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Partner with Verizon Business and get fast, affordable, reliable internet virtually anywhere you do business. Plans start at $69/mo. $69/mo available for select plans. Plus taxes, fees, Economic Adjustment Charge and equipment charges (as applicable).
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- Fios Business Internet
Ultra-fast, fiber-optic internet with 99.99% network reliability and high bandwidth for speedy performance—plus, 24/7 business-class support Fios is available in select areas.
- 5G Business Internet
Secure wireless internet with fast download speeds, unlimited data, and easy implementation 5G Business Internet availability varies; may not be available at your location.
- LTE Business Internet
Wireless internet with out-of-the-box setup, plus a high-quality router to easily connect operations on the go.
Internet Dedicated
Scalable, high performance internet that lets you prioritize critical applications, customize features—and count on quality of service
Affordability
Plans start at just $69/mo. Plus, save when you pair business internet with a Business Unlimited smartphone plan. $69/mo available for select plans. Plus taxes, fees, Economic Adjustment Charge and equipment charges (as applicable).
Stay connected with a solution that is available virtually anywhere you do business. 5G Business Internet availability varies; may not be available at your location.
Reliability
Keep work flowing with internet your business can rely on. On the network America relies on.
Take advantage of security controls to help defend against cyber threats.
Verizon Business #1 by J.D. Power 6 years in a row.
#1 in Customer Satisfaction for Small Business Internet Service.
For the 6th year in a row, small businesses agree that Verizon Business’ Internet Service is the best, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Business Internet Satisfaction Study. For J.D. Power 2024 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards
Internet built for your business
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Get more out of your business internet. Choose from our flexible, affordable, award-winning options to help meet the unique demands of your business.
Customer stories
Appalachian pipeline.
See how Appalachian Pipeline Contractors connects construction job sites quickly with LTE Business Internet.
Ronin Design Co.
See how Ronan Design Co. is making a productivity breakthrough with the help of 5G Business Internet.
The Dental Family
See how Fios helps doctors Brett and Irene Druger achieve their dream of becoming a fully digital office.
Laundromutt
See how Corina Stammworthy relies upon the speed and reliability of Fios to help keep her business ahead of the competition.
See how EverWash is using wireless business internet to scale their business and disrupt the car wash industry.
Improve business agility with the help of wireless business internet.
Implement a simpler connectivity solution for retail..
Learn how retailers deliver excellent customer service and stay competitive with the help of Verizon Internet Dedicated Services with Cisco® Meraki® and 4G LTE backup.
Discover an easier networking solution for banks.
Learn how banks increase sales and keep customer data secure with the help of Verizon Internet Dedicated Services with Cisco® Meraki® and 4G LTE backup.
Stay agile and connected with Internet Dedicated Services.
Get the reliability, flexibility and control your organization needs with this secure, dedicated connection.
Connect easily and reliably with LTE Business Internet.
LTE Business Internet can meet even the largest and most complex enterprise needs, whether you’re connecting a single employee or your whole workforce.
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Take advantage of a protective plan for Verizon voice, diagnostics and broadband connections, including phone jacks and inside wiring.
What type of internet is best for business?
The best internet options for your business depend on various factors, such as your location and the nature of your business. Verizon Business offers several types of business internet options to cater to different needs and requirements.
These options include:
Fios Business Internet : Upgrade your business internet to Verizon's ultra-fast fiber-optic network with 99.99% network reliability. This option provides blazing-fast speeds and high bandwidth for efficient operations. Fios is available in select areas.
5G Business Internet : Experience fast and scalable wireless connectivity solutions with Verizon's 5G Business Internet. This option offers fast speeds, low latency and unlimited data to support businesses of any size. 5G Business Internet availability varies and it is not available in all locations.
LTE Business Internet : For businesses with a need for mobility, Verizon's LTE Business Internet provides wireless connectivity with easy setup and pervasive coverage. It is suitable for primary or failover connectivity and can be used in various on-the-go scenarios.
Internet Dedicated Service : Fuel your business with high-performance internet through Verizon's Internet Dedicated Service. This option offers scalable speeds and bandwidth, customizable Quality of Service and enterprise-class service-level agreements.
When selecting the best internet for your business, consider factors such as reliability, speed, scalability and specific business requirements. Verizon’s range of business internet options can provide the necessary connectivity to keep your business running smoothly and meet your specific needs.
How much does Verizon business internet cost?
Verizon business internet pricing varies depending on the chosen plan, product and speed options. Eligible plans start at $69/month for the base service fee (plus taxes, fees and other charges).
What are the price guarantees for Fios, 5G and LTE Business Internet plans?
For Fios and LTE Business Internet plans, the price guarantee extends for up to 3 years, depending on your plan; with a 1 year price guarantee for the low speed plan, a 2 year guarantee for the mid speed plan and a 3 year guarantee for the high speed plan. Our business internet price guarantees ensure that you can rely on stable pricing for the duration of the applicable guarantee period, providing peace of mind and cost predictability for your business.
What is the router policy for Fios, 5G and LTE Business Internet plans?
Verizon’s business internet services require a compatible router. For LTE and 5G Business Internet, the router policy allows customers the option to either purchase the Verizon provided gateway router or bring their own compatible device (BYOD). Routers purchased from Verizon can be returned within a 30-day return and exchange period subject to our Return Policy. A restocking fee may apply. Customers may also bring their own device (BYOD); check the open development showcase for compatible models.
For Fios Business Internet, customers can either purchase the Verizon provided router, choose to rent the router, or bring their own compatible device (BYOD). Routers purchased from Verizon can be returned within a 30-day return and exchange period subject to our Return Policy.
What is the data allowance for different Business Internet plans?
The data allowance for LTE Business Internet is 300 GB/line/month, after which overage charges apply. Fios, 5G Business Internet and Internet Dedicated Service have unlimited data plans.
What is the satisfaction guarantee policy for Verizon business internet plans?
Verizon provides a 30-day satisfaction guarantee for its wireless business internet plans and for Fios with a 2-yr term. This guarantee allows customers to evaluate the service and cancel within 30 days of ordering if they are not satisfied. If you decide to cancel within this period, you can contact Verizon to initiate the cancellation process. Routers purchased from Verizon can be returned within 30 days subject to our Return Policy.
Is there a Verizon business internet solution available in my area?
Yes, Verizon business internet solutions are available nationwide. Verizon offers extensive coverage and availability for its business internet services. Check your address to find out which Verizon business internet service is available in your specific area.
What is a good internet speed for my business?
The ideal internet speed for your business depends on factors specific to your business. It's important to consider both download and upload speeds. To determine the best internet speed for your business, consider factors such as the number of employees, the nature of your business activities and the need for reliable connectivity. You can test your current internet speed here .
Does Verizon business internet include Wi-Fi?
Yes, Verizon business internet solutions include Wi-Fi capabilities and offers equipment that supports the latest Wi-Fi technology. Additionally, Verizon's business internet plans can support Wi-Fi from third-party routers, giving businesses flexibility in choosing their preferred Wi-Fi setup. This ensures that businesses can enjoy wireless connectivity for their operations and provide internet access to their employees.
What is the difference between business internet and home internet?
The main differences between business internet and home internet is that business internet plans can be purchased only by business customers (with an ECPD profile indicating that they are a corporate liable end user). Business internet hardware often have more ruggedized components designed for use in professional and high use settings. Business internet plans are also architected to be compatible with a wider selection of routers and network treatments like MPN, Dynamic IP, Static IP, etc. Home internet has a different portfolio of plans and limited router choices.
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Learn more about our fast, reliable business solutions.
AT&T Business Fiber®
The AT&T fiber network is America’s fastest internet with the most reliable speeds.*
*Limited availability. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data nationwide Speed Score and Consistency Score for Q1–Q2 2024. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
AT&T Internet Air® for Business
Fixed wireless internet powered by AT&T 5G SM . Available nationwide with no speed caps and easy self-installation.
AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy. AT&T 5G requires compatible plan and device. Coverage not available everywhere. Learn more at att.com/5Gforyou .
AT&T Dedicated Internet
Scalable, high-performance internet with speeds up to 1Tbps, unrivaled threat protection,* and 100% guaranteed uptime.
*Requires AT&T Dynamic Defense. Available in select areas.
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We'll always offer our best price on the best internet solution available at your business address.
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Subject to change. Eligibility, certain limits, and other terms and conditions apply. See details
Frequently asked questions
Fiber internet uses cutting edge, 100% fiber technology. Fiber technology uses light waves instead of electrical signals to transmit data, and fiber optic cable can send higher volumes of information over longer distances than copper cable. This means customers on a fiber network have higher speeds available to them, regardless of their distance from a network node.
AT&T Dedicated Internet is our premier internet service that is ideal for virtually all sizes and types of businesses. It is a unshared connection that’s used only by your business, with fast speeds (up to 1Tbps), proactive monitoring, and 100% uptime guaranteed – or we’ll credit your account.
AT&T Business Fiber provides plans that are fast and cost effective for your business. Additionally, plans with AT&T Business Fiber provide symmetrical internet speeds. This means that they provide close to equal upload and download speeds.
Both upload speeds and download speeds are crucial for having a great internet experience. For example, fast download speeds help for things like streaming webinars and downloading large files, while fast upload speeds are important for things like moving large files to the cloud.
AT&T Dedicated Internet is perfect for businesses that do lots of uploading and downloading. You get upload and download speeds that are equally fast. You can expect top performance for high-definition video conferencing, Voice over IP (VoIP), and crucial business activities that depend on fast, reliable internet service.
AT&T Business Fiber offers six plans: Business Fiber 50, Business Fiber 100, Business Fiber 300, Business Fiber 1000, Business Fiber with 2 GIG speed and Business Fiber with 5 GIG speed. These plans have max connection speeds of 50Mbps, 100Mbps, 300Mbps, and 1G 1 , 2G 1 and 5G 1 respectively. To give you a sense for how fast each of these plans are, Business Fiber 100 is great for businesses that might need to provide internet service to customers or regularly stream video and audio files. Business Fiber 300 could be an excellent choice for businesses that need to support ecommerce activities or transfer large amounts of data to and from the internet. Business Fiber 1000 is ideal for business that want to leave room for future growth while also getting extremely fast speeds for things like cloud-based software, downloading and uploading large files, or streaming HD videos.
1 Speeds based on wired connection. For 5 GIG speeds, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. Actual speeds vary. For more information, go to www.att.com/speed101 .
AT&T Business Fiber uses symmetric internet connections, which means you get equally fast upload and download speeds. With symmetric internet speed capability, you get quick access to the cloud, video conference, virtual private network (VPN) connection, the ability to transfer large files, and more.
AT&T Dedicated Internet provides a direct fiber connection to the internet that's only used by your business. It delivers speeds up to 1Tbps and includes a 100% uptime service level guarantee - or we'll credit your account. AT&T Business Fiber is a cost-effective solution that provides access to the internet over a shared fiber connection. It delivers speeds up to 5Gbps 1 and features built-in security with 99% reliability 2 .
1 Based on network availability. 2 Limited availability in select areas. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds vary. For 5 GIG speeds, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more information go to www.att.com/speed101 .
Internet Air for Business is our new business internet delivered over the reliable AT&T 4G, 5G & 5G+ wireless network.
Plans include access to both 4G LTE and 5G/5G+ services, if available at your designated service address. AT&T 5G/5G+ requires compatible device. Coverage not available everywhere. 5G+ is offered in limited locations in specific cities. Wireless technology varies by device. See att.com/5Gforyou for details.
Speeds are not guaranteed and may vary. Internet Air for Business does not impose a speed cap for users. So you can experience our best wireless speeds at your business service locations. See att.com/broadbandinfo for more information.
No. Internet Air for Business is self setup and can be done at your convenience. Internet Air for Business is plug and play and requires no drilling, wiring or coordination with building management.
Call 877.432.9087 and one of our AT&T Business sales specialists will assist you.
A good internet speed is dependent on your needs. Internet plans are measured by download and upload speeds. The download speed tells you how quickly you can receive information from the internet onto your device. The upload speed tells you how quickly you can send information from your device out to other parts of the internet. You can check your current internet speed here .
When choosing the best internet plan for your business, you might consider which internet service providers (ISPs) and internet plans are available in your area, how you plan to use your internet (video conferencing or uploading large files, for example), how many devices you plan to connect, etc.
You can check your address for availability to see the best internet plan is available at your service location. AT&T Business Fiber may not be available in all locations.
Yes. We’re bringing fiber-fast business internet to more locations every day. Check for availability at your location first, then sign up to be notified when it’s available for your business.
There are plenty of reasons to choose AT&T as your ISP (internet service provider) for your business. Our internet has over 99% proven reliability 1 and it’s fast and secure.
You can count on our dedicated 24/7 business-class customer care for fast and attentive solutions.
Depending on which speed is available in your area, you may be eligible for AT&T Business Fiber, which offers our fastest internet plans of 1 GIG, 2 GIG and 5 GIG in select areas 2 . All of our fiber plans, including the hyper-gig plans, come with AT&T All-Fi, a next-generation Wi-Fi experience for your devices 3 and AT&T ActiveArmor SM4 internet security.
If you're interested in finding the best internet plans for your business, you can go here to see which plans are available at your address.
1 Based on network availability. 2 Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. 1 GIG speeds available to new customers with the latest router (BGW320) and recommended setup. For 5 GIG speeds, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed. For more information, go to www.att.com/speed101 . 3 Subject to availability. Optimal performance requires Wi-Fi 6 enabled devices. 4 Guards against known threats only. Compatible Gateway and Smart Home Manager app required; security features must be enabled.
Right now, AT&T Business Wireless customers can save $30/mo. when they sign up for AT&T Business Fiber or AT&T Internet Air for Business and $80/mo. when they order AT&T Dedicated Internet . Monthly discount on internet service w/elig AT&T Business Unlimited wireless plan (speed restrictions apply). Discounts start w/in 2 bills. Other terms apply. See offer details
If you need help finding which products and services would be best for your business, our sales experts can help you at 877.432.9087 . If you are an existing business customer and need technical support, our technical support team can help you at 833.924.0282.
Expect more from your internet with AT&T Business Fiber
AT&T Business Fiber offers six separate plans for businesses: Business Fiber 300, Business Fiber 500, Business Fiber 1000, Business Fiber 2 GIG, and Business Fiber 5 GIG. These plans come with AT&T ActiveArmor, 24/7 proactive internet security to help block malicious threats from ever reaching your devices. 1 Get premier internet service with AT&T Dedicated Internet SM
AT&T Dedicated Internet offers a connection speed as high as 1Tbps, as well as guaranteed speeds, 24/7 monitoring for security, and a private connection.
1 Available to AT&T Business Fiber customers. Guards against known threats only. Compatible Gateway and Smart Home Manager app required; security features must be enabled.
Talk to an AT&T Business sales expert
Call us at 877.432.9087 for more information about our business solutions. Or, fill out and submit this form. Then, schedule a Microsoft Teams call by selecting a day and time that works for you.
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- Compare Providers
- Review Providers
Best Internet Providers for Business 2024
- Price: $69.00–$249.00/mo.*
- Speed: 200–940Mbps
- Internet type: Fiber
- Price: $60.00–$395.00/mo. †
- Speed: 100–5,000Mbps
- Price: $49.99–$349.99/mo. ‡
- Speed: 50–1,250Mbps
- Internet type: Cable
- Price: $49.99–$164.99/mo. § for 12 mos.
- Speed: 300–1,000Mbps (wireless speeds may vary)
- Internet type: Cable, fiber
Data effective 2/2/24. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
* See Verizon Business disclaimers .
† See AT&T Business disclaimers .
‡ See Comcast Business disclaimers .
§ See Spectrum Business disclaimers .
Our pick: Which internet provider for business is best?
Verizon Business is the best internet provider for your small business. The provider delivers fiber internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds ranging from 200Mbps to 940Mbps, giving you ample speeds but also slower plans that go easier on the budget. Verizon Business also ranks high in terms of customer satisfaction, so it’s clear that plenty of proprietors get what they need from it .
Which internet service for business is in your area?
Get a fiber connection for the best speeds and reliability. Enter your zip code below to see what’s available to you.
Jump to: Best internet for business | What to look for | Specs and features | How to choose | FAQ
- Best internet for business
- What to look for
- Specs and features
- How to choose
The best internet providers for business
- Best overall: Verizon Business
- Best for customer satisfaction: AT&T Business
- Best for small business: EarthLink Business
- Best for availability: Comcast Business
- Best for no contracts: Spectrum Business
- Best for rural: Viasat Business
Compare business internet plans and prices
Data current as of 2/2/24. Prices and availability may vary.
* w/ 2yr. agmt plus taxes, fees & equip. charges.
† Plus taxes & fees. Ltd. avail./areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. 1GIG speeds avail. to new customers with the latest router (“BGW320”) and recommended setup. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed.
‡ for 12 months with 2-year agreement when you enroll in Auto Pay and Paperless Billing.
What should you look for in the best internet for business?
You want an internet service that’s dependable, affordable, and fast enough to fit your needs. It should also have solid customer support that addresses your issues quickly, so day-to-day operations aren’t disrupted.
Also consider scalability. Can the internet service handle your growing company? Look for a service you can upgrade (or downgrade) as needed without the hefty fees.
Security and stability are two other important factors to consider. An internet provider should have tools in place to shield your business against malware, spyware, and hackers. It should also include a backup connection, so your online services don’t go dark during an unforeseen server crash.
How much speed do you need?
We provide a table further down this article that recommends the speed you should select based on the number of employees in your business. Also, consider any guests who will access your internet connection—like patients, shoppers, and so on.
Best overall—Verizon Business
$69.00–$249.00/mo..
- Great customer service
- Fast fiber plans
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Verizon Fios is the best internet for business. It offers symmetrical speeds, so your upload speeds match your downloads. That’s an important feature to consider if you upload large files to a remote server throughout the workweek.
However, Verizon Business requires a contract—one to three years, depending on the plan—whereas Spectrum Business does not. Yet Verizon’s fiber internet has equally fast upload and download speeds, while Spectrum’s cable internet does not. We suggest using fiber for the upload speed and reliability.
Verizon Business offers decent bundles too. The 940Mbps plan already includes one VoIP line, but you can add a VoIP line to its 200Mbps plan for $94 per month (with a two-year agreement). Verizon also offers internet and TV bundles for business—great for showing local channels to customers—and bundles that combine all three into one reduced package.
Verizon Business plans and pricing
* w/ 1yr. agmt plus taxes, fees & equip. charges.
# w/ 2yr. agmt plus taxes, fees & equip. charges.
† w/ 3yr. agmt plus taxes, fees & equip. charges.
Best for customer satisfaction—AT&T Business
$60.00–$395.00/mo..
- Best customer satisfaction
- Low static IP costs
- No contracts
AT&T Business ranks high in every category in J.D. Power’s 2023 US Business Wireline Satisfaction Study , and that’s not surprising. AT&T also ranks high in our annual customer satisfaction survey for residential internet. Those high marks translate to the best internet experience for your business, from reliability to customer service.
AT&T Business provides an Internet Backup service starting at $10 a month, so you can stay online during a service or power outage. It includes a battery-powered router with a 12–24 hour uptime capacity. You stay connected over AT&T’s 4G LTE wireless network until your fiber service returns.
Bundles are also available. For example, you can add phone service to its 100Mbps fiber plan for $89 per month.
AT&T Business plans and pricing
* Plus taxes & fees. Ltd. avail./areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway.
† Plus taxes & fees. Ltd. avail./areas. Reward card redemption req’d. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway.
‡ Plus taxes & fees. Ltd. avail./areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. 1GIG speeds avail. to new customers with the latest router (“BGW320”) and recommended setup. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed.
§ Plus taxes & fees. Ltd. avail./areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed.
# Plus taxes & fees. Ltd. avail./areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed. For 5GIG speed, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more information, go to www.att.com/speed101.
Best for small business—EarthLink Business
$64.95–$404.95/mo.
- Free business listings
- Point-of-sale security
- Easy digital marketing tools
EarthLink Business provides two different fiber connection types: Shared and Dedicated. With the former, you share fiber with other businesses, so you’ll see various speeds (up to 5Gbps) and slowdowns during peak times, but it’s cheaper. A dedicated fiber line is more expensive, more consistent, and faster (up to 10Gbps) in speed since you’re not sharing fiber with others. The shared connection is best for small and medium-sized businesses, while dedicated fiber is best for larger ones.
Each plan comes with a trial of several EarthLink Business services. For example, you’ll receive 11 dynamic local directory listings for six months to help your business get noticed on Facebook, Google, Yelp, and more. You’ll also get three months of the reputation manager to start building your company’s trust and loyalty.
You can bundle fiber internet with EarthLink’s fixed wireless service, too, or you can simply sign up for fixed wireless if EarthLink’s fiber is not available in your area. Call EarthLink Business to find out what works best for you.
Earthlink Business plans and pricing
Best for availability—comcast business, $49.99–$334.99/mo..
- 1,250 Mbps top speed
- 24/7 local customer support
- Optional static IP address
Comcast is one of the largest cable internet providers in the US. Its top speed for business internet is 1,250Mbps, which is slightly faster than its residential plan. But the big callout here is you get unlimited data—the residential plans have a 1.2TB data cap. Also, all business plans include 24/7 local customer support, business-level Wi-Fi, and a gateway configured with a public network your customers can access.
Like AT&T, you can layer on the extras for an added cost. Connection Pro includes a backup 4G LTE connection for up to eight hours. SecurityEdge is a feature built into the Comcast Business router that scans for threats every 10 minutes—even your public network.
Comcast Business plans and pricing
* Plans and prices vary by geographic region.
† for 12 months with 2-year agreement when you enroll in Auto Pay and Paperless Billing.
Best for no contracts—Spectrum Business
$49.99–$164.99/mo..
- Unlimited data
- 4G LTE backup option
Like with Spectrum’s residential internet service, there are only three business internet plans to choose from, with speeds ranging from 300Mbps to 1,000Mbps. All business plans include 24/7 support, up to 25 email addresses with a custom domain name, and F-Secure desktop security software.
Be sure to choose Spectrum’s business plans over residential ones. They’re compatible with additional services like static IP addresses, 4G LTE backup, and Private WiFi. You can pair any Spectrum Business internet plan with its TV or phone services, but there’s no huge discount when you do. Instead, standard rates apply to each service after 12 months.
Finally, Spectrum provides speeds of up to 100,000Mbps (100Gbps) to enterprise customers if they need more than a gigabit. The enterprise-grade service is available in 41 states and 32 metropolitan areas , which customers can scale in 10Gbps increments as needed. Call Spectrum for more information about its fiber service for enterprise.
Spectrum Business plans and pricing
* $64.99/mo. for 12 mos for Internet only. † $114.99/mo. for 12 mos for Internet only. ‡ $164.99/mo. for 12 mos for Internet only.
Best for rural—Viasat Business
$50.00–$500.00/mo..
- Speeds up to 100Mbps in select areas
- Metered and unmetered plans
- Free static IP addresses
Viasat Business is the best option for businesses located where landlines can’t reach. The problem with satellite internet, including Viasat Business, is the price per megabit is higher than any landline internet connection. Plus, Viasat’s plans with unlimited data have soft data caps, so your speeds slow down once you reach a specific download limit.
All plans require a two-year contract. You also must pay a $300 installation fee and a $10 monthly equipment lease. However, you get three free static IP addresses with each plan—unlike other internet providers on our list. You also get 24/7 support and an option to add VoIP service.
Viasat Business plans and pricing
Internet for business specs.
Speed doesn’t necessarily make an internet service good for a business . After all, your company may not need more than 50Mbps. Instead, the best internet service for businesses should focus on reliability, support, scalability, and security. Add-on services like static IPs and 4G LTE backup connections are a plus.
Here are a few additional features to consider when you choose an internet service for business.
Quality customer service
Business internet typically comes with high-quality expert customer service that’s generally available 24/7, 365 days a year. But each internet provider differs, so ask when customer support is available before you buy.
Dedicated connection
Grab a business internet plan with a dedicated connection, and you won’t have to share with neighboring businesses. That’s a huge plus since it allows you and your employees to stream, video chat, upload documents, and download files without worrying about anyone else hogging the connection.
But dedicated lines are usually far more expensive than ones shared with other businesses. Your monthly fees can reach into the thousands.
Guaranteed service-level agreements
Service-level agreements (SLAs) are one way you can make sure you get what you pay for with business internet.
SLAs typically promise things like low latency or lag, no internet connection downtime, 24-hour customer support, and more. And if your provider doesn’t deliver? Well, those SLAs should cover how you’ll be compensated—we’re talking discounts, bill credits, or the chance to end your contract early.
Internet for business extra features and add-ons
Many internet providers offers add-on services that can help a business run smoothly. They cost extra and aren’t always necessary, but they may be worth the investment.
Here are some add-on services that can benefit your business.
Static IP addresses
An IP address is a set of four numbers used to identify a device connected to a local or wide-area network. The majority of IP addresses change roughly every two weeks, which isn’t ideal if your business needs to bridge VPNs located on multiple sites or plans to run an eCommerce server.
Like the physical address of your office or home, a static IP address never changes. Domain names require static IP addresses to even function.
Generally, you should lease more than one static IP address from your provider: one for the office, one for the mail server, one for the file server, one for cross-site networking, one for VPN connections from remote workers, and so on.
4G LTE backup
While the internet you get for your business usually runs over a cable or fiber-optic network, some providers also offer a 4G LTE wireless backup network that kicks into gear whenever your main internet connection goes out.
Cellular internet may have stricter limitations on speed and data usage, but what’s important is that it lets you keep running business tasks even while your primary internet connection is down. This makes a 4G LTE backup especially useful for restaurants and shops, which often rely on Wi-Fi networks to run credit card machines and point-of-sale software.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone services
The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network is switching off in 2025, signaling the end of traditional analog phone calling. Here in the States, the Plain Old Telephone Service still lingers, but companies like AT&T and Verizon have already discontinued selling new DSL internet service as they replace old-school copper phone lines with fiber ones.
Nearly every internet provider now offers VoIP phone services, which send digital calls over a broadband connection. Some bundle VoIP service with internet at a combined discounted rate. Be sure to check out all the benefits you can get through a VoIP service geared for business.
How to choose a business internet plan
Here are some pointers to help you find the best internet plan for any business.
Decide what you need first
Your first step is to figure out how much speed your business needs. Your answer depends on the number of employees that will use the internet simultaneously and how.
How much speed does your business need?
Use our How Much Speed Do You Need? Tool to get a personalized internet speed recommendation for your small business.
Ask about contract length
Business internet plans may come with a one- or two-year contract.
It’s important to consider whether this timeline works for you—will you pay extra fees if you need to upgrade your plan before the contract ends? Is the contract canceled if the internet provider doesn’t keep the promises outlined in the SLAs?
Some business internet plans offer no-contract options, but these typically cost extra. Still, it may be a good fit if you run a seasonal business and need an internet connection for only part of the year.
Get curious about average downtime
There’s nothing worse than your business internet going down and your employees going old school by recording transaction details with paper and pen.
That’s why it’s important to ask about a provider’s average yearly downtime. Most will state their uptime is close to 100%, but you’re the one left in the dark if they don’t deliver.
This is an important feature your SLAs should cover—especially if no internet means a huge loss for your business.
Look into bundles
Bundles are a great way to save money, especially if you need more than just internet. Most internet providers will bundle your business internet with phone, TV, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services at a lower cost than if you bought each plan separately.
Don’t forget about extra fees
Do your budget a favor and factor in activation and installation fees along with any equipment rental fees. Business internet usually requires professional installation, so this is one fee we don’t recommend skipping out on.
FAQ about business internet
How much does business internet cost.
Business internet costs anywhere from $34.99 a month to over $500.00 a month. The price depends on the type of connection (DSL, cable, fiber, or satellite), special features (like a dedicated line), and what speed you get.
If you bundle your business internet with phone, TV, or other services, you’ll likely save some money each month.
Is business internet faster than residential?
Most business internet plans match residential ones in speed. You can get a 5Gbps fiber connection from AT&T whether you need internet in your home or at your business, for example.
But you can get a dedicated connection with faster speeds for a higher price, like AT&T Dedicated Internet . This service tops out at 1Tbps (1,000,000Mbps), but it’s a direct (and private) line to AT&T’s network versus a shared connection with other businesses on the block. A dedicated line speeding along at 1,000Mbps (1Gbps) can cost more than $2,000 per month.
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Author - Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.
Editor - Cara Haynes
Cara Haynes has been editing and writing in the digital space for seven years, and she's edited all things internet for HighSpeedInternet.com for five years. She graduated with a BA in English and a minor in editing from Brigham Young University. When she's not editing, she makes tech accessible through her freelance writing for brands like Pluralsight. She believes no one should feel lost in internet land and that a good internet connection significantly extends your life span.
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The Benefits of High-Speed Internet: How the Quality of Your Internet Service Can Grow Your Business
April 02, 2020
The Internet is an essential part of doing business, and every small business needs a reliable Internet connection to provide customers with the best service possible. Staying connected with clients and finishing tasks quickly can engender trust and loyalty. A weak WiFi signal or low-base Internet speed can hinder the growth of your business by creating unnecessary frustration and wasting employees’ (and customers’) time.
The benefits of high-speed Internet service are many. Fortunately, upgrading to a faster Internet is an easy fix. Keep these tips in mind when you choose a business WiFi service plan and learn how it can help you reach your business goals.
Increase bandwidth for better productivity
Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred across a connection. Different tasks require different amounts of bandwidth; for example, sending an email requires minimal bandwidth while high-definition video conferencing takes significantly more.
The router prioritizes traffic, so employees sending emails with large attachments or performing online research might experience a slowdown if the network diverts most of its resources to someone who’s uploading or downloading a large file or streaming a webinar. Look for a service plan that provides enough bandwidth to get the job done without slowing the overall network. The right plan will support multiple employees that need to work with videos or large file sizes. As your business grows and you add additional employees, you’ll never have to worry about whether your bandwidth can keep up.
Perform more complex tasks and accommodate more employees with higher Internet speeds When it comes to Internet speeds, most people think of the download rate. However, your upload speed also matters. Without sufficient upload speeds, you can't hold a proper video conference or Skype call. It will also take longer to upload larger files to your website or to make automatic data backups to protect your business. High-speed business Internet means you have better lines of communication with your customers and can keep up with the fast-paced world of business.
You may need different Internet speeds depending on how many employees you have, and, more importantly, the type of tasks they perform. If you don’t know how many Mbps (Megabits per second) you need, consult your Internet service provider. In general, companies with only a few employees who perform basic online tasks like email and Internet browsing can get by with a speed of 25 Mbps. For a company with several employees who need to run Web-based meetings, send large files, or stream video, a speed of 150 Mbps or more may be required for optimal performance.
If your business tasks require even faster speeds, Comcast Business offers a 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) connection for businesses that will guarantee you have more than enough bandwidth for whatever task you throw at it.
Forget data caps for access to better tools
You never know how much data you will need to upload or download in a particular month, and the last thing you need is to worry about it. If you have a plan with data caps, you might hesitate to upload an instructional video or other lead-generating tool because you are afraid of overage charges. Don’t let that fear keep you from growing your business! Instead, switch to a service plan that doesn't include data caps, so you are free to use as much of your data as you need. You can upload videos and other large data files with no fear of extra charges.
Use WiFi to gather valuable customer data
Certain service plans, like WiFi Pro from Comcast Business , include more advanced WiFi capabilities. These features allow you to limit the amount of bandwidth guests can use, create a landing page for guests to sign in (which can be a great tool to capture email addresses), and manage your overall network. These tools also allow you to monitor network traffic and optimize connection speeds, gathering valuable data that you can use to create a more personalized experience for your customers.
Upgrade the Internet service for your business to meet your needs
If you already have a business Internet plan but aren't sure your needs are being met, ask yourself a few questions:
- How many employees do I have?
- What kind of work does my business do online?
- Do I provide complimentary WiFi access to customers?
- How strong is my Internet speed? (If you aren't sure, use a speed test tool to find out.)
If your current service isn’t up to the task of meeting your needs, then it’s probably time to look into a new Internet service plan. Find out how Comcast Business can help.
Business Internet Speeds up to 1 Gig
Save more when you bundle business internet and phone together. No data caps, 24/7 customer support.
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Home > Services > Internet
Best High-Speed Internet Providers for Small Businesses of 2024
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. * 1-yr. price guarantee Fios 100 Mbps w/2-yr agmt., 2-yr. price guarantee Fios 300 Mbps, 3-yr. price guarantee Fios 940/880 Mbps **With Auto Pay or $5/mo. fee applies. One-time charges apply. Max speeds are wired. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary. † w/ 2 year agmt. ‡ Maximum speeds as fast as 100 Mbps download/upload per month for 12 months with minimum one-year agreement. Installation, Business High-Speed Internet Fee ($5.99/mo.), taxes and other fees apply. Subject to availability. § On the Business Unlimited 35, 60, and 100 service plans, after 75, 150, or 200 GB of data usage, respectively, Viasat may prioritize your data behind other customers only during network congestion. Video streaming quality on the Business Unlimited 35 and 60 plans is typically at 480p, the Business Unlimited 100 plan is typically at 720p. For metered service plans, extra charges apply for data used in excess of the monthly data allotment. Minimum 24-month service term. One-time standard installation fee is $300.00. Priority connection means your data receives preference on Viasat's network. All fees are subject to taxes. Speeds and streaming video qualities are “up to,” will vary and are not guaranteed. Service is not available in all areas. All offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Viasat and the Viasat logo are trademarks of Viasat, Inc.
Not sure which service is best for your situation? Talk to one of our experts for honest, impartial advice
We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our editorial guidelines and advertising disclosure .
The bottom line: The best high-speed internet provider for small businesses is Verizon . Verizon does a great job ensuring affordable prices, fast speeds, and customer service. Verizon customer service outranks all other competitors.
Every business is different, though, and there are excellent brands other than Verizon that also might meet your more specific needs or concerns. We recommend Frontier for best budget, AT&T for speed, and Comcast for tech support. Of course, your business is outside of the city and in more of a rural area, we recommend Viasat .
Best high-speed internet providers for small businesses
- Fios by Verizon : Best overall
- Frontier Business Internet : Best budget-friendly ISP
- AT&T Business Internet : Best for pure speed
- Comcast Business Internet : Best free tech support
- Viasat Business Internet : Best for rural businesses
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *w/ 1yr. price guarantee Fios 100 Mbps, 2yr. price guarantee Fios 300 Mbps, 3 yr. price guarantee Fios 940/880 Mbps ** 12-mo.agmt for Internet req'd. Early term fee may apply †With Auto Pay or $5/mo. fee applies. Multi-Device Security Pro included at $4.99/mo. One-time charges apply. Max speeds are wired. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary. § On the Business Unlimited 35, 60, and 100 service plans, after 75, 150, or 200 GB of data usage, respectively, Viasat may prioritize your data behind other customers only during network congestion. Video streaming quality on the Business Unlimited 35 and 60 plans is typically at 480p, the Business Unlimited 100 plan is typically at 720p. For metered service plans, extra charges apply for data used in excess of the monthly data allotment. Minimum 24-month service term. One-time standard installation fee is $300.00. Priority connection means your data receives preference on Viasat's network. All fees are subject to taxes. Speeds and streaming video qualities are “up to,” will vary and are not guaranteed. Service is not available in all areas. All offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Viasat and the Viasat logo are trademarks of Viasat, Inc.
Here's how we arrived at the list above. We included only plans with download speeds of 25 Mbps or more to match FCC guidelines for broadband internet. We also left out any plans that were extraordinarily expensive for the download speeds they provide—they're just not worth the money.
In the end, our list of best broadband service providers includes several major companies with cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), and fiber-optic plans.
Verizon: Overall best for high-speed business internet
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. **w/ 1yr. price guarantee Fios 200 Mbps, 2yr. price guarantee Fios 500 Mbps, 3 yr. price guarantee Fios 940/880 Mbps
Verizon serves up the best combination of business internet speeds, reliability, and support.
Although Verizon sells a few business DSL plans, none have speeds at 25Mbps or more. For truly fast speeds, fiber is hard to beat. Verizon's fiber plans, branded Fios, offer you a chance at near-gigabit connections.
What do we mean by “near gigabit”? Verizon’s fastest plan—Fios Gigabit Connection—gives you maximum download speeds of 940Mbps with upload speeds up to 880Mbps. That’s lightning fast by today’s standards, but it doesn’t quite reach 1,000Mbps, the true definition of gigabit speed. Yet with fiber plans that consistently meet the speeds Verizon advertises, and then some , we’ll let that bit of fudging slide.
Another feather in Verizon’s cap is its customer service. We understand that most internet providers have poor reputations. But the fact that industry-rating juggernaut J.D. Power gave Verizon second place for customer satisfaction among small to medium-sized businesses should give you warmer feelings.
Verizon high-speed internet plans
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *w/ 1yr. price guarantee Fios 200 Mbps, 2yr. price guarantee Fios 500 Mbps, 3 yr. price guarantee Fios 940/880 Mbps
Verizon’s fastest plan is priced at about $249 per month. That may be a bit expensive for some very small businesses, but it’s far better than the nearly $500 that Comcast charges for gigabit speeds.
Many Verizon plans offer symmetric speeds, which means you get the same speed for downloads and uploads. Fast upload speeds can significantly improve activities that require sending data from your device, including videoconferencing in real time and uploading large files to cloud storage.
One gripe: contracts. While some ISPs—like Spectrum and AT&T—offer contract-free plans, Verizon uses a 12-month agreement that renews automatically. It’s not the worst thing in the world, but it’s something you should know in advance.
The bottom line: Verizon Fios offers an impressive array of high-speed internet plans to fit businesses of just about any size.
Frontier: Best budget-friendly option
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
If you saw the plan prices for our picks above, you may be worried that an affordable high-speed internet connection is beyond reach. With plans priced at the hundreds of dollars per month, budget-conscious businesses need an alternative.
Plus, each plan comes with free access to Frontier Business Suite. This is regularly an $800/year plan that includes SmartVoice line and Wi-fi enabled phone, access and backup of 200GB of data in the cloud anywhere you are, a multi-device security pro and, finally, an optimized Wi-Fi router.
You can also add Frontier Internet Backup to your high-speed plan for an additional fee. Using a cellular modem, Frontier Internet Backup keeps your business—and all of your devices—online when internet outages occur for seamless operations and uninterrupted productivity.
Frontier fiber internet plans
*With Auto Pay or $5/mo. fee applies. Multi-Device Security Pro included at $4.99/mo. One-time charges apply. Max speeds are wired. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary.
All of Frontier’s high-speed internet plans come in under or just above $150 per month.
Now for Frontier’s major shortcomings. Frontier’s customers lodge a lot of complaints against the internet service provider. One common grievance is high latency. Latency, which refers to data transfer delay time, can cause serious headaches for businesses that require fast and reliable connections. Activities like video streaming are at risk of disruption from high latency.
Despite customer service and reliability concerns, you should consider Frontier if getting a low price for high-speed plans is your No. 1 priority.
AT&T: Best customer service
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. 12-mo.agmt for Internet req'd. Early term fee may apply
If you’re focused on finding the fastest business internet plans possible, we recommend AT&T. Business plans from AT&T soar all the way up to 1,000Mbps download and upload speeds, offering you true gigabit connection potential.
Several of AT&T's fiber plans give you the option of symmetric speeds—but at a lofty price. If your business is a frequent user of upload-heavy applications and real-time communication software, you should consider one of these plans with symmetric speeds.
AT&T high-speed internet plans
AT&T partially makes up for its high pricing in great customer service rankings. AT&T is currently our top pick for great internet service, and J.D. Power agrees: In 2021, AT&T ranked first for customer satisfaction in the small to medium-sized business category—though only third for very small businesses. 3
Comcast: Best free tech support
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *with 2-year agreement
There’s a lot to like about Comcast, including fiber plans with symmetric speeds up to 1Gbps. And its pricing, while not the cheapest, is competitively matched against other providers like Verizon and AT&T.
Plus, Comcast plans come with zero-cost installation, a 30-day trial period, and access to tons of extra apps, software, and tools for Wi-Fi, security, and more. We especially like that Comcast offers free 24/7 tech support. Some providers charge extra for top-notch customer care, but Comcast, as far as we can tell, offers solid help any hour of the day or night.
Comcast high-speed internet plans
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *with 2-year agreement **For 12 months with 2-year agreement †with 2-year agreement
We couldn’t talk about Comcast without mentioning its dreadful reputation with residential customers. However, Comcast business customers don’t rate their ISP nearly as harshly as their home-based counterparts.
We breathed a bit easier when we realized that Comcast truly does offer a solid internet option that’s super reliable and super fast.
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Viasat: Best for rural businesses
Data as of 6/7/23. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. On the Business Unlimited 35, 60, and 100 service plans, after 75, 150, or 200 GB of data usage, respectively, Viasat may prioritize your data behind other customers only during network congestion. Video streaming quality on the Business Unlimited 35 and 60 plans is typically at 480p, the Business Unlimited 100 plan is typically at 720p. For metered service plans, extra charges apply for data used in excess of the monthly data allotment. Minimum 24-month service term. One-time standard installation fee is $300.00. Priority connection means your data receives preference on Viasat's network. All fees are subject to taxes. Speeds and streaming video qualities are “up to,” will vary and are not guaranteed. Service is not available in all areas. All offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Viasat and the Viasat logo are trademarks of Viasat, Inc.
As the only satellite internet provider on this list, Viasat’s widespread availability makes it the best for rural businesses. Even if you operate out of locations that other ISPs don’t touch, you can almost certainly get Viasat’s satellite internet service .
Unlike the satellite internet providers of the past, Viasat offers both availability and speed. Its business internet plans, with download speeds ranging from 35Mbps to 100Mbps, can compete with most other broadband providers.
Plus, Viasat’s state-of-the-art satellite technology minimizes other rural internet issues, such as latency, so you can keep your business up and running—no matter where you operate.
Viasat high-speed internet plans
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *On these plans, Viasat may prioritize your data behind other customers only during network congestion. For metered service plans, extra charges apply for data used in excess of the monthly data allotment. Minimum 24-month service term. One-time standard installation fee is $300.00. Priority connection means your data receives preference on Viasat's network. All fees are subject to taxes. Speeds and streaming video qualities are “up to,” will vary and are not guaranteed. Service is not available in all areas. All offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Viasat and the Viasat logo are trademarks of Viasat, Inc.
Even with its improved technology, Viasat does still have data limits. It doesn’t use hard data caps—that is, Viasat won’t simply switch off your internet after you use all your data—but it will throttle (slow) your internet if you use more than your allotted daily data. If this poses a problem, you can always upgrade to a plan with more data.
Now, we still don’t recommend satellite internet for everyone. If you have other ISPs in your area, you can probably get the same speeds for a lower cost from a different provider. But if you’ve got a business high in the mountains or out on the plains, then Viasat provides a solid option (even if it’s the only one).
Spectrum: Honorable mention for no-contract cable
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *for 12 mos.
Want high-speed internet for your office but feel squeamish about signing a long-term contract? Spectrum will connect you to cable internet speeds up to 1000Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) totally contract-free.
Spectrum, a Charter Communications brand, provides cable internet to U.S. businesses. The upside to cable internet is that you access it through the same cable modems used to deliver cable TV, which makes this internet widely available. Spectrum provides fiber connections in some areas, but the service is so limited that we haven’t included the plans here.
Spectrum offers three high-speed cable options to business customers: 100, 300/400, and 1000. Each plan denotes the download speed you can expect from your connection in megabits per second.
Spectrum business Internet pricing
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *for 12 mos. **for 24 mos. when bundled with Phone or TV † for 12 mos. when bundled with Phone or TV
Where Spectrum falters is its upload speeds. Cable technology limits how much upstream heft you can get, and Spectrum’s plans can get you up to only 20Mbps upstream.
Another trouble spot is customer service. Spectrum has been embroiled in legal troubles for the last few years, especially in the state of New York, where it failed to follow through on service promises made with its acquisition of Time Warner Cable. We’re keeping an eye on the situation— poor customer satisfaction could knock Spectrum down in our books.
But if you’re outside of New York or less bothered by poor customer service ratings, Spectrum cable Internet appears as a rosy alternative to expensive DSL and fiber providers that lock you into lengthy contracts.
The takeaway
The right combination of fast internet, reliable connections, and solid customer support makes Verizon Fios a worthy choice for nearly any small business.
Verizon is our pick for the best overall high-speed business internet provider. But just because the ISP is our number one choice doesn’t mean it’s the right one for your business. Consider the factors important to you—cost, contracts, customer service—and then choose the one that best fits your business’s demands.
Make sure you can get the ISP you want—find business internet providers near you .
Speed and bandwidth: How much do you need?
Speed and bandwidth are another two more ambiguously used terms in internet parlance. But we can define them a bit clearer than broadband internet and high-speed internet.
- Speed is the rate at which an internet connection transmits data from one end to the other. Measured in bits per second, most modern high-speed internet speeds range between 25 megabits (about 1 million bits) and 1 gigabit (about 1,000 megabits) per second.
- Bandwidth refers to the maximum capacity of a connection to carry internet data. Although ISPs often use speed to market their plans, they’re actually selling bandwidth. For example, a 100Mbps plan has the capacity to deliver data at 100 megabits per second. But beware—you may not actually experience the advertised speed all the time.
Now back to the question: How much speed or bandwidth do you actually need? The answer depends on the type and frequency of internet activity your business engages in on a day-to-day basis.
While guidelines on speed use vary, here’s our recommendation for the speed you’ll need to run your business smoothly.
Internet speed capabilities
What else should you consider when choosing business internet providers.
Price and speed. That’s what matters when it comes to choosing a business internet provider, right?
Well, not entirely. The truth is that unless you have an unlimited budget (who does?) or run a supremely data-heavy business (not likely), you’ll have other factors to consider. Here are the ones we focus on.
- Connection type: Depending on your business’s location, connection type may be a key consideration. Some areas may have only a few internet connection choices—or even just one.
- Customer and industry ratings: Customer reviews of internet providers tend toward the hellish. But remember that businesses often have different experiences than residential customers. Make sure you understand how a potential ISP handles business customer complaints and concerns.
- Fees: Your customers hate hidden fees, and so should you. Check to see if you’ll be paying your provider extra for things like installation, static IPs, or early termination.
- Bundles: Most internet providers offer special deals for packaging more than one service under the same roof. Whether phone or VoIP or TV, consider bundles as a way to shave off some extra cost when you need several services.
- Data caps: You’ll run into limits on the amount of data you can use most often with satellite and wireless providers. It can be costly or disruptive to exceed these caps, so ensure you pick an internet plan that can accommodate your data needs.
- Cloud, security, and software services: From backing up your precious business data to running email, accounting, and e-commerce applications, many ISPs include or offer special rates on software and cloud-based services.
- Hardware: Each internet type requires a unique set of equipment to get up and running. Some setups are simple—just a modem connected to an office cable line. But others, like satellite internet, may require hefty hardware—and hefty costs too.
But others, like satellite internet, may require hefty hardware—and hefty costs too.
High-speed internet FAQs
"Broadband" and "high-speed internet" are somewhat murky terms that not everyone defines equally. But here's what we use: in 2015, the FCC defined broadband service as any connection that provides customers with download speeds of at least 25Mbps.
There’s no indisputable definition of high-speed internet. In fact, internet service providers attach the term to just about any plan, regardless of speed.
What’s more, the terms broadband internet and high-speed internet are often used interchangeably, further confusing things.
But why the confusion? Well, consider how the technology has evolved. Even the slowest plans featured in this article would have been considered blazingly fast in 2008—and much more so in 1998. So even if everyone did sit down and agree to a singular definition of high-speed internet, that definition would have to change every few years.
With that in mind, look for internet that’s fast enough for your needs rather than just high-speed internet. We’ll look at speeds in-depth in a minute.
Broadband more appropriately refers to any internet type that isn’t a dial-up connection. Essentially, broadband’s debut marks the age at which most of us moved on from the days of modems that tied up our phone lines to dial into internet provider companies like AOL. And what an age that was (we still hear the screeching modem sounds in our dreams).
Today, broadband internet generally includes any “always on” cable, DSL, fiber-optic, and even high-speed satellite internet connection. But not every plan operates at truly high speeds. So to compare internet providers, we decided to use the FCC’s 2015 guidelines on broadband internet speeds , which set the minimum at a 25Mbps downstream.
Most small to midsize businesses can operate well at 25Mbps or more. Of course, as speeds get faster, even this current definition will start to seem slow. And the FCC may change its mind on minimum broadband standards. We’ll update you as necessary.
High-speed broadband internet connections encompass plans from a variety of service providers and connection types. Depending on your area, you may have access to several of these or just one.
- Cable: This connection uses the same modems and coaxial cables that deliver cable TV, so cable internet is widely available in most well-populated areas.
- Digital subscriber line (DSL): These may be sent via phone lines, but DSL connections are faster and more reliable than the phone-based dial-up internet of yesteryear.
- Fiber: Fiber-optic networks beam light through glass or plastic bundles of wires—each wire the size of a human hair— and these connections offer some of the fastest internet speeds on the planet.
- Satellite: For rural businesses without access to land-based broadband, satellite internet is like an internet angel sent to earth by planet-orbiting stations.
- Wireless: Whether through hotspots, cellular signals, or fixed radio towers, wireless internet provides options for remote and traveling businesses.
Learn more about the difference between internet types with our detailed comparison.
Methodology
We analyzed each business internet service provider's affordability, overall value, suitability for growing businesses, ease-of-use, and customer service, among other factors.
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- Best Satellite Internet Providers for Rural Businesses: Viasat vs. HughesNet
- Verizon vs. Comcast Business Internet: What’s the Best ISP for Small Business?
- AT&T vs. Comcast: Which Internet Provider Is Best for Small Businesses?
- How to Choose an Internet Service Provider for Your Business
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Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T services. Call to see if you qualify. Fiber optics may apply to all or part of the network, depending on your location. © 2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other AT&T marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All rights reserved. Subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. provide products and services under the AT&T brand.
Available in select areas only, additional monthly fee applies. Frontier’s Gig Service is available in all Frontier fiber markets, but may not be available to every location depending on local network capacity or other technical details. While Frontier’s Gig Service is delivered on our 100% fiber-to-the-location network, actual speeds may vary due to limitations in the customer’s network at their location, devices in use, and/or Frontier’s network traffic conditions. Actual speeds will range up to 940 Mbps (download) and 880 Mbps (upload) and may vary depending on usage of the network and multiple other factors.
FiOS 100 Mbps offer: Must subscribe to new FiOS Internet for Business with minimum one-year agreement. Internet will be provisioned with maximum speeds as fast as 100 Mbps download/100 Mbps upload based on line requirements. Business High-Speed Internet Fee ($5.99/mo.) applies.
FiOS 500 Mbps offer: Must subscribe to new FiOS Internet for Business with minimum one-year agreement. Internet will be provisioned with maximum speeds as fast as 500 Mbps download/500 Mbps upload based on line requirements. Business High-Speed Internet Fee ($5.99/mo.) applies.
FiOS Gig Service offer: Must subscribe to new FiOS Internet for Business with minimum one-year agreement. Internet will be provisioned with maximum speeds as fast as 940 Mbps download/880 Mbps upload based on line requirements.
All FiOS Internet for Business offers: For new business customers in select Frontier FiOS areas. Maximum service speed is not available to all locations and the maximum speed for service at your location may be lower than the maximum speed in this range. Service speed is not guaranteed and will depend on many factors. Service and promotion subject to availability. Internet installation ($20), taxes, governmental surcharges, fees and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promotional period. A $9.99 broadband processing fee upon disconnection of service applies. Early termination fee of $33.33 per month, times the remaining number of months in the term agreement, will apply. Other restrictions may apply. Frontier reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. The FiOS marks are owned by Verizon Trademark Services LLC and used under license.
˚Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem.
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Best Business Internet Services for 2024
Our business internet providers ensure you have the speed and reliability to stay connected and operational at all times.
Much of modern business is done online, from marketing your products and services to your target audience to receiving customer orders to managing your business with cloud-based software. In order to do all these things successfully, you need a reliable business internet service with enough bandwidth and uptime to keep you connected and on task. We’ve researched some of the best business internet service providers out there to help you make the best decision for your business when it comes to staying connected. Our best picks below deliver business internet you can count on so you can focus on growing your business rather than struggling with connectivity.
- Starts at $70 per month
- $99 installation fee
- Up to 1 Tbps speed
- Starts at $69.99 per month
- $99.95 installation fee
- Up to 1 Gbps speed
- Starts at $64.99 per month
- No installation fee
- Starts at $50 per month
- $300 installation fee
- Up to 100 Mbps speed
- Starts at $69 per month
Table of Contents
Why you should trust us.
At Business News Daily, we’ve spent years researching and testing the technology that enables entrepreneurs to accomplish their goals and scale their businesses more efficiently. Our team of small business tech specialists conducts independent evaluations of the best technology platforms to determine which best meet the needs of small business owners. We also regularly consult with technology experts. including IT professionals, developers, implementation specialists and cybersecurity professionals, to stay on top of the latest tech trends impacting small businesses. And every review we publish is evaluated by our editorial staff to ensure objectivity, accuracy and fairness are at the core of our decision-making. Learn more about our editorial guidelines.
How We Decided
Our review of the best business internet services involved firsthand testing by our team of small business technology experts. Our review process included an examination of pricing and plans, as well as internet speeds, uptime and redundancy; cybersecurity features; and bundle options. We also looked for features like persistent IP addresses and considered how widespread the availability of each’s business internet service was across the U.S. Finally, we examined customer reviews of internet service providers to see how well they stack up for real-life business use cases.
Best Business Internet Services of 2024
- AT&T Business Internet: Best for Digital Entrepreneurs
- Comcast Business Internet: Best for Startups
- Spectrum Business Internet: Best for Remote Teams
- Viasat: Best for Rural Businesses
- Verizon Business Internet: Best for Brick-and-Mortar Businesses
- Optimum: Best for Small Businesses
Compare Our Best Picks
Our reviews.
- Starting Price: $70 per month
- Key Features: Symmetrical download/upload speeds, proactive network monitoring and dedicated internet options with near 100% uptime
- Types of Internet: Shared, wireless and dedicated
Editor's Review Open row
We chose AT&T for digital entrepreneurs who utilize digital marketing and need the fastest internet speeds to promote their brand and build out their solo careers. AT&T Business provides one of the widest selections of internet speeds on the market. Symmetric download/upload speeds, internet backup options and dedicated internet with speeds up to 1 Tbps are just a few of the reasons this service excels in media-rich environments.
You can customize your internet plan with a few available add-ons for voice, internet backup and added security measures. Source: AT&T
Whether you need the fastest internet speeds to keep livestreams going or need to carry out large data transfers between networks, AT&T can provide some of the most powerful broadband speeds on the market through its business internet plans. Customers in select areas will greatly benefit from using AT&T Business Fiber, while those who choose AT&T Wireless Broadband will find themselves able to connect from virtually anywhere. Though a bit on the pricey side, customers won’t need to worry about annual contracts or overage fees ― common constraints that come with traditional residential internet.
Pricing Open row
Advantages & disadvantages open row.
- Symmetrical download and upload speeds.
- No annual contracts are required.
- The dedicated internet plan comes with an uptime of nearly 100 percent.
- Fiber internet plans are still limited to select areas of the country.
- Plans for gigabit speeds and faster are expensive.
- Public pricing is not available for dedicated internet plans.
User Score Open row
AT&T Business customers have complained about the lack of a free trial period and premium consulting or integration fees, but to be fair, those same complaints could easily apply to most competitors in this category. AT&T Business earned a 7.6.0/10 on TrustRadius .
- Starting Price: $69.99 per month
- Key Features: Dynamic and static IP addresses, 4g LTE wireless backup and available business Wi-Fi for employees and guests
For companies who are just starting out or only have a small team, Comcast Business Internet is an ideal internet solution. Customers can choose one of six business internet plans that cater to their specific business needs and can scale with Comcast as their business grows. Wi-Fi hotspots and 24/7 business support are also included to help keep startups running, with the option to include additional features like Ethernet Dedicated Internet for greater security and speed.
See what you can expect to accomplish online with a high-speed broadband connection from Comcast. Source: Comcast
As many people switch over to part-time or contract work, small startups have become a popular career choice for individuals looking to contribute to short- and long-term projects. For business owners, having fast and reliable business internet from a company like Comcast allows them to focus on recruiting, hiring and managing the best talent possible.
- All internet plans include SecurityEdge to help maintain privacy online.
- Backup internet is available with 4G LTE wireless to ensure outages won’t negatively impact your business
- Dedicated internet is available to maintain the fastest and most secure connection possible.
- Fiber plans are limited to select areas of the country.
- Comcast’s gigabit internet plans cost more than many competitive offerings.
- Prices increase after your first 12 months of service.
Customers touted Comcast’s business Internet service for its reliability, affordability and consistency. Those with a generally positive experience have enjoyed uninterrupted service and great tech support. However, other customers have complained about charges related to the cancellation process. Comcast Business Internet earned a 5.9/10 on TrustRadius .
- Starting Price: $64.99 per month
- Key Features: No annual contracts, wireless internet backup, competitor contact buyouts and native integrations with RingCentral business phone service
- Types of Internet: Shared and wireless
Remote teams can benefit greatly from Spectrum’s Business Internet services thanks to the numerous calling features included with business phones on top of the fast internet speeds. Employees working remotely or using a hybrid work model can also take advantage of Spectrum’s Business Connect app with RingEX (formerly RingCentral) to communicate and process large file transfers. Read our full RingEX review .
Available advanced Wi-Fi can automatically optimize performance, block malicious websites and help you manage devices connected to your network. Source: Spectrum
The company focuses on delivering digital business services to customers at an affordable cost. While it does offer internet-only packages, we think the real advantages come from bundling it with phone and TV. We appreciate the lack of long-term contracts and added taxes that are fairly common with business internet plans. Customers who are transitioning from a different provider are offered up to $1,000 in credit to cover early termination fees, which is the second best offer next to Verizon’s $1,500 credit.
- No long-term contracts for internet-only plans.
- The best competitor contract buyout we’ve seen.
- Native integrations with RingCentral business phone service.
- Not all business internet plans include wireless internet backup or Wi-Fi as standard features.
- For the best pricing you’ll need to bundle with other Spectrum services and commit to a 12-month agreement.
Spectrum Business customers have called the service team “kind, courteous and knowledgeable, exactly what you hope for when dealing with customer service” when trying to make changes to an existing plan. However, others have been unhappy with the service they’re received when trying to troubleshoot connectivity issues. Spectrum received a score of 3.4/5 on Trustpilot .
- Starting Price: $50 per month for metered; $175 per month for unlimited
- Key Features: Persistent IP addresses, high level of global coverage and ideal for backup internet service or temporary locations.
- Types of Internet: Metered and unlimited satellite
Viasat’s Business Internet, though not as fast as fiber or cable, allows businesses in rural areas to set up and install business internet in what would typically be considered a non-serviceable area. With five satellites in orbit, Viasat is capable of providing high-quality satellite internet with no hidden fees attached. Where cable and fiber cannot cover, Viasat will provide to its customers.
Many business internet service providers including Viasat offer promotions for new customers with free installation. Source: Viasat
Compared to other providers, Viasat also includes Persistent IPs. Unlike static or dynamic IPs, businesses who use Viasat’s business internet will be assigned three IP addresses dynamically and will occasionally switch between them to keep their businesses running. As the IP addresses do not change over time, this makes it easier to provide remote access to the business network and monitor activity on any connected devices.
- Metered plans may be great for businesses with limited internet requirements.
- Coverage is available for 96 percent of the U.S. population.
- Business customers enjoy prioritized network connectivity over residential customers.
- The fastest download speed available is only 100 Mbps.
- Satellite internet like Viasat is generally more expensive than cable or fiber internet with comparable speeds.
- Upload speeds are considered very slow at 4 Mbps.
- Starting Price: $69 per month
- Key Features: No annual contracts, bundled discounts, competitor contact buyouts and an uptime of 99.99 percent.
We found that those who are looking to start a brick-and-mortar business will find Verizon’s easy internet installation and vast 5G internet coverage especially helpful. Known primarily for its vast phone plans, Verizon also offers Business Internet plans using 5G technology to keep business owners connected to their customers. Business customers can choose from three different connection types based on their needs and preferences.
Verizon offers two different options for wireless internet with 5G and LTE plans. Source: Verizon
Outside of 5G, Verizon also offers Fios and LTE business internet for customers who may need different connections for their business. Its Fios Business Internet plan connects businesses to an ultrafast fiber network while LTE Business Internet provides wireless connectivity for companies that need business mobility.
- No annual contracts.
- Business internet plans bundle well with phone service for significant discounts.
- Verizon provides up to $1,500 in credit to cover early termination fees from a direct competitor.
- Internet plans require 5G-compatible or Verizon-specific equipment like routers and gateways.
- Symmetrical upload and download speeds are not available with all plans.
- Internet speeds are slower than a few major competitors.
Verizon customers have few complaints about their connectivity when using the service to replace traditional phones with VoIP options or when connecting MRI devices. They also appreciate the easy installation process and consistent billing. Verizon earned a 9.1/10 on TrustRadius .
- Starting Price: $55 per month (when bundled with business voice)
- Key Features: 60-day money-back guarantee, 24/7 support and up to $1,500 in credit to cover early termination fees.
Small businesses need to control recurring costs with software and services that are easy to operate without a computer science degree. Optimum offers internet speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps (depending on your location) at a lower-than average starting rate of only $55 per month when bundled with business phone or business hosted voice with autopay and paperless billing. The company works well to make itself valuable to non-technical business owners with built-in cyber security tools. This includes proactive detection to stop DDos attacks, phishing and malware infections. We like how the service automatically blocks malicious sites by presenting you with a “block page” screen if you attempt to engage with a dangerous domain.
Optimum offers basic internet and high-speed fiber, but options are limited by your location. Source: Optimum
Optimum advertises high uptime or connectivity with 99.9 percent reliability and 24/7 support across all subscription levels to help you troubleshoot any issues should they arise. While competitors like Verizon and Viasat offer similar credits to cover your early termination fees with another service provider, Optimum separates itself from the competition with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
- All plans include 24/7 customer support
- There are no annual contracts
- Optimum guarantees your satisfaction with a 60-day money-back offer.
- The best rates require bundling with a business phone service.
- Fiber options are limited in some markets.
- Optimum internet service is limited to 21 U.S. states.
Business Internet Costs
Many factors need to be considered when looking into the cost of business internet. Most providers will offer plans that only reflect the cost of internet itself while others will offer one price that covers additional fees and costs, such as installation or early termination.
In our review, we found the base price of business internet to range from $49.99 per month to $500 per month, depending on the type of service and plan. This range does not include any additional equipment or installation fees that may be included.
The Business Internet price ranges for the best picks we reviewed are as follows:
- AT&T: $75 to $325 per month
- Comcast: $69.99 to $349.99 per month
- Spectrum: $49.99 to $164.99 per month
- Verizon: $69.99 to $199.99 per month
- Viasat: $175 to $500 per month
- Optimum: $55 to $150 per month
AT&T, Comcast, Verizon and Spectrum’s prices reflect internet-only. Viasat’s price range, while reflective of its internet cost, comes with many features that offset its price point. These features include but are not limited to hardware leasing, multiple IP addresses and prioritized connections.
Business Internet Features
Dedicated internet.
If you’re running your business under a shared internet connection, there’s a chance that you may have experienced slow internet speeds in moments of high traffic or congestion. When using business internet, however, customers typically will have a dedicated internet option that delivers fast internet speeds through a private connection. Even in moments of high internet traffic, business-critical systems, such as point-of-sale software and data transfers, can continue running smoothly.
Verizon Internet Gateway for businesses offers 5G wireless connection with fast, symmetrical upload and download speeds. (Source: Verizon)
Internet Backup Options
Things happen. Internet outages, natural disasters and other unexpected events could cause business internet to go down momentarily. Business internet providers are aware of this and know that businesses could end up losing money if they lose connectivity. When reviewing our vendors, we found that each of them offered various types of internet backup options.
Whether it’s purchasing broadband internet as a secondary connection or using a backup router that offers hours of battery-powered connection, business internet providers typically will include this as part of their internet plans as well as 24/7 support and protection to keep you in the loop about your connection status until the primary connection comes back online.
Business-exclusive phone and TV deals
A lot of businesses nowadays don’t just rely on the internet to run their business. Calling via phone and video is just as relevant, whether a company is exclusively in-office or works off of a remote/hybrid work model. Most business internet providers are aware of this and may offer potential business customers great deals if they bundle internet with their phone or TV services.
Service providers like Optimum offer multiple bundle options that can help lower your annual expenses. Source: Optimum
In some cases, business customers may be able to save some money on this as well. More often than not, bundling business internet with other services offered by the internet provider will result in a discounted price for all services.
Contract Buyouts
When starting a business, you may decide that switching providers is the best move. Maybe you’ve already started a business and you’re wanting to take advantage of offers provided by another internet provider. Some business internet providers do offer the option of buying out a contract from a previous provider to close in on a contract with a business customer.
It’s not strictly a contract buyout, however. The provider is not purchasing the contract to then give the new contract to the new business customer. Rather, they provide a limited amount of “credit” to cover early termination fees and other costs associated with ending a contract early. Be wary that the new provider may require your existing contract to explicitly say “early termination fees” as proof of the cancellation.
Advantages of Business Internet
Compared to traditional residential internet, most business internet plans come with additional perks for business owners to help them either kick-start their careers or grow their company even further:
Priority connection just for your business: Most if not all business internet plans come with a priority connection data limit. When connection speeds slow down due to high traffic, your business can run uninterrupted with a private network dedicated specifically to your business. If you operate your business in multiple buildings, you may be able to get dedicated internet for each location as well.
24/7 business support: Customers purchasing business internet will have access to 24/7 support for business-specific inquiries. General questions and maintenance/outage support can be handled through a provider’s specified contact method.
Discounts from bundles: Providers like Verizon and Spectrum offer some major discounts when you bundle their business internet with additional services offered, such as TV or mobile. These plans are designed to enhance your business internet experience and make running your business much more effective. These add-ons include features like web conferencing and extended phone lines.
Choosing Business Internet
When choosing a business internet provider, here are some things to consider.
1. Your Business Type
Do you plan on starting your business as a sole proprietor? Do you want to open up a small shop in a rural area? Is your business model heavily reliant on digital marketing and web conferencing? Figuring out your business type could greatly determine the business internet plan you decide on for your business needs.
Some internet providers include additional features for specific business internet plans, while others offer them for an additional charge. Consider this when deciding what specific business internet needs you have for your business.
2. Location
After considering the pros and cons of being a small business owner and establishing your business brand, you’ll want to think about where to host your business. Most of the business internet providers we’ve listed offer relatively vast internet coverage. However, location is still something that should be considered when deciding what business internet plan to use. This is especially important if your team works off of a hybrid work model, where some employees may need to work from home in addition to working on-site. If you decide to make telecommuting a permanent arrangement for your business model, you’ll also need to consider if being a fully-remote team is an option.
3. Business Size
Do you plan on starting your own business as an aspiring entrepreneur or do you have a team already established? Do you have an idea of how many people you plan on hiring or have you closed in on your initial round of employees? If your business size is relatively small, you may be able to utilize a lower-tier business internet plan. When you need to upgrade or switch, most business internet providers will be more than happy to help you transition as your business scales.
Methodology
At Business News Daily, our team of small business tech experts research and tested business internet service providers to find the best for your business. We compared some of the leading solutions across more than 25 key metrics. We considered 24 internet service providers and closely reviewed and tested 11 of them before selecting our six best picks above.
Below are the factors we considered when determining our best picks. Each is weighted according to how much the criteria typically influences business owners’ buying decisions.
- Pricing (30%): We considered the monthly cost of business internet services, as well as installation fees, equipment fees and the number of pricing plans available. We also considered whether bundle services with business phone services were available.
- Speed and Uptime (25%): We also considered upload and download speeds, putting particular emphasis on symmetrical internet services. We also reviewed network uptime statistics to determine which internet service providers were the most reliable.
- Types of Plans (20%): We reviewed the types of internet services available as well, placing particular emphasis on the providers that offered the most flexible options. We looked for services with shared, wireless, and dedicated internet options.
- Customer Support (15%): We examined the ease with which customers can contact the team in need of help. We reviewed customer feedback to determine how well the customer service team meets the needs of existing customers.
- Expert Insight (10%): Our product reviews are conducted by tech experts who are deeply familiar with business internet. Given their institutional knowledge of different platforms and firsthand experiences using these programs, we take their judgment into account when determining our best picks.
In addition to scoring each business internet service we reviewed based on this criteria, we also determined the best use case scenarios for each. No two businesses are exactly alike, so we put ourselves in the shoes of different types of small business owners and identify the best business internet service for a variety of needs.
To learn more about how we review and test tech products and services for small businesses, read about our editorial process here.
Business Internet FAQs
What is the difference between business internet and residential internet.
Both types of internet typically offer similar internet plans, packages and prices. The major difference is that residential internet usually includes features catered to personal use, whereas business internet plans are designed for business owners and entrepreneurs. Business internet may offer more resilience and faster speeds so business operations can continue unheeded.
Does my business need business internet?
Technically speaking, no. If you are just starting your business or running your business from home, you may be able to get away with just using residential internet. However, as your business grows, you may find that having business internet ― along with its many benefits that include dedicated connection and internet backup ― will be more suitable.
What are some additional costs to consider when using business internet?
Installation fees, equipment costs and features, such as priority connection and backup internet, are some other costs that business customers may need to consider when purchasing a business internet plan.
What internet speeds does my small business need?
The bandwidth you require for your business will depend on how many people you employ and how much they utilize the internet. For a team of one to five employees who only use the internet to send emails, you can probably get away with between 50 and 100 Mbps. If you have more than 50 employees working on an ecommerce website, for example, you’ll want a plan that exceeds 1 Gbps.
Jeff Hale contributed to this article.
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The Best Business Internet Service Providers of 2024
Keep your business running fast and customer Wi-Fi strong with leading internet service providers (ISP) like Spectrum and AT&T.
Today’s businesses need an internet service that offers high-speed and reliable connectivity to operate efficiently and profitably. They also need the certainty that, as they grow, their internet service can scale with them to support more users and their devices. With so many providers on the market and limited availability depending on your location, choosing the right service can be challenging. We reviewed 24 of the country’s leading business internet service providers to help you select the right provider for your company. We evaluated each based on speed, reliability, contract length, customer support and cost-effectiveness. Then, we selected our best picks based on which business needs we think each solves most effectively.
- From $30 per month (wireless)
- Dedicated, fiber and wireless
- Max download speed 5 Gbps
- From $49.99 per month (fiber)
- Max download speed 1.25 Gbps
- Fiber and wireless backup
- Max download speed 1 Gbps
- From $50 per month
- Satellite internet only
- Max download speed 150 Mbps
- From $59 per month (fiber)
- Max download speed 2 Gbps
Table of Contents
Why you should trust us.
At business.com, our team of technology experts has analyzed hundreds of tools and services designed to improve essential business operations, from POS systems to GPS fleet management services to remote PC access software, and we use these experiences to provide business owners with actionable guides and industry insights. Every playbook and explainer is infused with advice from real IT consultants, implementation experts, security specialists, software developers and more.
Our rigorous product review process involves in-depth industry research, vendor interviews, hands-on testing and service comparisons. Each analysis — whether for a business phone system, CRM platform, call center software or website builder — is independently verified by a business.com editor to ensure our recommendations are free of bias and errors. Learn more about our editorial process .
How We Decided
As we investigated internet service providers, we compared and contrasted plan prices and contract terms, geographic availability, download and upload speeds, and service types (such as fiber, cable, wireless, satellite, etc.). We examined equipment requirements, analyzed installation processes and tested troubleshooting and customer support options. The opportunity to add on or bundle services also factored into our assessments.
The Best Internet Service Providers of 2024
- AT&T Business: Best for Symmetrical Speeds
- Comcast Business ISP: Best for Enterprise Businesses
- Spectrum Business: Best for Month-to-Month Contracts
- Viasat: Best for Rural Businesses
- Verizon High-Speed Internet: Best for Wireless Services
- Optimum: Best for SMBs
Compare Our Best Picks
- Base Price: $40 per month (fiber); $30 per month (wireless)
- Top Features: 5 Gbps maximum speed, 24/7 customer service, free installation on online orders, wireless back-up, voice, security.
- Minimum subscription: Varies by service
Editor's Review Open row
E-commerce businesses and marketing agencies are prime examples of businesses that need quick upload speeds to upload large product images and videos and transfer large files to clients and team members. The problem many companies in this position face is that traditional high-speed internet offers much slower upload speeds than download speeds. This can create bottlenecks in companies, impacting their productivity and increasing the chances that they’ll miss important deadlines.
If your business is experiencing these challenges, AT&T’s service proposition is compelling. Businesses on the top subscription package benefit from a 5Gb upload and download speed and a 99.9 percent uptime guarantee, making it the fastest and most reliable business internet provider in our review. We also really appreciate that fiber connections require no annual contract, unlike many competitors we reviewed, which gives companies a great degree of flexibility. For businesses wanting the most reliable connections, AT&T Business also offers a dedicated internet service.
AT&T has just introduced the Internet Air for Business, a new plug-and-play route for commercial customers. Source: AT&T Business
Pricing Open row
You can choose an AT&T business internet plan based on the levels of speed you need. For ecommerce businesses and others that rely heavily on their internet connection, we recommend selecting a higher priced plan. Businesses that don’t do much more online than send emails and use basic business software can save some money by selecting a lower priced plan.
All plans currently include AT&T Active Armor (a mobile security app), a Wi-Fi gateway, a free business line, and free installation on online orders.
AT&T offers two wireless internet plans at $30 per month and $70 per month. The only difference between the two subscription levels is that the $70 service offers high priority on the first 250 GB of data in the month.
The company also offers a dedicated internet service with speeds up to 1 Tbps. You need to approach the sales team for a personalized quote for this plan, though.
Advantages & Disadvantages Open row
- AT&T’s symmetrical upload and download speeds are much faster than their competition and offer a 99.9% uptime guarantee.
- For smaller businesses reliant on the internet but not requiring speeds of up to 5 Gbps, the vendor offers a range of fiber plans starting from a low $70 per month.
- For businesses not in a fiber zone, AT&T Business’s 5G and LTE services offer a high allocation of priority data on the higher plan.
- Although there is wide 5G and LTE coverage, fiber optic broadband may not have reached your area yet.
- AT&T Business plans are often more expensive than similar services offered by competitors.
- Heavy data users on the 5G and LTE plans may experience slower service during periods of high demand.
User Score Open row
Although there are some customers expressing frustration online with parts of the AT&T Business service, the majority of feedback is positive. The company scores 4.2 out of 5 on Gartner with one user commenting that they liked the “high bandwidth and reliable fiber Internet connectivity. Support process is easy to use.”
- Base Price: $49.99 per month
- Top Features: 1.25 GB maximum speed, 24/7 customer service, free installation, wireless backup, guest Wi-Fi and security
- Minimum subscription: 2 years for most plans
Enterprise businesses require a flexible and scalable internet service capable of managing everything from international communications to keeping remote workers connected. The issue is that many ISPs don’t have the infrastructure to be able to maintain high performance levels across a number of often challenging use cases.
Comcast is the largest ISP in the U.S. and we found its advanced and robust high-speed, high-capacity 1.25 Gbps network very capable for handling the complex and substantial data needs of larger companies. Their recent purchase of Masergy now means that Comcast has a footprint in over 100 countries.
We also liked that Comcast employs a series of technologies like SD-WAN to improve security, a key factor for many enterprises, often entrusted with highly sensitive personal and financial data. The firm offers a strong service-level agreement to clients protecting them against downtimes and slower speeds. In the event of a network failure, you have the peace of mind knowing that their automatic internet backup service will tide you over.
Comcast Business ISP bundles in SecurityEdge, leading cybersecurity software with each of its business internet plans Source: Comcast Business ISP
Comcast offers two plans on each of their four internet speeds, one of which includes a business phone line in the price. We obtained quotes for the Comcast service using the FL 34744 zip code however prices may vary across the country.
All plans bundled Comcast Security Business Edge. “Speed + Phone + Security” include one phone line and a $20 per month saving for 12 months if you add mobile coverage to your account. All plans charge an extra $10 per month if you don’t sign up for paperless billing and Auto Pay.
- Enterprise businesses benefit from Comcast’s high-speed internet capacity and extensive national and international infrastructure and thanks to its position as a leading global telecom company.
- Businesses handling sensitive personal and financial data access the network’s advanced cybersecurity features on all plans.
- Comcast offers robust internet backup service to clients in the rare event that their main network suffers an outage or interruption.
- Although 1.25 Gbps will be enough for most businesses, the maximum speed on Comcast is significantly slower than the fastest speed AT&T Business offers.
- Plans requiring less than a two-year commitment are available, however you will likely pay a premium for this.
- The maximum upload speed on the Comcast network is 35 Mbps, which may be far too slow for some businesses.
Comcast Business ISP generally scores well in online customer reviews although some clients have expressed concern about internet speeds in parts of the country and their customer service team. Overall however, the company scores 3.9 out of 5 on Gartner with an impressive 63% of reviewers recommending the service. Reviewers on Featured Customer rate the service as 4.7 out of 5 .
Click here for our full Comcast Business ISP review .
- Top Features: 1 Gbps maximum speed, 24/7 customer support, installation charge include in subscription, wireless backup, business Wi-Fi, security.
- Minimum subscription: No contract required
Some businesses grow so rapidly that they have to find new premises on a regular basis. Other firms are seasonal and may only occupy an office or shop for a month or two at a time. For these types of companies, long-term internet contracts are restrictive and impractical. The problem has been that, traditionally, many providers want a commitment of between one and five years when signing up for a service. While they can leave early, this often results in significant termination fees.
We love the flexibility that Spectrum provides its customers with its month-to-month contract option. Another draw for their service is the unlimited data they offer and free business email addresses, important for companies reliant on the internet to do business. We also appreciate how their RingCentral-powered Business Connect app keeps teams connected and productive thanks to the support it offers for phone calls, messages, videos and file transfers. [Read Related: RingCentral Review ]
Spectrum’s internet speeds can support multiple simultaneous tasks including bandwidth-hungry tasks like video conferencing. Source: Spectrum Business
Spectrum Business offers three speeds to clients on their internet service:
The prices shown require you to sign up for a 12-month contract. With your contract, you also receive free advanced Wi-Fi with Security Shield and 1 free unlimited mobile line. After the first year of service, fees are payable on both of these if you choose to continue.
The company does not proactively advertise its “no contract prices”, however it’s still very much on offer across their website. You’ll need to speak to a rep to find out the latest offer but you should expect it to be higher than the 12-month contract fees.
If you don’t settle your bill by Auto Pay, you’ll pay an additional $5 per month.
- In addition to their standard 12-month contracts, Spectrum also offers month-to-month options for companies wanting greater flexibility.
- Spectrum’s partnership with RingCentral means that you can make calls, send messages, transfer videos and transfer files from your cell phone.
- The company’s 1 Gbps is great value. Although not the cheapest on the market, it is up to 30 percent less than many of its main competitors.
- While the month-to-month deals are a welcome option, you have to contact the company to find out how much they cost.
- This vendor’s upload speeds are capped at 35 Mbps, which may not be fast enough for some types of businesses.
- The Advanced Wi-Fi box costs an extra $10 per month. Bundling the box as part of the subscription charges would have been better for customers.
Spectrum Business does not fare as well in online reviews as some of the competitors we feature on this page. They score 3.6 out of 5 on G2 despite the fact that 76% of clients rate the service as 4 or 5. While some customers have expressed concerns on service team availability, others comment that the internet service is “fast and efficient, and hardly produces any lag or buffering”.
- Base Price: $50 per month
- Top Features: 150 Mbps maximum speed (satellite service), 7 day a week customer service, free installation in some cases, back-up internet.
- Minimum subscription: Month-to-month service
Wired internet infrastructure is incredibly expensive causing many ISPs and telco only to focus on building out networks in urban areas, leaving rural parts of the country behind. For the most rural, getting 5G- or LTE-based internet is possible but it’s unreliable and too slow. If this describes your business, Viasat may be a suitable option.
We liked that Viasat provides satellite internet to 96% of the U.S. population with speeds of up to 35 Mbps. This helps rural firms stay competitive, allowing them to video conference and transfer large data files. Handily, they also offer a three- to five-day turnaround on installation and provide back-up wireless internet in case of downtime. We also liked that they provide persistent IPs, important for ensuring secure and uninterrupted remote internet access. We appreciate the company’s involved in the Connect America Fund, which claims to make high-quality internet for rural businesses affordable and reliable.
The Viasat WiFi Gateway support voice services and provides two ethernet ports for wired connections to devices Source: Viasat
Pricing, speed, and plan availability vary according to where you are. For the quotes below, we used a FL 34744 zip code:
There are other fees to consider too in this Florida location, again which may vary according to where you are located and may not apply to you. This includes an installation fee of $500 as well as an activation fee for the same amount, which the company may discount partly or fully. There is also an early termination fee of $20 per month for each month remaining in the contract.
- Viasat brings high speed internet services now to parts of the country that will not be connected to fiber internet services for years to come, if ever.
- Persistent IPs allow employees to securely connect to company networks and resources without frequent interruptions or the need to reconfigure settings.
- Most plans now offer unlimited data meaning that internet costs are predictable from month to month.
- Upload speeds are very slow compared to cable, wireless and fiber broadband, maxing out at 5 Mbps on Viasat.
- Viasat, like all satellite providers, struggles with latency issues meaning real-time applications like video conferencing can experience delays.
- Some users reported a prolonged loss of service during adverse weather conditions.
- Base Price: $59 per month (fiber), $69 per month (wireless)
- Top Features: 2 Gbps maximum speed, 24/7 customer service, free installation for online orders, VOIP telephony, business trunking, hosted voice
Remote work and out-of-office working is more prevalent than ever before. While fixed line internet direct to an office is still important, so is providing high-quality connectivity to members of your team who don’t work in your office. For this use case, we were impressed by Verizon High-Speed Internet.
Verizon’s 5G Business Internet plan offers up to 400 Mbps in speed and the peace of mind of a 10-year fixed rate. Their LTE service delivers speeds of up to 50 Mbps with limited priority network access during the month. We loved that you could cancel your contract within 30 days of sign-up too with no penalty if you decide the service is not for you. Better still, the firm offers up to $1,500 to help you pay to switch to their account. If you want super-fast broadband to your office premises, you can stick with the same supplier as Verizon’s FIOS fiber service provides 2 Mbps of speed with up to a 5-year price fix.
Verizon’s newest routes support Wi-Fi 6E and also operate on the newer 6 GHz channel for increased Wi-Fi speeds. Source: Verizon High-Speed Internet
Pricing for Verizon’s 5G wireless service are as follows.
Monthly charges are subject to taxes, fees and an economic adjustment charge. All plans require self set-up and offer a 10 year price guarantee, a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and select router (monthly payment plan needed for 100 and 200 Mbps service). Verizon is also offering up to $1,500 to cover the cost of switching and a $30 per month discount if you pair the service with a Business Unlimited smartphone plan.
Pricing for Verizon’s LTE wireless service are as follows.
Monthly charges are subject to taxes, fees and an economic adjustment charge. Each plan offers a 300 GB monthly data allowance, no annual service contracts, no early termination fee and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee As with the 5G plan, Verizon is offering up to $1,500 to cover the cost of switching and a $30 per month discount if you pair the service with a Business Unlimited smartphone plan.
The current charges for Verizon’s FIOS fiber service are as follows.
Monthly charges are subject to taxes, fees and equipment charges. All plans offer unlimited data and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you sign up for two years.
You’ll need to contact Verizon directly to inquire about the dedicated line service.
- Verizon offers high-speed broadband across a variety of different business types including fiber, 5G and LTE, providing customers with impressive coverage across the U.S.
- For smaller businesses on the move, the discount on business lines for making calls and sending and receiving messages offers real savings.
- If your business needs extremely fast upload speeds, the performance of Verizon’s FIOS fiber broadband service is superior compared to most of its competitors.
- Although quicker than many fiber networks, Verizon has a much lower top speed than AT&T Business.
- While the price guarantees on plans are welcome, it is unclear when you sign up just how much your subscription will rise once the guarantee elapses.
- You may be charged a router rental fee on lower speed fiber connections, adding further to the cost.
Verizon receives a generally favorable reception from its customers, scoring 4.2 out of 5 across over 450 reviews on Best Company. The company receives praise for the quality of its connection and customer services team.
- Top Features: 1 Gbps maximum speed, 24/7 customer service, free installation on online orders, hosted voice, business trunking, retail and leisure TV channel provision.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) seeking out a new internet service provider face two major issues – pricing and suitability. Many vendors charge a premium for connectivity and their services are more geared towards larger firms. We really appreciate the package Optimum has built out to address these concerns. There is no minimum contract length, giving you the flexibility to move suppliers if your needs change without being hit by early termination fees – important for managing your fixed costs. The 24/7 customer support is also impressive as the company aims to resolve all issues same-day, even if this involves an on-site visit. We also like the 60-day money-back guarantee the firm provides allowing you to try their service risk-free.
Optimum have over 100 local stores across the areas they serve. Source: Optimum
Optimum serves different markets across parts of the U.S. and the internet service offered to businesses varies depending on region. We obtained the pricing below using a FL 34744 zip code.
Where there are two upload speeds next to a plan, the higher upload speed refers to Optimum’s Gigabit markets. When same-speed services are offered at different prices and with differing upload speeds in different markets, this is indicated next to the product name. All subscription levels come with cyber security protection.
- For companies not wanting to enter into a long term contract for internet provision, Optimum offers a very flexible, easy-come-easy-go approach.
- There are over 100 retail outlets that can provide support to customers in addition to the 24/7 phone and email support.
- Optimum supplies customers with robust cybersecurity protection, blocking access to malicious sites and preventing DDoS attacks.
- Compared to other providers, Optimum is very expensive with 1 Gbps plans costing more than twice as much as some other providers.
- Upload speeds on most plans compare poorly to other competitors outside the company’s Gigabit market area.
- The company appears to be in the middle of a reputational crisis with high volumes of poor reviews from users.
What Is Business Internet?
Business internet is a type of internet service provided by an internet service provider (ISP) that’s specifically designed for use in business and commercial settings, as opposed to residential ones. At its most basic, the concept is the same — the internet is how you log onto the World Wide Web, power smart devices and conduct any number of internet-driven tasks. But compared to residential internet, business internet is usually faster and more reliable. Also, business internet plans are likely to offer features the average personal user doesn’t need, such as backup routers and priority connections.
Almost every business needs internet service. Without it, companies would be unable to operate essential business software, such as cloud-based POS systems and business phone systems. Across industries, most businesses require internet service to conduct everyday operations in both their customer-facing “front office” and the “back office” where administrative tasks are completed. For example, a car dealership needs internet to run a credit check on a would-be lessee, a coffee shop’s self-order kiosks need internet to operate, and healthcare organizations need internet to use modern medical software. Any of these companies may also want to offer their customers Wi-Fi access.
It’s rare today to have a business that doesn’t require internet service of some kind. Even a street vendor who only operates at festivals and fairs would need to connect their mobile POS system to the internet to process sales. While this wouldn’t require a traditional business internet setup, they’d still need their smartphone to connect to reliable internet.
How Much Would a Business Internet Plan Cost?
How much a business internet plan costs depends on several factors, including the type of internet (such as cable or fiber), your business’s location, your desired speeds and uses, and the package you choose. Among the top providers we investigated, starting prices ranged from $30 to $69 per month, while the fastest plans cost anywhere from $160 per month to more than $300.
It can be challenging to compare costs across vendors because they typically structure their pricing differently from one another. Plus, because there are so many speed and service options offered within a single ISP, it’s a good idea to talk with a service provider representative about the available packages so you have a thorough understanding of the best plan for your needs, the exact speeds and features you will receive, and the costs of add-ons. Hidden costs can be detrimental, especially to a smaller business, and no business should be cost-burdened by the need to operate their business online. Upstanding internet service providers will be candid and explicit about their prices.
Although month-to-month plans may appear less intimidating, the monthly costs are often higher than the costs associated with a two-year contract. You may also be able to lock in your rate and not have to worry about price hikes with a longer contract. Additionally, your vendor representative can help you assess the benefit of bundling services such as phone and internet, which often helps lower the overall costs.
Before you sign any contracts, it’s essential to note cancellation fees, whether the company offers a price lock to guarantee your rate for the duration of your agreement, installation fees, and the costs to upgrade or add features to your plan. See if the provider throws in free features because it values its customers or if they demand a fee for every change or addition to your plan.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Business Internet Plan?
Among the many reasons businesses need reliable business internet is to communicate with customers. Source: Verizon
These are some of the many benefits of getting a business internet plan from one of the top internet service providers.
- Enables reliable communication and software use: Business operations require internet-powered communication tools and business software to function properly. Business internet plans provide the mechanisms and speeds necessary to efficiently conduct everyday business.
- Improves mobility: Access to wireless internet is increasingly key to business success, as many teams today need to communicate through mobile phones and tablets. The best ISPs can support your wireless communication needs.
- Increases remote access: Wherever a business is located, it needs high-speed broadband internet to function appropriately and efficiently. For that, they need to partner with a reliable ISP.
- Offers professional support: The best internet service providers help your team troubleshoot quickly to allow your business to run smoothly and with minimal internet interruption. In fact, ISPs usually prioritize restorations and speeds for business clients.
- Enhances brand reputation: A powerful and reliable internet connection enables seamless customer communication that demonstrates the integrity of your business. Customers also tend to look more favorably upon establishments that offer them free Wi-Fi access.
How to Choose a Business Internet Provider
One of the first things to do when choosing a business internet provider is to consider all the ways in which your business relies on internet service or will. With this information, you can determine what kind of bandwidth you need, and then you can assess your needs for any extra services or add-ons. From there, you’ll want to use guides like this one to research which ISPs offer packages that meet your needs and then confirm the service is available in your area.
Of course, there are several other factors you should weigh before choosing a business internet plan. Business.com spoke with business owners and leaders to learn what they prioritized when signing up with a business internet provider.
Infrastructure
Victor Santoro, CEO of Profit Leap, wanted a high-speed, stable connection, leading him to choose fiber internet.
“With fiber connectivity, our team spends less time troubleshooting connectivity and more time innovating,” he told us. “For fellow CEOs, the right technology infrastructure empowers your business to reach its full potential. Do your homework, understand your needs and find tools to build on.”
At Lush Life Brands, CEO Natasha Williams required “flexibility and mobility,” so she chose a wireless solution.
“Since we host two major events and several smaller ones throughout the year, having a reliable internet service that we can take with us is crucial,” she said. “With over 1,000 attendees at these events, everyone is trying to connect to Wi-Fi, so having a dedicated service specifically for our vendors is essential. This allows them to stream content, process payments and manage other important tasks seamlessly.”
Speed & Reliability
For The Rohg Agency founder Josh Cremer, “dependability and speed” were his biggest concerns. “We couldn’t afford downtime or lagging service with daily client work,” he said. Cremer ultimately chose a package with “reliable, fast internet allowing seamless collaboration across our global team.”
Robert Hill of Bullmight named “reliability and speed” as his “top priorities,” explaining, “Our digital marketing campaigns require fast upload and download speeds, especially when collaborating with clients via video conference.”
Costs & Contracts
When debating your costs and contract lengths, Santoro recommended considering future internet technology needs and your long-term budget. “Advanced systems cost more upfront but prevent replacement costs down the road,” he said, further noting, “If starting over, I would have negotiated a longer contract term to lock in rates.”
Hill also regretted not locking in rates with a longer contract. The lesson? “Don’t assume a short-term deal is more flexible; for most businesses, internet service is a necessity, not a luxury. Lock in the best rates for as long as possible.”
Scalability & Customization
Just because your business requires a certain internet speed now doesn’t mean that speed will always be the right one for your business. Many ISPs offer a large number of plans of varying speeds, allowing businesses to downgrade or upgrade their speeds as necessary, depending on their contract.
With this in mind, Cremer said, “Don’t just consider current needs. Think long-term and choose a provider able to scale with your business … I wish I’d anticipated how much internet needs can change. I’d suggest choosing a provider offering scalable, customizable options as your business grows.”
“For startups and SMBs, I recommend choosing a provider known for reliability and scalability over initial cost savings,” said Altraco co-owner Albert Brenner. “Transitioning providers is time-consuming and risky, so choose a partner ready to support your growth for the long haul.”
Brenner further shared, “My advice is to evaluate providers based on your specific business needs and future goals to find a customized solution rather than settling for a generic one-size-fits-all plan.”
Williams similarly advised, “Look for a company that listens and hears you; that understands your needs and provides you with options that best serve your needs versus trying to close the deal.”
What Are Features to Look for in a Business Internet Provider?
The features to look for in a business internet provider may vary depending on your specific needs, but generally, you should pay attention to the following.
Fast Speeds
First and foremost, it’s important to assess the internet speed options different ISPs provide, which range from low to extremely fast. One specific aspect to pay close attention to is the download and upload speeds . If you see only one speed listed, usually in Mbps or Gbps, it’s likely the download speed. AT&T is one of the few providers to offer symmetrical upload and download speeds with all dedicated and fiber-optic internet plans, while Verizon offers the same with nearly all of its dedicated and fiber plans.
If your business is expanding, expecting to move locations or changing its customer interaction levels, the option to upgrade or purchase a higher-speed plan can be a key to success.
Varied Plan Options
While some internet service providers offer just a few service plans, others feature a large variety of plans with numerous unique features and categories. Depending on your business’s needs, a few plan options with set pricing and features may suffice. However, companies with more complex needs may benefit from an internet service provider with packages that support things like large-scale data backup, wireless backup internet options and even television services (for businesses such as restaurants and doctor’s offices).
Location-Based & Industry-Specific Coverage
If your business operates in a nontraditional industry setting, like a remote location or strictly mobile, the type of internet service and provider you choose can change the way your business operates online. Rural businesses may opt for a satellite-based provider or a provider with strong backup capabilities in the case of an internet outage. Businesses that rely heavily on mobile communications may opt for a vendor that specializes in wireless communication and uses 5G for high-speed internet connections.
Add-On Services
Add-ons — such as wireless backup, security tools and guest Wi-Fi — can be extremely beneficial to a growing business with evolving needs, but their inclusion in your package and your advertised costs can be misleading. When you’re shopping for an internet service provider, it’s critical to assess the features included with a plan and the add-on services that require an additional fee. If the price of a plan is low but your business needs an array of additional features, the total cost to attain those features may not be affordable. [Read related article: The Cost of Cybersecurity and How to Budget for It ]
Robust Customer Support
Like Optimum, Comcast operates a network of stores across America under the Xfinity brand. Source: Comcast
Your internet service provider should promise — and deliver — quality customer service. Troubleshooting is an inevitable part of online operations; the internet is never a sure thing, and technical difficulties are common. Providers with 24/7 business-class support can help your company get the assistance it needs in a timely manner so you can continue operating smoothly. Before you choose a provider, it’s vital to look into each vendor’s customer support resources and ensure you will have the help you need to set up your service and handle any technical problems that arise. Most of the providers we’ve reviewed offer 24/7 customer support and uptimes above 99 percent.
How Do I Install Wi-Fi & Internet Within My Business?
Connect devices close to a Wi-Fi router with an ethernet cable for a more stable connection. Source: AT&T
How you install internet at your business will depend on the type of internet service you purchase. However, almost all instances involve setting up an installation appointment in which the vendor will send a technician to your place of business to implement the service you chose. In certain cases, you may be able to self-install. Regardless, the length of time required will vary, though most installations take a few hours. For satellite internet, particularly in rural areas, your implementation can take several days.
For wireless service, the installation process involves setting up your modem, wireless router and Ethernet cable. Depending on the size of your premises, you may also need to set up a Wi-Fi repeater or extender to ensure strong service reaches all the relevant areas of your property. Your professional technician can help determine the right radio band and wireless protocols to ensure the best service for your location and use cases. [Find out more about setting up business Wi-Fi .]
For cable or fiber internet, the technician will take care of the required outside wiring, which usually involves in-ground cables and a telephone pole, along with a modem, a router and other equipment. Essentially, the wires send signals to the modem, which connects to the router to power your internet service.
For satellite internet , the technician will set up a satellite dish in an unobstructed outdoor position (commonly on a roof). Your ISP sends signals to a satellite orbiting the Earth, which in turn sends data to your dish. The dish then sends the signal to your modem, which ultimately provides the internet connection.
For 5G internet, the service depends on 5G towers and cellular networks. High-frequency waves are sent from the tower to your 5G modem or router, which then provides the internet connection either via an Ethernet cable or wirelessly. An Ethernet cord will provide more stability.
In all instances, once the physical work is complete, your service technician can walk you through establishing your networks, connecting your computers and other devices, and setting up cybersecurity measures.
Methodology
To determine the best internet service providers on the market, our team of technology experts and software analysts evaluated an initial list of 24 vendors. We narrowed the list to 11 after considering the types of internet services and speeds offered by each provider and whether they were the ideal connections and bandwidths for business environments across the country.
In choosing six ISPs as our top recommendations, we studied each service’s download and upload speeds, hardware options, regional availability and installation process. We questioned providers about their plans and bundled services, and we experimented with setup, troubleshooting and customer support resources. We also read through user reviews, looking for testimonials that highlighted each vendor’s strengths and weaknesses to see how real-life customer experiences aligned with our own.
In the end, our experts and analysts studied each service’s functionality and evaluated the vendor’s internet products on more than 20 factors. These factors were weighted differently in our overall conclusion. The weights were determined based on how much business owners prioritize these criteria when shopping for business software and services and making purchasing decisions.
- Pricing (30%): Our experts and analysts compared and contrasted each vendor’s plans, judging which packages offered the best bang for your buck. We took into account monthly versus annual contracts, installation fees, service bundle options, price locks, cancellation fees, and how costs varied across internet type and speed.
- Features (25%): We looked for standard internet service functions like fast download and upload speeds, wireless backups and cybersecurity protection. We also assessed the available integrations and awarded extra points for advanced services, like fiber connections and symmetrical download/upload speeds.
- Ease of Use (25%): We tested the internet hardware and online tools ourselves, gauging each service’s learning curve, user-friendliness and customization options. We also considered whether there were easy-to-use guest Wi-Fi capabilities, mobile access and seamless connectivity for computers, tablets, phones and televisions.
- Customer Service (15%): We evaluated the range of each vendor’s customer service options, including whether phone assistance was provided with all package tiers. We also examined each ISP’s online resources for businesses interested in self-guided help.
Based on these criteria, we not only determined which internet service providers our readers could trust but also the ways in which each vendor could best serve different business needs. Some services were better at certain tasks than others or more suited to a particular type of company. These takeaways informed the “Best for” use cases you see on this page.
To learn more about our methodology, see our full editorial process .
What type of internet connection is best for businesses?
The type of internet connection best for businesses will differ from business to business due to factors like bandwidth requirements, speed needs and locations. Not every speed or connection type is available in every area. That said, when you’re measuring speed against cost, a dedicated (non-shared) fiber connection is usually the best option for a business, particularly if you want the fastest possible upload and download speeds.
Will the advertised speeds be the same speeds I get?
No, the advertised speeds will not be the same speeds you get. Advertised download and upload speeds reflect speeds provided under perfect conditions, which are not realistic for most business users sharing a network in real time, often over a Wi-Fi connection. You should expect your actual speed, when tested, to be well below the advertised speed on your plan.
Are business internet plans secure?
Yes, business internet plans are generally secure. Many come with cybersecurity features; for example, AT&T’s dedicated internet and fiber business internet packages include 24/7 network monitoring, cyber threat analysis and protection via AT&T ActiveArmor. Comcast similarly offers SecurityEdge to protect your network from threats, while Spectrum gives its business customers licenses for F-Secure Desktop Security software. Some providers offer additional security measures as add-ons or sell extras like static IP addresses, which help with secure VPN connections.
What are the recommended speeds to obtain from your provider?
The recommended speeds to obtain from your provider are going to be unique to your business. Almost every company needs internet, but not all companies need the same internet speeds. The best speed for your business — whether that be 1 Mbps or 5 Gbps — will depend on the type of business you run, how you communicate with customers and how frequently, how often you download or upload large files, how many internet users you’ll have on any given day and whether your company will be dependent on fast speeds to optimize operations.
Do I need to get any type of hardware for my internet plan?
Yes, you will most likely need to get hardware for your internet plan. You’ll need a modem and router to connect to the internet, and any such equipment you may already have is unlikely to work (or work well) with your new business internet service. For satellite internet, you’ll also need a satellite dish. Fortunately, the best internet service providers allow you to buy or lease the necessary hardware from them. In some cases, you may be able to buy compatible equipment from third-party sellers.
What can the customer service from the internet provider do for me?
Customer service from your internet provider can include a range of services. The top service you should expect is robust technical support. From professional implementation assistance to technician-led troubleshooting, the best ISPs provide skilled experts who can install your internet connection and fix any issues that arise. You should also be able to access phone, email and live chat support, but hours of availability vary among companies and can be dictated by your plan. Most top companies, however, offer 24/7 support on all business package tiers, and you’ll likely receive priority service over residential customers.
In addition to connecting you with live technical help, customer service agents can also tackle questions about your account, billing, speeds and other topics. Internet service vendors also typically have a number of resources for self-guided help, such as online tutorials, troubleshooting tools, FAQs and knowledge bases. You may be surprised to learn that some internet providers also have educational resources on business topics. For example, Verizon’s website includes reports and webinars on customer loyalty, cybersecurity, inventory, team collaboration, social media strategies and more.
Which business internet provider has the best customer service?
While user-driven customer review sites like Trustpilot don’t break their ratings down into different categories (e.g., pricing, customer service, etc.) or separate ratings by product (e.g., cellular service, internet service, etc.), they do assign an overall score for many top companies. When it comes to business internet providers, Comcast has the highest TrustScore. Meanwhile, in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Business Internet Satisfaction Study , AT&T ranked highest among respondents in both the large and medium-size businesses categories, while Verizon ranked highest among small businesses of fewer than 20 people.
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Verizon offers various types of business internet options, such as Fios, 5G, LTE and Internet Dedicated, with different speeds, reliability and coverage. Check your address to see which service is available in your area and get affordable, reliable and secure internet for your business.
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