Better Practice Broadband Guide

Business broadband needs to be reliable, cheap and also fast - how can you get all three - we aim to show you below.

Tip 1.

Check whether the current broadband service provider you are using provides more up-to-date products. This can be a good approach to take if you have been with the same supplier for a long period of time, as they might now have better deals and faster services, what you need to do is asking them and finding out whether you qualify. But normally, you have to get a new contract so that you can get the lower cost or improved service. Before you can do this, ensure you are not in an area known as the 'notspot'. This is an area where the services will always be poor regardless of the terms of the contract.

Tip 2.

You will have the chance of switching to a faster service if you are in an area that I being served by 'local loop unbundled' operators (LLU). If you are on a faster service already, then it is a good idea to check if the router you are using supports this especially if you are not getting the speed that you could.

Tip 3.

You need to see if you are able to take advantage of 'bundle' deals because combining all the business broadband needs into a single provider can save you a lot of money if you compare broadband deals.

Tip 4.

Running speed tests at different times of the day by using the tools you have been given by the ISP is important. The least busy time should be early morning and you should get the fastest speeds. Using this measure will provide you with a good and objective basis of searching for a better deal.

Tip 5.

Ensure that you have the "ADSL faceplate filter" installed in the master socket.

Tip 6.

If you have connectivity issues coming up regularly, try switching off some of your electrical equipment and see whether they are causing the problems. Example, mains and motors cabling has been shown to have electrical noise or interference that can have an impact on the stability of your broadband. If you are able to detect a connection between the two, then you need to call an electrical engineer so that they can help you come up with long-term solutions.

Tip 7.

If your business still uses the IE6 browser, then you are missing on a lot of web features and controls. You should consider upgrading the browser you use by downloading free browsers like Firefox, IE8, Google Chrome, or Opera.

Tip 8.

You can reduce the bandwidth usage if you close down applications that automatically run in the background and you don't need or use them e.g. Skype, Spotify, RealPlayer, Streaming Video, etc. you should also consider limiting the access to broadband too- although it will not augur well with your staff, doing this will minimize the use during office hours because it limits downloads and streaming. This will ensure there is the efficiency of connection for tasks that are critical to the business.

Tip 9.

You should improve the signal of your Wi-Fi by choosing a business class wi-fi solution or you can also opt for additional structured cabling. Or you can just go with Ethernet cables.

Tip 10.

There are some businesses located in the rural areas joining with business nearby to spread the cost of installation of private fibre exchanges or developing shared wireless solutions that will help in improving the connection.