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The 5 Best Business Internet Services for 2022

Profile photo of Caroline Goldstein

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

While researching business internet providers may not be the most exciting part of starting a business, it might be one of the most crucial: Whether you run a tech startup or a brick-and-mortar shop, it’s likely that you rely pretty heavily on a reliable internet connection to get the job done.

And for business owners, an unreliable internet connection isn’t merely a nuisance—it can spell the difference between optimal productivity and distracted, frustrated employees; or even a sale and a missed opportunity. Essentially, the best small business internet service should embody the adage “out of sight, out of mind.” If you don’t notice your internet acting up, then it’s doing its job perfectly.

But there are so many telecommunications companies out there, offering so many internet services and packages (and, naturally, all of them claim to be the best). So, we’ve made the process a little easier for you by picking out the five small business internet service providers you should consider first.

internet provider business plan

What to look for in a business internet service provider

Comparison shopping on business internet providers can seem daunting (or at least tedious). Here are some guidelines to get you started.

First, begin by checking whether the provider in question is actually available in your area—naturally, this will be the easiest way to weed out internet service providers at the top of your search.

Next, consider the number of employees you have, the number of devices that require internet connection, and the bandwidth necessary for the kind of activities you need to perform, whether that’s video conferencing, extra-large downloads, or simply web browsing. And if your company needs more than one solution from your provider—like phone, fax, cable, or web hosting services—then it might be most efficient to choose a bundle.

If your office only uses the internet mostly for emails and other simple functions, you can certainly get away with a provider’s lowest bandwidth tier. But if you’re running a company with many employees, or if you absolutely rely on the internet to conduct your business, opt for the fastest speed available. And if you’re debating between packages, consider springing for the speed just above what you think you need. When it comes to your internet connection—which, for many businesses, is essentially their lifeline—it’s better to make room in your budget for foolproof speeds, rather than contending with constant disruptions in your daily operations (and, eventually, paying for that faster speed anyway).

But before you sign any contract, make sure you thoroughly understand its terms. Pick out where additional fees, such as early cancellation or installation fees, might be hiding. Flexibility in your contract is key, too. If you’re a quickly growing company, for instance, look out for your plan’s policy on upgrading your services fee-free.

It’s also worth checking out user reviews on your provider’s customer service. These days, there’s little more frustrating than spotty internet service—and an unavailable or subpar support system to help you fix it.

With those guidelines in mind, you can dig deeper into all five of the following business internet service providers, tailoring your research to suit your business’s unique needs.

5 best business internet service providers

The following internet service providers aren’t listed in any particular order. But based on a few key factors—including geographical availability, service speeds, customer reviews, pricing, and contract flexibility—we’ve deemed these five companies worth looking into first.

Verizon Fios Business

Verizon has been ranked the highest in customer satisfaction for small and medium businesses from J.D. Power for six years running—just one reason why Verizon Fios makes the list of the best business internet service providers.

Verizon Fios Business offers five internet plans, with download speeds ranging from 75 mbps up to 940 mbps. Prices range from $64.99 per month for the first year, then $69.99 per the month for the second; up to $214.99 per month for the first year, then $224.99 per month for the second. Fees and equipment charges aren’t included in those prices, however.

All Verizon’s contract lengths are two years, with an early cancellation fee of 35% of the base monthly charges for the remainder of the term.

On the downside, Verizon Fios Business is only available in certain metro areas in nine states on the East Coast. But they also offer several phone and internet bundles, some with the additional incentive of a Visa Prepaid Card of up to $200.

Pro: Great customer service and reliable connection.

Con: Service is limited to a handful of states on East Coast.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Spectrum Business

Spectrum Business offers three download speeds: 200 mbps, 400 mbps, and 940 mbps, with bundles starting at an incredibly affordable $44.99 per month. Pricing for other download speeds isn’t readily available on their website, however. You’ll have to enter your business’s address to find out which offers are available, and at which prices, in your area.

Perhaps the best feature of Spectrum Business’s internet services is that they’re all contract-free. Instead of the standard one- or two-year contracts, Spectrum Business charges customers on a month-to-month basis. So if you’re growing quickly and anticipate needing to upgrade, there’s no need to worry about locking yourself into a multiple-year deal, and potentially encountering early-cancellation fees. Plus, Spectrum services are available in 41 states, including Hawaii.

Do be aware, however, that Spectrum Business customer reviews are less than stellar.

Pro: Affordable pricing and widely available.

Con: Mixed reviews on customer service.

Comcast Business

Servicing 39 states across the country, Comcast Business Internet stands out from the pack for offering one of the highest-speed services you’ll find with their 1 gig (1,000 mbps) plan. Other than this “Blazing Speed” plan, Comcast Business offers four business internet tiers ranging from 25 mbps to 300 mbps. And signing up for their Comcast Business Connection Pro feature means that if your connection goes out, you’ll be automatically connected to a 4G LTE wireless backup.

Pricing-wise, you’ll need to provide your business’s address to receive a quote. We were also unable to find contract details, but reviewers have stated that Comcast has two-year-long contracts, and their early termination fees are hefty. Also be aware that their highest-speed plan might not be available everywhere.

Pro: Super-fast download speeds.

Con: Large early cancellation fee.

Although Frontier offers the slowest internet speeds on this list—ranging from just 7 to 40 mbps—their bundle prices are some of the lowest you’re likely to find. And if you’re a sole proprietor, have only a few employees, or simply don’t rely too heavily on your internet service (if you run a brick-and-mortar store, for instance), Frontier’s lower speeds may actually be just right for you.

On the lower range, Frontier’s Business Max + Voice Service bundle gets you 7 mbps internet speed, free installation, a free WiFi router, and a business phone for just $49.98 a month for a two-year contract. Their highest-tier bundle, the Business Extreme + Voice, gets you the same add-ons as the Business Max + Voice, but with a 30 mbps internet speed.

Pro: Reasonably priced bundles.

Con: Low internet speeds.

ZenBusiness

LLC Formation

AT&T Business

AT&T offers a few business internet packages at varying speeds and price points. Business owners who want the highest possible speeds with the most advanced features can opt for one of their three Dedicated Internet Service packages, which offers customers internet speeds of up to 400 mbps.

Of course, you will need to pay for those super-fast speeds. Prices for AT&T’s Dedicated Internet Service packages range from $993 per month to $1,770 per month, and contracts range from 24 to 36 months. Keep in mind, though, that offer availability and pricing will vary depending on where you’re located.

But if you don’t want to shell out $1,000+ for your internet, AT&T does offer lower-priced options, too. Look into their AT&T Wireless Internet product; for either $60 or $100 per month, users get either 50 or 100 GB of data with a 4G LTE wireless device.

Pro: Super-fast internet speeds are available.

Con: High-speed plans can be pricey.

Which small business internet service is right for you?

First and foremost, the business internet provider that works best for your business is the provider that services your area—so always start your search by plugging in your business’s address. Keep in mind that providers’ offers and rates will vary according to your location, too.

On that note, it could be worth looking into regional business internet service providers in addition to the five marquee providers we mentioned here. It’s possible that they’ll offer internet speeds just as fast as the larger companies can, but at even better price points.

And if you’re wary about locking yourself into a years-long contract, make it a priority to find either a provider that offers a month-to-month contract, or that doesn’t incur punishing early termination fees. That way, your business can expand as much and as quickly as it possibly can—because the last thing you need to worry about is whether your internet connection can support your growth.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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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.

Mark Fairlie

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.

internet provider business plan

  • From $30 per month (wireless)
  • Dedicated, fiber and wireless
  • Max download speed 5 Gbps

internet provider business plan

  • From $49.99 per month (fiber)
  • Max download speed 1.25 Gbps

internet provider business plan

  • Fiber and wireless backup
  • Max download speed 1 Gbps

Viasat logo

  • From $50 per month
  • Satellite internet only
  • Max download speed 150 Mbps

internet provider business plan

  • 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

Our Top Picks for 2024
Rating (Out of 10)8.88.48.88.28.67.5
Use Case
Base Price
Contracts
Max Download Speed
Service Type
Customer Service
Add-ons
Fiber Data
Install Charge
Review Link
  • 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

Why AT&T Business is Best for Symmetrical Speeds

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 Internet Air for Business

AT&T has just introduced the Internet Air for Business, a new plug-and-play route for commercial customers. Source: AT&T Business

AT&T Business Pricing and Services

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.

300 Mbps speed $70
500 Mbps speed $100
Up to 1 Gbps $170
2 Gbps speed $185
5 Gbps speed $285

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.

AT&T Business Advantages

  • 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.

AT&T Business Disadvantages

  • 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.

AT&T Business Customer Reviews

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.”

Click here for our full AT&T Business review

  • 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

Why Comcast Business ISP is Best for Enterprise Businesses

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 bundles

Comcast Business ISP bundles in SecurityEdge, leading cybersecurity software with each of its business internet plans Source: Comcast Business ISP

Comcast Business ISP Pricing and Services

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.

300 Mbps $69 per month $80 per month
500 Mbps $90 per month $100 per month plus a $200 Visa® Prepaid Card
800 Mbps $120 per month $130 per month plus a $300 Visa® Prepaid Card
1.25 Gbps $160 per month $170 per month plus a $400 Visa® Prepaid Card

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.

Comcast Business ISP Advantages

  • 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.

Comcast Business ISP Disadvantages

  • 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 Customer Reviews

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

Why Spectrum Business is Best for Month-to-Month Contracts

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 ]

Woman having a video chat with multiple people

Spectrum’s internet speeds can support multiple simultaneous tasks including bandwidth-hungry tasks like video conferencing. Source: Spectrum Business

Spectrum Business Pricing and Services

Spectrum Business offers three speeds to clients on their internet service:

Up to 300 Mbps speed $49.99
Up to 600 Mbps speed $89.99
Up to 1 Gbps $164.99

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.

Spectrum Business Advantages

  • 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.

Spectrum Business Disadvantages

  • 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 Customer Review

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”.

Click here for our full Spectrum Business review

  • 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

Why Viasat is Best for Rural Businesses

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.

Viasat gateway

The Viasat WiFi Gateway support voice services and provides two ethernet ports for wired connections to devices Source: Viasat

Viasat Pricing and Services

Pricing, speed, and plan availability vary according to where you are. For the quotes below, we used a FL 34744 zip code:

50 Mbps
150 Mbps

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 Advantages

  • 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.

Viasat Disadvantages

  • 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.

Click here for our full Viasat review

  • 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

Why Verizon High-Speed Internet is Best for Wireless Services

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 routes

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

Verizon High-Speed Internet Pricing and Services

Pricing for Verizon’s 5G wireless service are as follows.

100 Mbps $69 per month
200 Mbps $99 per month
400 Mbps $199 per month

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.

10 Mbps $69 per month 25 GB 1 year
25 Mbps $99 per month 50 GB 2 years
50 Mbps $199 per month 150 GB 3 years

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.

200 Mbps $59 per month
500 Mbps $79 per month
1 Gbps $99 per month
2 Gbps $129 per month

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 High-Speed Internet Advantages

  • 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.

Verizon High-Speed Internet Disadvantages

  • 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 High-Speed Internet Customer Review

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.

Click here for our full Verizon High-Speed Internet review

Optimum logo

  • 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.

Why Optimum is Best for SMBs

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 internet store

Optimum have over 100 local stores across the areas they serve. Source: Optimum

Optimum Pricing and Services

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.

1 Gbps Optimum Business Secure Internet $349.95 1000 Mbps 50 Mbps
500 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet $244.95 500 Mbps 20-50 Mbps
400 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet (400 Mbps market) $244.95 400 Mbps 20 Mbps
300 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet $204.95 300 Mbps 20-50 Mbps
200 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet $204.95 ($154.95) 200 Mbps 20-35 Mbps
150 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet $244.95 150 Mbps 10 Mbps
100 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet ($204.95 in non-Gigabit Mbps) $154.95 100 Mbps 10 Mbps
50 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet ($210.90 in Internet Service markets at 5 Mbps upload speed) $154.95 50 Mbps 8 Mbps
30 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet $145.90 30 Mbps 3 Mbps
25 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet $104.95 25 Mbps 5 Mbps
20 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet $135.95 20 Mbps 2 Mbps
15 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet $85.95 15 Mbps 2 Mbps
6 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet $79.95 6 Mbps 768 kbps
3 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet $70.95 3 Mbps 512 kbps
1 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet $65.95 1 Mbps 384 kbps

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.

Optimum Advantages

  • 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.

Optimum Disadvantages

  • 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.

Internet Service Provider Pricing

Although pricing is structured differently for each provider, it is typically determined by a few factors. Because there are so many speed and service options, it is a good idea to talk with a service provider representative about your options so you have a thorough understanding of the plan, the exact speeds and features you will receive, and the costs of add-ons. Hidden costs can be detrimental, especially to a small business, and no business should be cost-burdened by the need to function 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. Your service provider representative can help you assess the benefit of bundling services such as phone and internet, which often helps to lower the overall costs.

Before you sign any contracts, it is important to note any cancellation fees, whether the provider offers a price lock to guarantee a solid rate, installation fees, and the costs to upgrade or add features to your plan. Ask yourself if the provider throws in free features because it values its customers or if the provider demands a fee for every change or addition to your plan.

Depending on the service provider you choose, starting costs typically range from $50 to $90 per month.

Internet Service Provider Features

Internet service involves more than the ability to get online. Here are some additional features you may want to consider when choosing a service provider.

Add-ons — such as wireless backup,  security tools  and guest Wi-Fi — can be extremely beneficial to a growing business with evolving needs, but they can be misleading. When you’re shopping for an internet service provider, it is important to assess the features included with a plan and the features that require an additional fee. If the price of a plan is low but your business needs an array of additional features, the fees to attain those features may not be affordable.

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. Other businesses with more complex needs may benefit from an internet service provider with plans that support things like large-scale data backup, wireless backup internet options and even television services (for businesses such as restaurants and bars).

Speed Capabilities

Because your business’s needs may change, it is important to  assess the internet speed  options that different ISPs provide, which range from low to extremely fast. 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.

One area 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 plans, while Verizon offers the same with nearly all of its dedicated and fiber plans.

AT&T ethernet

Connect devices close to a Wi-Fi router with an ethernet cable for a more stable connection. Source: AT&T

Provider Type

If your business operates in a nontraditional industry setting, like a remote location or strictly mobile, the  type of internet service 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 provider that specializes in wireless communication and uses 5G for high-speed internet connections.

Customer Service

Regardless of your business needs, your internet service provider should demonstrate quality customer service. Troubleshooting is an inevitable part of online business; the internet is never a sure thing, and technical difficulties are common. Providers with 24/7 business-class support can help your business get the assistance it needs in a timely manner so you can continue operating smoothly. Before you choose a provider, it is important to 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.

Comcast store

Like Optimum, Comcast operates a network of stores across America under the Xfinity brand. Source: Comcast

How to Choose an Internet Service Provider

When you’re  choosing a business internet service provider , it’s helpful to follow these steps:

1. Understand your specific business needs.

Before you research internet service providers, it is important to have a clear vision of your business needs. Clearly define your business’s size, how you use the internet most frequently, how your needs may change, where your business operates, the level of security you need and whether you need flexibility in your plan.

2. Identify the providers that work to accommodate businesses like yours.

After you assess your business needs, research different internet providers and compare their service plans. It can be useful to compare different plan tiers within one provider as well as similar plans from different providers. Note whether certain plans require add-ons for the service to function the way you need it to, which plans offer scalable options, and the comparative prices of each plan.

3. Talk with different providers to learn about their plans.

Speaking directly with a representative can help clarify the ISP’s ability to provide you with the service you need. Oftentimes, website information can be confusing, and representatives can help you assess which plan makes the most sense for your unique business needs. Speaking with a provider can also give you a better idea of how the company treats its customers.

If you don’t see free installation as part of a promotion when you make your purchase, call a representative to ask if you can have the installation fee waived.

4. Assess your plan options in the context of your present and future needs.

While a lower-tier plan may appear enticing because of its cheaper prices, a lot can change in a year. Because many internet service providers require customers to enter a two-year contract, it is wise to consider the future of your business. You may find it more sensible to purchase a plan with faster internet speeds or additional features. If the future is too uncertain, you may want to opt for a provider that offers a no-contract or month-by-month plan.

5. Choose a plan that is affordable and scalable.

After extensive consideration and research, the best-suited plan will be clear to you.

It’s essential to choose a plan that is affordable for your business, but it is also important to select a plan that can be scaled appropriately in the future. Before you make your final decision, make sure your provider has the capability to support your needs, the flexibility to grow and change along with your business, and the drive to continue providing the best internet connection feasible.

Benefits of Internet Service Providers

These are some of the many benefits of working with a top internet service provider:

  • Improves mobility:  Access to wireless communication is key to business success, as many teams need to communicate through mobile phones and tablets.
  • Increases remote access:  Wherever a business is, it needs high-speed broadband internet to function appropriately and efficiently.
  • Enables reliable communication:  Profitable business requires effective communication both internally and externally, as well as online, to function properly.
  • Offers professional support:  Internet service providers help your business troubleshoot quickly to allow your business to run smoothly.
  • Enhances brand reputability:  A powerful and reliable internet connection enables seamless communication that demonstrates the integrity of your business.

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. After narrowing our list down to 11, we chose six providers as our top recommendations. Our experts and analysts studied each service’s functionality and evaluated their 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. They 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 (20%): We tested the internet hardware and software 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 customer service options, including whether phone assistance was provided with all package tiers. We also examined each vendor’s online resources for businesses interested in self-guided help.
  • Expert Analysis (10%): Given that our technology experts know and understand internet services better than anyone, their personal insights from years of experience and hands-on testing were also considered when deciding our best picks.

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 .

Internet Service Provider FAQs

What is business internet.

If you run a business, you need internet service. Having business internet is a must for your employees and customers. While the technology and service providers may be the same for business and residential internet, business internet customers typically get priority customer service and network priority over residential customers. If the network is slow, businesses will be allocated better speeds. If the network goes down, businesses will enjoy a faster response time.

Will the advertised speeds be the same speeds I get?

No, advertised download and upload speeds are 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.

What type of internet connection is best for businesses?

When you’re measuring speed against cost, fiber is usually the best option for business. If you want the fastest possible upload and download speeds, a dedicated (non-shared) internet option is your best choice. However, in many cases, your location will dictate the types of service available. With limited options at your disposal, the fastest speed is usually the best speed for business applications.

What to Expect in 2024

While different internet service providers are tailored to specific types of businesses, they are still highly competitive. The best providers continuously work to improve their services by increasing the speed and strength of their internet connections and the breadth of their plans’ features. Choosing an internet provider with a commitment to improving its services can be pivotal, especially when many providers require their customers to enter a two-year contract.

Before choosing a provider, you may want to inquire about upcoming improvements. Some companies may not currently offer service in all the areas you need, but they might be expanding their reach to provide higher-quality, broader service in the near future. Many providers have committed to spending billions to expand their fiber networks across the country. Viasat is already available almost everywhere in the United States, and the company plans to be a global provider within the next two years after it adds more satellites. Other companies are continuously working to strengthen their dedicated, wireless and fiber-optic connections. The potential for improved access to high-speed internet service in the next few years may influence the success of businesses across all industries.

Integrations, partnerships and acquisitions are also important to consider. Spectrum’s recent partnership with RingCentral has significantly improved its mobile communication capabilities and allows businesses to more effectively operate with mobility. Online communication is complex, and providers that demonstrate their ability to integrate helpful technologies into their services should be recognized by business customers.

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Best Internet Providers for Business 2024

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  • 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

Up to 500MbpsFiber$129.00/mo.*

Up to 1,000MbpsFiber$160.00/mo.
Up to 1,000MbpsFiber$169.95/mo.
Up to 500MbpsCable$164.99/mo.
Up to 1,000Mbps
Cable, fiber$164.99/mo.
Up to 35MbpsSatellite$175.00/mo.

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

$69.00/mo.*200MbpsFiber

$129.00/mo. 500MbpsFiber

$249.00/mo. 940MbpsFiber

* 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

$60.00/mo.*50MbpsFiber
$75.00/mo. 300MbpsFiber
$115.00/mo. 500MbpsFiber
$160.00/mo. 1,000MbpsFiber
$225.00/mo. 2,000MbpsFiber
$395.00/mo. 5,000MbpsFiber

* 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

$64.95/mo.50MbpsFiber
$84.95/mo.100MbpsFiber
$104.95/mo.300MbpsFiber
$169.95/mo.1,000MbpsFiber
$234.95/mo.2,000MbpsFiber
$404.95/mo.5,000MbpsFiber

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

$49.99/mo. 50MbpsCable
$69.99/mo. 100MbpsCable
$79.99/mo. 250MbpsCable
$164.99/mo. 500MbpsCable
$234.99/mo. 750MbpsCable
$334.99/mo. 1,250MbpsCable

* 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

$39.99/mo.*
300Mbps
Cable, fiber
$79.99/mo.
600Mbps
Cable, fiber
$119.99/mo.
1,000Mbps
Cable, fiber

* $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

$175.00/mo.35MbpsSatellite

$300.00/mo.60MbpsSatellite

$500.00/mo.100MbpsSatellite

$50.00/mo.35MbpsSatellite

$80.00/mo.35MbpsSatellite

$100.00/mo.35MbpsSatellite

$150.00/mo.35MbpsSatellite

$400.00/mo.35MbpsSatellite

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.

Number of employeesRecommended speedBest for
1–215–25MbpsWeb browsing
Checking email
Sharing small files
2–525–50MbpsSharing large files
Video conferencing
Using point-of-sale software
5–1050–75MbpsRemote work and collaboration
Sharing large files
Backing up data
10–1275–100MbpsSharing large files
Backing up data
Web hosting
ecommerce
12–15100–150MbpsVideo conferencing
Streaming
Downloading and uploading files to cloud servers
15–20150–500MbpsDaily data backup to cloud servers
Web hosting
Multiple ecommerce sites
Number of employees1–2
Recommended speed15–25Mbps
Best forWeb browsing
Checking email
Sharing small files
Number of employees2–5
Recommended speed25–50Mbps
Best forSharing large files
Video conferencing
Using point-of-sale software
Number of employees5–10
Recommended speed50–75Mbps
Best forRemote work and collaboration
Sharing large files
Backing up data
Number of employees10–12
Recommended speed75–100Mbps
Best forSharing large files
Backing up data
Web hosting
ecommerce
Number of employees12–15
Recommended speed100–150Mbps
Best forVideo conferencing
Streaming
Downloading and uploading files to cloud servers
Number of employees15–20
Recommended speed150–500Mbps
Best forDaily data backup to cloud servers
Web hosting
Multiple ecommerce sites

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.

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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.

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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Home > Services > Internet

The 5 Best Fiber Internet Service Providers for Business of 2023

4.5 out of 5 stars

Data as of 12/9/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

*1-yr. price guarantee; $49 activation fee applies based on speed tier. Wireless Verizon Router is available for $399.99 purchase and $18/mo rental (except in Maryland, where the wireless Fios Router is available for $299.99 purchase and $15/mo rental). Wireless router models and prices are subject to change.

**12-mo.agmt for Internet req'd. Early term fee may apply †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 ‡Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection. Prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply

Bill Frost

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 best fiber internet providers for business

200–940 Mbps

Unlimited

$69.00*

50–1,000 Mbps

Unlimited

$50.00**

100 Mbps–1 GbpsUnlimited$69.95*

500 Mbps–2 Gbps

N/A

$54.99†

140–940 Mbps

Unlimited

$65.00‡

Data as of 12/9/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. * 1-yr. price guarantee; $49 activation fee applies based on speed tier. Wireless Verizon Router is available for $399.99 purchase and $18/mo rental (except in Maryland, where the wireless Fios Router is available for $299.99 purchase and $15/mo rental). Wireless router models and prices are subject to change.

Fiber cable technology transmits data as pulses of light, not electricity, at high frequencies capable of handling large capacities through hair-thin glass or plastic strands with far less electromagnetic interference. They’re also scalable, meaning they can sustain the future speed and capacity growth of the internet itself; copper lines can’t and won’t. Matching the fiber transmission of the internet with a like-designed “last mile” bridge to your residence or office is literally the fastest internet service connection currently possible (ruling out mind-to-mind telekinesis, sci-fi enthusiasts).

Best overall service: Verizon Fios Business

Verizon Fios Business internet is a verified powerhouse that’s built to grow, with reliable customer support to back it up.

Another big advantage of fiber internet that we haven’t yet mentioned is symmetrical download and upload speeds—meaning, if you’re downloading at 100 Mbps, you’re uploading at nearly or exactly 100 Mbps. If your business’s internet needs stop at web-surfing and emailing, this is no big deal. However, if you’re spending hours transferring large files or enduring choppy video conferencing, you’ll be wondering where this glorious symmetry has been all of your life.

Not only are the upload and download speeds for Verizon Fios fiber internet 100% guaranteed, but its upload speeds have also tested even faster by a few points (with the exception of the 940 Mbps plan, which rates “only” 880 Mbps for uploads). For a business moving heavy amounts of data, running cloud-based applications, and accommodating bandwidth for a dozen or more employees, Verizon would be a workhorse; for a smaller shop looking to grow, it might be worth the extra bucks for business continuity as you scale.

Verizon services come with a two-year contract, but you can opt for a no-contract plan if you want to date Verizon before making that big commitment for an extra $5–$15 per month (depending on your plan).

There is, however, a minor downside to Verizon Fios Business internet: it’s not the cheapest service out there. But its above-average customer service reputation and reasonable bundling packages are tempting incentives to pry open the company wallet.

Verizon Fios business internet plans

$69.00

200 Mbps

200 Mbps

$129.00

500 Mbps

500 Mbps

$249.00

940 Mbps

880 Mbps

Data as of 12/9/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. * 1-yr. price guarantee +1 VoIP line for $25/mo. w/ 2-yr agmt. Plus taxes, fees & equip. charges

**New York customers may experience faster speeds than shown.

The not-so-minor downside to Verizon: its Fios service is currently available in only 21 states in the northeastern part of the country—you’re out of luck, flyover-staters and West-Coasters. Verizon is expanding its fiber-optic network, but at the moment, you’ll want to confirm its availability before you set your sights on this provider. But if your business is in the (geographical) position to get it, we recommend you get it. This quick, quality service is tough to beat, even if it costs a little more.

Best for small shops: AT&T Business

With fiber internet, the deciding factors will ultimately come down to pricing and service, and AT&T Business offers some attractive (small) plans.

Data as of 12/9/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. **12-mo.agmt for Internet req'd. Early term fee may apply

Now for the disadvantage of fiber internet: it’s not available everywhere. The rollout of new fiber-optic infrastructures is expensive and slow; depending on where you’re located, you could be waiting a while for the sweet speeds we’ve been dangling in front of you here (sorry).

Fortunately, some companies are filling in the regional fiber network gaps. Whereas Verizon is concentrated in the Northeast, AT&T Business covers the Midwest and the Southeast, as well as a good chunk of the West Coast. Also, some of AT&T’s business plans are slightly less pricey than Verizon’s, and its customer service ratings top even our number one pick, Verizon. 1

For small shops, AT&T’s Business Internet 100 plan (speeds up to 100 Mbps) works well for web usage, sharing files, and allowing Wi-Fi access for employees and customers at $65 a month, and the more substantial Business Internet 300 plan (300 Mbps) offers five times the speed and capacity for just $95. If your business is growing quickly, AT&T’s Business Internet 1000 tier (1,000 Mbps, or 1 Gbps) can handle as many web-active employees and fat files as you can throw at it for $160 a month. Of course, if you don't have a lot of business internet needs, you can settle with the Business Internet 50 plan with speeds at 50 Mbps for $50 a month. 

Best customer service: Comcast Business

Starting price (per month) $69.95*

As with its home high-speed services, Comcast’s business reach is wide, with a fiber infrastructure that spans 39 states.

Data as of 12/9/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *w/ 2-yr. agreement. Regional prices may vary. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed.

Comcast Business offers a promising, fast alternative—and it’s likely to be available in your area. No, not the residential cable company—that’s Xfinity . . . which used to be Comcast, hence some confusion. The coaxial-cable residential TV and internet side of Comcast was split off as Xfinity in 2010; today, Comcast Business is a cable and fiber internet service for professionals. 

Granted, fiber is not widely offered. It is only offered in 39 states. If you’re located outside of a fiber coverage area we’ve mentioned so far, Comcast Business high-speed cable internet is probably nearby—but this doesn’t mean you’d be “stuck with” an inferior service. To the contrary, Comcast’s customer service ratings are nearly as impressive as Verizon’s (remember, this is the business side; Comcast’s legendarily negative consumer ratings stem from its residential side, now branded as Xfinity).

Comcast also guarantees that their internet connectivity will be up and running 99.998% of the time, a reassuring stat for any small business that depends on reliable internet service.

Offers and services that further strengthen Comcast’s “built for business” case: free installation; a 30-day, money-back guarantee trial period; 24/7 local support; no data caps or throttling; and included Wi-Fi services to cover both employees and customers. In the minus column, there’s a $200 early termination fee should you decide to bail on Comcast Business’s two-year contract, and their packages aren’t exactly priced competitively.

Best budget deal: Frontier Business

Frontier’s contracts are relatively short at 12 months and speeds start at 500 Mbps.

Data as of 4/20/23. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. †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

If it seems like we keep coming back to fiber availability, it’s because we keep coming back to fiber availability. Aside from pricing and customer-service ratings, fiber availability is the biggest differentiating factor between these metro ethernet ISPs. That's good news on at least one front for Frontier FiberOptic business internet: It’s among the most inexpensive.

Unfortunately, Frontier’s fiber plans aren’t as widely available as the other providers profiled here, as its residential fiber plans are limited to portions of California, Florida, Indiana, and Texas with plans rolling out in 15 states.

On the plus side, you can add Frontier Internet Backup to your plan—for an additional fee—to keep your business online even during outages.

Frontier Business’ reasonable Fiber 500M plan starts at $54.99 per month, and the plan just above that, Fiber Gig Internet Service, comes in at $89.99 a month. Topping out the plan chain is Frontier's Fiber 2 Gig Internet Service at $129.99 per month. Frustratingly, not every one of them is available even within Frontier’s own service areas.

Wherever you are, you’ll want to research business.frontier.com closely.

Frontier's phone and TV combos aren’t quite as attractively priced as other ISP’s bundles. Also, the company’s 24/7 tech support promise is outweighed by dismal across-the-board customer satisfaction ratings that make Comcast look like the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Frontier Business internet is definitely a mixed bag, which can be expected of a growing company, but its lowball pricing on symmetrical fiber internet speeds should be enough to make any small business take notice. Just proceed with caution.

Best full-service fiber: CenturyLink Fiber

If you’re in its fiber coverage area, CenturyLink Business offers plenty of speed, stability, and services—though we’d be more impressed if it were as transparent in its pricing as some of its fiber competitors.

Data as of 12/9/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. ‡Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection. Prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply

The much-hyped nationwide expansion of Google Fiber may have ground to a quiet halt in 2017, but the threat of competition did at least motivate legacy telecom giants to move up their own fiber timelines. Most notably, CenturyLink has run fiber lines into Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah—areas other fiber internet providers haven’t thoroughly covered yet.

CenturyLink Business fiber plans come in gigabit-size plans with symmetrical upload and download speeds. Prices start at $65 per month, but you’ll have to call to a) see if the package is available in your area and b) find out how much it actually costs in your business’s zip code. On that front, CenturyLink doesn’t exactly make things easy for a business owner who just wants to browse internet options.

What CenturyLink Business does disclose about its fiber plans, however, is worth a look. CenturyLink’s fiber-optic plan doesn’t require you to sign a contract, and it comes fully loaded with Wi-Fi features. And if you want to add VoIP (voice over internet protocol) phone service, CenturyLink will set up an interface that works with your existing analog phone system or install a SIP (session initiation protocol) trunk to integrate all of your office’s digital data needs.

Some businesses may also want to check out CenturyLink’s residential offerings: information on CenturyLink home fiber internet plans is readily available and comes with surprising “price for life” monthly bills (at least at this point in its promotional cycle). CenturyLink Business fiber plans likely don’t come with a “forever” rate, but the company could be more forthcoming so we didn’t have to take our best guess.

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The takeaway: Verizon Fios is a business beast—if you can get it

The speed, price, and customer satisfaction that comes with Verizon Fios Business is a persuasive combo for small businesses—any in its eastern service area, that is.

While Verizon is our top pick, it’s not everywhere. But there are at least a couple of viable fiber alternatives across the country, even though the potentially market-transforming fiber singularity of full continental coverage is still a few years away.

Related content

  • Best Satellite Internet Providers for Rural Businesses: Viasat vs. HughesNet
  • Find Business Internet Providers Near You
  • Residential vs. Business Internet: Is Business Internet the Better Route?
  • Spectrum Business Internet Review 2023: Compare Pricing and Plan Options

Fiber provider FAQ

Not sure of the best numbers for your business? Here’s what to know.

  • 15–50 Mbps: 1 or 2 employees, basic web browsing and email
  • 50–75 Mbps: Up to 5 employees, large-file transfers and point-of-sale transactions
  • 75–150 Mbps: Up to 7 employees, video calls and data backups
  • 150–500 Mbps: 10 or more employees, website hosting and heavy Wi-Fi traffic
  • 500 Mbps–1 Gpbs: All of the employees, all of the above, and then some

We break this down into more detail in our business internet speeds guide.

In most cases, your business is going to need phone service—sometimes TV as well. Bundling these with your gigabit internet service can simplify the billing process and cut down on costs. Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, and Frontier all offer internet, phone, and TV bundles—some better than others.

If customers will be spending any idle time at your business (waiting room, restaurant, bar, etc.), TV service is almost a must. Likewise, some businesses can’t get by without a phone line, even in 2018. However, if your operation is the smallest definition of “small business” (you and maybe one other person) conducting transactions strictly online, don’t bother with a bundle, no matter how cheap they come.

When will fiber arrive in your area? The short answer: “Eventually.” The real answer: “Not soon enough.” Fiber-optic lines are the future, but they still have to navigate the local politics of infrastructure and the provider’s realities of cost—they’re expensive to build out and demand has to be there (which it is, and there's more every year).

If you’re currently running, or starting up, a small business and fiber internet isn’t yet available in your neighborhood, look into coaxial cable or DSL broadband internet , and avoid signing any lengthy contracts. Some high-speed connections are fast and stable enough to sustain a small business, but you don’t want to be locked into it when fiber internet does finally arrive.

Methodology

We analyzed each brand's uptime, speed performance, customer service quality, value for the money, user-friendliness, and small-business appeal, among other factors.

At Business.org, our research is meant to offer general product and service recommendations. We don't guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services.

1. J.D. Power, “ U.S. Business Wireline Satisfaction Study 2019, ” July 11, 2019. Accessed December 9, 2022.

Bill Frost

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Disclaimer: The information featured in this article is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase.

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Home » Internet Service

Best Internet Providers for Business

AT&T Business Internet is our favorite, but there are a lot of great options

Brianne Sandorf

You know what’s even more frustrating than finding home internet? Finding business internet!

The internet you choose for your business affects its efficiency, expansion, and bottom line. So which service to choose?

We're here to help you figure that out with five excellent recommendations for various business internet needs.

Guide to business internet:

  • What to look for
  • AT&T Business: Best overall
  • Spectrum Business: Best extras
  • Comcast Business: Most options
  • Frontier Business: Best high-speed internet
  • CenturyLink Business: Lowest cost

Methodology

AT&T Business$75-$285300-5000 MbpsFiber
Spectrum Business$64.99-$164.99300-1000 MbpsCable
Comcast Business$49.99-$349.9950-1250 MbpsCable
Frontier Business$69.99-$129.99500-2000 MbpsDSL/Fiber
Centurylink Business$55-$75100-940 MbpsDSL/Fiber

What to look for in business internet

There's a marked difference between residential and business internet. With residential internet, you only need to cater to you and your family's needs. With business internet, you'll consider the business' and its employees' needs.

Here’s what to look for when picking an internet service for your business.

  • Reliability
  • Availability
  • Scalability

Price is always crucial, but it's even more important to a business. The right price balances on the edge of a knife. Spend too much, and you'll cut into your profits. Spend too little, and you may not get the speedy and reliable connection you need to make your business successful.

You also probably want faster speeds for business internet than at home. You know that gig internet service we always say you don't need in your house? Well, you may want it for your business, primarily if you work in a media-rich field. Remember that your service's actual speeds may not align with its promised speeds, so it's good to buy on the high end of your acceptable speed range.

When choosing a connection speed, you want to account for every work device on the premises, but you may also need to consider Wi-Fi needs for employees’ and visitors’ personal devices. In some cases, you may want to set up a separate, slower guest Wi-Fi for personal use.

You also want an internet connection you can rely on during business hours. In most cases, a fiber or cable internet connection is the most reliable option.

Your chosen internet service also needs to be available where you live. Not every service provider is present in every area—especially fiber providers . If you live in a densely populated area with many homes and businesses, like New York, you're more likely to have access to fiber internet. If you live in a rural area, you're unlikely to have access to fiber and may need to see if you can find some satellite or fixed wireless options for business.

Finally, think about scalability, otherwise known as “Can this internet connection grow with my company as it expands?” If the answer is no, you’ll be fine if you’re okay with switching providers in the future. But if you want a longstanding partnership, you need a service that can handle your business’s projected growth.

The difference between business and residential internet is in the plans. Residential internet is usually slower than business internet because fewer people and devices typically connect to it.

You can get business internet at home, which is great if you run an at-home business, but it's unlikely that you can get residential internet at an office. And why would you want to? Fast business internet, especially fast fiber business internet, may be the key to success.

Either way, if you’re self-employed or work from home, you may be able to claim your internet as a business expense.

AT&T Business Internet: Best overall

An AT&T Business Internet fiber plan is an all-around excellent option for your growing business. AT&T’s fiber internet is superfast (going up to 5Gbps) and even has symmetrical speeds and unlimited data with some plans. It also ranks first in the American Consumer Satisfaction Index for 2022 .

AT&T Business Internet runs more expensive than its competitors (at least initially). The cheapest plan starts at $75 for 300Mbps. But with the most expensive plan, you get roughly 16 times the speed at three times the price—an increased value for sure.

AT&T’s business plans use a reliable fiber connection, and the speed goes up to 5,000Mbps. That’s unheard of in a home internet connection and eye-popping even in the business sector. And what’s more, you’ll get unlimited data and symmetrical speed with those five gigs, meaning the upload speed will equal the download speed. You’ll both send and receive high-res media files with ease.

Business Fiber 300$75/mo.Up to300 Mbps15–20 devices
Business Fiber 500$115/mo.Up to500 Mbps20–50 devices
Business Fiber 1000$160/mo.Up to1000 Mbps50–100 devices
Business Fiber 2000$185/mo.Up to2000 Mbps100+ devices
Business Fiber 5000$285/mo.Up to5000 Mbps100+ devices

As the ACSI score suggests, AT&T fiber internet gets excellent customer satisfaction, so you'll likely be delighted with your service.

Spectrum Business Internet: Best extras

Spectrum is a solid internet provider we often recommend, and Spectrum Business Internet ups the ante by providing a free domain name, customer email addresses, and internet modem with your plan. That's practically everything you need to start a business! Plus, you can find Spectrum internet in 42 states, so you likely live in a service area.

We do want to point out that Spectrum's plans are substantially more expensive from the get-go than other providers' (and they only go up after 12 months). Instead of thinking of the domain name, emails, and modem as free, it may help to think of the extra cost as paying for those features.

But if that’s still too pricey for you, you may be able to get discounts by bundling the business internet with another Spectrum service—business phone lines, perhaps?

All of Spectrum's plans are high speed , reaching the princely pace of a whole gig. However, Spectrum projects that you can connect fewer employee devices than AT&T. These estimates seem low even with Spectrum's cable connection versus AT&T's fiber. The 300 and 600Mbps plans may go much further than Spectrum says. But if you want to avoid that gamble, select Spectrum internet service only if you have a small business.

300 Mbps$64.99/mo.Up to300 MbpsUp to 5 devices
600 Mbps$114.99/mo.Up to600 MbpsUp to 20 devices
1 Gig$164.99/mo.Up to1000 Mbps20+ devices

Spectrum’s customer service needs a little work, according to the ACSI. The service scored just 64 out of 100. That's low, even for internet providers, which traditionally score beneath other industries.

Comcast Business Internet: Most options

Whether you have a small business or a medium-sized one, Comcast Business Internet has an option for you. Depending on your needs, you can get as few as 50Mbps or as many as 1.25Gbps.

Comcast’s biggest strength is its variety. The wide range of plan speeds gives you great scalability for your business to grow. It’s also available almost everywhere in the United States, making it a viable option for nearly everyone.

Unfortunately, Comcast changes its prices depending on its service area, so we can't guarantee exact costs. But for reference, we've included one of the service's price ranges. You can see that these prices get quite expensive (over $300!), so in some areas, Comcast definitely won't be the best value.

Also, Comcast Business Internet is a cable service, so you may not see as reliable of service as you would get with fiber plans. Still, your connection should be stable.

Comcast Business Internet Essential$49.99/mo.Up to50 Mbps4 devices
Comcast Business Internet Standard$89.99/mo.Up to100 Mbps7 devices
Comcast Business Internet Performance$119.99/mo.Up to250 Mbps12 devices
Comcast Business Internet Advanced$159.99/mo.Up to500 Mbps15 devices
Comcast Business Internet Premium$249.99/mo.Up to750 Mbps15+ devices
Comcast Business Internet Gigabit Extra$349.99/mo.Up to1250 Mbps17+ devices

Surprisingly, Comcast, which is legendary for its terrible customer service, doesn’t rank that low with the ACSI. Its score of 68 ranks it above some of the other brands we recommend.

Frontier: Best high-speed internet

Ka-chow! No, it’s not Lightning McQueen that’s going so fast—it’s Frontier Business Internet. After AT&T, our overall pick, Frontier is your best bet for speedy connections.

Frontier's speeds start at 500Mbps, the fastest starting point of our recommended services, and go up to 2,000Mbps. The starting price is a little high ($65), but the value of the plans gets progressively better, especially considering that you get a fiber connection. Also, a router comes with each plan, so factor that into the cost.

Frontier doesn't predict how many devices can connect to each plan without overloading the Wi-Fi, but our speed guide will help you figure it out.

Sadly, Frontier is only available in some states, so your opportunities to sign up for the service are limited. This won't be a problem for, as an example, New Yorkers or Utahns—but Montanans will miss out.

Frontier Business Fiber 500$69.99/mo.Up to500 Mbps
Frontier Business Fiber 1 Gig$94.99Up to1000 Mbps
Frontier Business Fiber 2 Gig$129.99/mo.Up to2000 Mbps

The ACSI gives Frontier fiber a 74, which puts it on the higher end for internet customer service but the lower end for fiber satisfaction. So, though you'll get fast service through Frontier, your interactions with the company may need improvement.

CenturyLink Business Internet: Lowest cost

You'll spend less money with CenturyLink as your business internet service provider. CenturyLink offers 940Mbps and symmetrical speeds for $75 a month, which is quite a steal compared to other Wi-Fi providers. And with no contact, you can save money if needed by canceling (for free!) anytime.

Of course, you want more than just cheap internet; you also want reliable internet. For its cheaper plan, CenturyLink uses DSL, a less reliable option. But the provider also has a business fiber plan, which we recommend in most cases, depending on your business needs.

Also, good news: CenturyLink is fairly ubiquitous, so chances are it’s available in your area as a business internet provider.

Like Frontier, CenturyLink doesn’t offer guesstimates of how many devices can use each plan, but the Business Fiber plan should offer exponentially more connections than the other.

Simply Unlimited Business Internet$55.00/mo.Up to 100 Mbps
Business Fiber$75/mo.Up to940 Mbps

CenturyLink gets a 78 in customer satisfaction for its fiber service (coming second after AT&T), while its DSL gets 62 (between Frontier and Spectrum). Looks like you'll be pleased with Business Fiber, but maybe not so much with Simply Unlimited Business Internet.

Recap: Best internet providers for business

  • AT&T Business Internet: When it comes to overall value, AT&T Business Internet is our pick. The speediness, symmetrical speeds, data cap elimination, and customer service reputation make it our top choice—and costly.
  • Spectrum Business: The Spectrum Business Internet fiber service comes with a free domain, email addresses, and modem. However, Spectrum customer satisfaction could be higher.
  • Comcast Business: Comcast Business Internet offers six different plans, giving you plenty of options to address your business’s needs over the years. It’s also rather expensive, especially when you get to the higher speeds.
  • Frontier Business: Things get real speedy with Frontier Business Internet, which goes up to 2,000Mbps. But the service may not be available in your area.
  • CenturyLink Business: CenturyLink Business Internet offers 940Mbps fiber for $75, which is fantastic. The cheaper plan isn't as good a deal, though, so if you don't get the fiber, you should skip this one.

We make sure to consider a bunch of different factors when we recommend an internet service provider, such as:

  • Customer service score

Price and speed are the two things most customers weigh heavily when choosing a service. After all, you want something you can afford but that works well, right?

But that’s not all there is to consider. You also want to know if a service is available in your area. That’s why we either discuss a service’s availability or provide you with a zip check test like the one below.

And finally, we account for the ACSI customer service score, online reviews, current news, and our personal experiences to determine what kind of customer experience you’ll get with each service.

Brianne Sandorf

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How to Start a Profitable Internet Provider Business [11 Steps]

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 05, 2024

image of a internet  provider business

Business Steps:

1. perform market analysis., 2. draft a internet provider business plan., 3. develop a internet provider brand., 4. formalize your business registration., 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for internet provider., 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for internet provider services., 8. acquire internet provider equipment and supplies., 9. obtain business insurance for internet provider, if required., 10. begin marketing your internet provider services., 11. expand your internet provider business..

Starting an Internet provider business requires a comprehensive understanding of the existing market. A thorough market analysis will help identify opportunities, understand competitive dynamics, and gauge customer demand. Consider the following steps to effectively analyze your market:

  • Research the current broadband penetration rates in your target region, including the types of connections available (fiber, cable, DSL, satellite) and their respective speeds.
  • Analyze the competitive landscape by identifying existing Internet service providers (ISPs), their pricing structures, service packages, and market shares.
  • Understand the regulatory environment, including any requirements for service provision, licensing, and the use of public infrastructure.
  • Survey potential customers to determine their satisfaction with current options, desired service improvements, and willingness to switch providers.
  • Assess the technological advancements and infrastructure investments necessary to provide a competitive and reliable service.
  • Examine potential partnerships with local businesses, governments, or non-profits that could facilitate market entry or expansion.

image of a internet  provider business

Are internet provider businesses profitable?

Yes, internet provider businesses can be and are profitable. Different internet providers vary in their profitability. Factors such as the number and type of services they offer, the size of their customer base, and the location of their business can all affect their profitability.

Starting an Internet provider business requires in-depth planning to ensure success in a competitive market. A well-crafted business plan is crucial for defining your business goals, strategies, and understanding your financial projections. Below are the key points to address in your business plan draft:

  • Executive Summary: Concisely outline your business concept, the services you plan to offer, and your unique selling proposition.
  • Market Analysis: Research and document the demand for Internet services in your target area, including demographics, competition, and potential market share.
  • Service Offerings: Detail the types of Internet services you will provide, such as high-speed residential broadband, business connections, or specialized packages.
  • Operational Plan: Describe the infrastructure required to provide services, including hardware, network setup, and customer support systems.
  • Marketing Strategy: Define how you will attract and retain customers, including pricing, promotions, and partnerships.
  • Financial Projections: Provide realistic revenue forecasts, startup costs, operating expenses, and profitability analysis.
  • Risk Assessment: Identify potential challenges and risks, and outline strategies to mitigate them.
  • Management Team: Introduce the team members, their roles, and their expertise in the telecommunications industry.

How does a internet provider business make money?

Internet service providers make money by charging customers for services such as broadband internet access and other online services. Providers may also charge businesses for leased lines for wide area networking services, or for domain name registration. Additionally, some internet providers may generate revenue from advertisements on their websites. As an example, a target audience for an air duct cleaning business would be property owners, especially those living in hot climates or with pets since these environments create the most amount of dust and allergens in the air ducts.

Developing a brand for your internet provider is crucial in distinguishing your services in a competitive market. It involves creating a strong, memorable identity that resonates with your target audience and communicates the values and benefits of your company.

  • Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Understand what makes your service unique and valuable to customers. This could be your speed, reliability, customer service, or innovative features.
  • Create a Memorable Name and Logo: Choose a name that is easy to remember, and design a logo that is visually appealing and reflects your brand's personality.
  • Define Your Brand Personality: Decide on the tone and character of your brand. Is it professional and reliable, friendly and approachable, or cutting-edge and innovative?
  • Establish a Brand Message: Craft a clear and compelling message that encapsulates what you offer and why it matters to your customers.
  • Design Consistent Branding Materials: Ensure that all your marketing materials, from your website to your business cards, reflect your brand identity consistently.

How to come up with a name for your internet provider business?

Coming up with a name for an internet service provider business is an important task. It should be creative and memorable, while also accurately conveying what the business offers. Brainstorming is a great way to get started; come up with some words that reflect the mission of your company, and then experiment with various combinations of those words until you have something suitable. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the name you choose is available as an online domain, so you should look into registering it once you have settled on a name. Ultimately, choosing a strong and unique name is essential for any successful brand.

image of ZenBusiness logo

Formalizing your business registration is a crucial step in establishing a legitimate internet provider company. It involves legal processes to ensure your business complies with all regulations and is recognized by the government. Here's how to navigate this stage:

  • Choose a business structure that suits your needs, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation, and register it with your state's Secretary of State or business agency.
  • Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes, especially if you plan to hire employees.
  • Apply for any necessary business licenses and permits specific to telecommunications companies from local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Register for state and local taxes to ensure you are in compliance with sales, use, and income tax requirements.
  • Consider trademarking your business name and logo to protect your brand and ensure it is not used without permission.

Resources to help get you started:

Starting an internet provider business requires strict adherence to legal guidelines, which include obtaining various licenses and permits. These are crucial for operating within the law, ensuring the legitimacy of your business, and avoiding any legal complications. Below is a guide that outlines the essential licenses and permits you may need to acquire:

  • FCC License: Apply for a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) if your services involve broadcasting or using satellite, microwave, or other radio frequencies.
  • ISP Business License: Secure a general business license from your local city or county government, which is a basic requirement for operating any business.
  • Telecommunications Service Provider License: Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need a specific telecommunications service provider license, particularly if you're offering VoIP services.
  • Right-of-Way Permits: Obtain right-of-way permits if you need to install infrastructure like cables or antennas on public property.
  • Building and Zoning Permits: If you're constructing a physical office or data center, make sure to acquire the necessary building and zoning permits from your local authorities.
  • State-Specific Permits: Some states have additional requirements, so it’s crucial to check with your state's Public Utilities Commission or similar regulatory body.

What licenses and permits are needed to run a internet provider business?

Depending on the specific business operations, several licenses and permits may be required to run an internet provider business. Common licenses and permits may include a business license, a sales tax permit, and any necessary special licenses from local or state authorities. Additionally, it may be necessary to obtain appropriate zoning permits for any locations where physical operations are conducted. Finally, for customers in certain industries (e.g., health care or finance), additional special certifications or permits may be needed.

Once you've laid the groundwork for your internet provider business, Step 6 involves setting up a business bank account, which separates your personal finances from your company's finances and adds a layer of professionalism. Additionally, you'll need to secure funding to cover startup costs, equipment, and operational expenses. Follow these actionable steps to get your financial infrastructure in place:

  • Research various banks and credit unions to find one that offers business banking services with favorable terms, such as low fees, online banking, and good customer support.
  • Prepare the necessary documents to open a business bank account, typically including your business registration papers, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and personal identification.
  • Explore funding options available to you, such as small business loans, lines of credit, venture capital, angel investors, or government grants specifically for telecommunications businesses.
  • Create a solid business plan with financial projections to present to potential investors or lenders, showing them the viability and profitability of your internet provider business.
  • Consider crowdfunding platforms if traditional funding routes are not suitable or if you want to tap into the support of a community excited about your service.

Setting the right price for your internet provider services is a critical step in launching your business. It requires a balance between being competitive in the market and ensuring your business is profitable. Consider the following factors as you determine your pricing strategy:

  • Cost-plus pricing: Calculate your total cost of providing the service, including infrastructure, support, and overhead, then add a markup to ensure profitability.
  • Value-based pricing: Set prices based on the perceived value to the customer rather than solely on your costs. This approach can allow for higher prices if customers believe they are receiving superior service.
  • Competitive analysis: Research what competitors are charging for similar services to ensure your prices are in line with the market. You may choose to match, undercut, or exceed these prices based on your market positioning.
  • Promotional discounts: Consider introductory offers to attract new customers, but ensure they are sustainable and don't devalue your services in the long term.
  • Bundle services: Offer packages that combine various services, which can provide better value to customers and increase your average revenue per user.
  • Scalability: Create pricing tiers based on service levels, such as speed or bandwidth limits, to cater to different customer needs and maximize revenue opportunities.

What does it cost to start a internet provider business?

Initiating a internet provider business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $290000 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your internet provider business.

To establish a successful internet provider business, acquiring the right equipment and supplies is crucial. This step ensures you have the necessary hardware and software to deliver reliable internet services to your customers. Consider the following points to guide you through this process:

  • Research and purchase network infrastructure components such as routers, switches, modems, and servers, ensuring they are scalable and can handle the expected customer load.
  • Choose a billing and management system that can automate customer sign-ups, provisioning, and payment processing.
  • Obtain installation tools and supplies such as cabling, connectors, and mounting hardware for setting up customer premises equipment (CPE).
  • Consider the acquisition of fiber-optic cables or wireless transmission equipment if you are planning to offer fiber or wireless services, respectively.
  • Ensure you have a stock of customer equipment, like Wi-Fi routers or modems, to provide or sell to your clients during the installation process.
  • Invest in backup power solutions like generators or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to maintain service stability during power outages.

List of software, tools and supplies needed to start a internet provider business:

  • High Speed Internet Connection (Price Range: $50 - $200 per month)
  • Computer with High-End Processor (Price Range: $800 - $4,000)
  • Router (Price Range: $50 - $500)
  • Modem (Price Range:$20 - $100)
  • Website Hosting Service (Price Range: Varies by Service)
  • Firewall Protection Software (Price Range: Free to Several Hundred dollars)
  • Anti-virus Protection Software (Price Range: Free to Several Hundred dollars)
  • Data Backup Storage Device or Cloud Storage Solution (Price Range: Varies by Service)
  • Technical Support/Content Service Agreement with Other Internet Providers (Price Range: Varies by Contract/Agreement)
  • Media Server for Streaming Services and File Sharing (Price Range: Varies by Configuration and Selected Services)

When starting an internet provider business, one key step is ensuring you have the appropriate business insurance to protect your operations, assets, and liabilities. Insurance can safeguard against unexpected events, mitigate risks, and provide peace of mind as you focus on growing your business. Here are some types of insurance to consider:

  • General Liability Insurance: Protects against claims related to bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury that your business may cause.
  • Professional Liability Insurance: Also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, it covers claims of negligence or inadequate work.
  • Property Insurance: Covers damage to your physical assets, such as offices, data centers, and equipment, due to events like fire or theft.
  • Cyber Liability Insurance: Essential for an internet provider, it protects against data breaches and other cyber threats.
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, which is mandatory in most states.
  • Business Interruption Insurance: Compensates for lost income and expenses during an unexpected shutdown of business operations.

Consult with an insurance broker who understands the telecom industry to tailor a policy that fits your specific needs and complies with legal requirements.

Now that your internet provider business is set up, it's time to attract customers and build your brand. Effective marketing strategies will help you reach potential customers and communicate the benefits of your services. Here are some key steps to kickstart your marketing efforts:

  • Develop a strong brand identity including a memorable logo, color scheme, and a catchy slogan that reflects the quality and reliability of your services.
  • Create a professional website that showcases your internet plans, pricing, and unique selling propositions. Ensure it's optimized for search engines (SEO) to improve visibility.
  • Utilize social media platforms to engage with the community, share promotions, and provide customer support. Regular updates can keep your audience informed and interested.
  • Offer introductory promotions or discounts to new customers to encourage sign-ups and spread the word through referrals.
  • Partner with local businesses and community organizations for cross-promotions, which can expand your reach within the community.
  • Invest in targeted online advertising such as pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns to drive traffic to your website and generate leads.
  • Engage in content marketing by creating informative blog posts, videos, and infographics that help educate your potential customers about internet technology and your services.

Once your internet provider business has established a solid foundation and a loyal customer base, it's time to consider expansion. Growth can be approached in various ways, each with its own set of benefits and challenges. Here are some strategies to help you scale your business effectively:

  • Invest in Infrastructure: Upgrade your network infrastructure to support more users and provide higher speeds. This may involve laying down more fiber optics or upgrading existing hardware.
  • Widen Service Area: Expand your services to neighboring areas. Research untapped markets and consider partnerships with local businesses for referrals.
  • Introduce New Services: Offer additional services such as VoIP, IPTV, or bundled packages to attract different customer segments and increase revenue streams.
  • Improve Customer Service: As you grow, maintain high-quality customer service to keep satisfaction levels high. This can lead to word-of-mouth referrals which are invaluable for expansion.
  • Marketing and Promotion: Launch targeted marketing campaigns to reach new customers. Consider online advertising, community events, and special promotions to raise awareness.
  • Partnership and Collaboration: Form strategic alliances with other businesses to offer combined services or to enter new markets more easily.

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Internet Company Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

internet cafe business plan

Internet Company Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their internet companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating an internet business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write an internet business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is an Internet Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your internet business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for an Internet Provider

If you’re looking to start an internet business or grow your existing internet company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your internet business to improve your chances of success. Your internet business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Internet Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an internet business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for internet companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for an internet business.

If you want to start an internet business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your internet business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of internet business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an internet business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of internet businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

  • Give a brief overview of the internet industry.
  • Discuss the type of internet business you are operating.
  • Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
  • Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
  • Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of internet business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of internet businesses:

  • WISP (wireless internet service provider): This type of internet business is often used to provide internet service to meet basic household needs in rural communities.
  • Wholesale internet provider: This type of internet business involves buying white label internet lines from large internet service providers (ISPs) such as AT&T or Frontier to then rebrand and resell to end-users.
  • Fiber broadband internet provider: This type of internet business specializes in providing service through fiber optic cables. Many customers prefer fiber over other types of internet because it is faster and supports heavy use.
  • Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): This type of internet provider connects users to the internet through a phone line. A significant portion of the U.S. population has access to this type of service.
  • Satellite internet provider: This type of internet business provides internet service via satellite and, although it is slower and less reliable than other types, it is often the only option for customers in very rural areas.

In addition to explaining the type of internet business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

  • When and why did you start the business?
  • What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, the number of geographical locations served, and reaching $X amount in revenue, etc.
  • Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the internet industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the internet industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your internet business plan:

  • How big is the internet industry (in dollars)?
  • Is the market declining or increasing?
  • Who are the key competitors in the market?
  • Who are the key suppliers in the market?
  • What trends are affecting the industry?
  • What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
  • What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your internet business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your internet business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of internet business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other internet businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes other types of internet service providers and large corporations that provide internet service such as AT&T or T-Mobile. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

  • What types of customers do they serve?
  • What type of internet business are they?
  • What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
  • What are they good at?
  • What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

  • Will you make it easier for customer to acquire your product or service?
  • Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
  • Will you provide better customer service?
  • Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a internet business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of internet company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide cable, satellite, or fiber internet?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your internet company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your internet business located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone office, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your internet marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

  • Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
  • Reach out to websites
  • Distribute flyers
  • Engage in email marketing
  • Advertise on social media platforms
  • Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your internet business, including answering calls, planning marketing and sales campaigns, billing customers and collecting payments, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to acquire your Xth customer, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your internet business to a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your internet business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing internet businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing an internet business or successfully running a small WISP.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you use a three-tiered subscription model, and will you offer a free month to new subscribers? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your internet business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a internet business:

  • Cost of equipment and office supplies
  • Payroll or salaries paid to staff
  • Business insurance
  • Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or testimonials from happy customers.   Summary Writing a business plan for your internet business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the business plan outline above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the internet industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful internet business.

  OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.

Click here to see how a Growthink business planning consultant can create your business plan for you.   Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

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  1. How to Write a Business Plan for Internet Business (with Pictures)

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  3. Internet Service Provider Business Plan Example

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