gain more insights regarding the quality of connection these internet providers or plans provide.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a backup internet for businesses is not easy. It requires in-depth research and patience so you can really end up with the best failover internet for your own business. With these tips and information in mind, we hope you find the right internet plan for you. Good luck!
