Having a reliable and efficient business WiFi connection is essential for success.
The alternative? Slow, cumbersome WiFi with slow download and upload speeds, drop-outs, and, ultimately, worsened productivity and employee disgruntlement!
However, with so many options available, choosing the best business broadband is a tricky endeavour.
Read on as we guide you through the key factors to consider when selecting the ideal WiFi solution for your business.
Evaluate Your Business Requirements
When you’re considering how best to roll out WiFi for your business, ask yourself the following questions:
- How many employees will be using the WiFi network?
- What types of devices will be connected (laptops, smartphones, tablets)?
- Do you require coverage across multiple floors or buildings?
- Will you be running bandwidth-intensive applications like video conferencing or cloud storage?
Now, let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the prime characteristics of quality business WiFi.
Prioritise Speed and Bandwidth
Unsurprisingly, one of the greatest factors in choosing the best broadband for business is speed.
Slow internet is extremely irritating but can also dent your business’s productivity.
One report found that a third of workers say poor WiFi affects their productivity, and another found that slow WiFi can cost weeks in productivity hours.
“If your business depends on WiFi to run, when your WiFi isn’t working, nor are your staff. This in turn has a knock-on effect which will hurt your customers’ ability to communicate with your business and dependent services – negatively impacting the customer experience,” – Reece Small, Head of Operations, Hive Communications
“From the operational perspective of your business, this affects productivity, and profitability and can potentially cause reputational damage.”
So, when evaluating WiFi providers, look for plans that offer high-speed connections with ample bandwidth to support your business’s needs.
Ensure Robust Security Measures
Securing your business WiFi is non-negotiable in the era of cyber threats and data breaches. When selecting a provider, look for advanced security features such as:
- WPA2/WPA3 encryption
- Firewalls
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
- Guest network segregation
These features will go lengths to protect your sensitive business data from unauthorised access and cyber-attacks.
Look for Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows, so will your WiFi needs.
When choosing a business broadband plan, look for providers that offer scalable solutions that can adapt to your changing requirements.
This could include easily upgrading your speed or bandwidth, adding new users, or expanding coverage to new locations.
Additionally, consider providers that offer flexible contract terms, so you’re not locked into a long-term commitment if your business needs change.
Evaluate Customer Support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Even the best business WiFi can experience issues from time to time. When problems arise, having access to prompt and effective customer support can make all the difference.
When evaluating providers, look for those that offer 24/7 technical support, preferably with multiple contact options (phone, email, live chat).
Also, pay attention to the provider’s Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which outline their commitments to uptime, response times, and resolution times.
A strong SLA can provide peace of mind and ensure that your business stays connected even during technical difficulties.
Choose Hive Communications for Your Business WiFi Needs
Hive Communications understands the importance of reliable and secure business WiFi.
Our team can help you choose the best business broadband, ensuring you select the right solution for your company’s unique needs.
We offer professional installation and ongoing support to keep your WiFi network running smoothly.
Contact Hive Communications today to discuss your WiFi requirements and bolster your wireless infrastructure.