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Updated Jul 19, 2024

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
Written By: Mark FairlieSenior Analyst & Expert on Business Ownership
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A business.com editor verified this analysis to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy, expertise and integrity.
Chad Brooks
Managing Editor & Expert on Business Ownership
Business.com earns commissions from some listed providers. Editorial Guidelines.

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.

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AT&T Business
Best for Symmetrical Speeds
Image related to the service.
Visit Site
Links to AT&T Business
  • From $30 per month (wireless)
  • Dedicated, fiber and wireless
  • Max download speed 5 Gbps
Comcast Business ISP
Best for Enterprise Businesses
Image related to the service.
Visit Site
Links to Comcast Business ISP
  • From $49.99 per month (fiber)
  • Dedicated, fiber and wireless
  • Max download speed 1.25 Gbps
Spectrum Business
Best for Month-to-Month Contracts
Image related to the service.
Visit Site
Links to Spectrum Business
  • From $49.99 per month (fiber)
  • Fiber and wireless backup
  • Max download speed 1 Gbps
Viasat
Best for Rural Businesses
Viasat logo
Visit Site
Links to Viasat
  • From $50 per month
  • Satellite internet only
  • Max download speed 150 Mbps
Verizon High-Speed Internet
Best for Wireless Services
Image related to the service.
  • From $59 per month (fiber)
  • Dedicated, fiber and wireless
  • Max download speed 2 Gbps
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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.

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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,...

MoreMore

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.

24

evaluated

11

researched

6

chosen

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.

24

evaluated

11

researched

6

chosen

Compare Our Best Picks

BDC Ribbon
Our Top Picks for 2024
AT&T Business
Comcast Business ISP
Spectrum Business
Verizon High-Speed Internet
Optimum
Rating (Out of 10)8.88.48.88.28.67.5
Use Case

Symmetrical speeds

Enterprise Businesses

Month-to-month contracts

Rural Businesses

Wireless Service

SMBs

Base Price

$40 per month (fiber), $30 per month (wireless)

$49.99 per month

$49.99 per month

$50 per month

$59 per month (fiber), $69 per month (wireless)

$65 per month

Contracts

Varies by service

2-year commitment for most plans

No annual commitment

Month-to-month service

Varies by service

No contract required

Max Download Speed

5 Gbps

1.25 Gbps

1 Gbps

150 Mbps (satellite)

2 Gbps

1 Gbps

Service Type

Dedicated, fiber and wireless

Dedicated, fiber and wireless

Fiber and wireless backup

Satellite

Dedicated, fiber and wireless

Fiber and wireless

Customer Service

24/7

24/7

24/7

7 days a week

24/7

24/7

Add-ons

Wireless backup, voice and security

Wireless backup, guest WiFi and security

Wireless backup, business WiFi and security

Backup internet

Wireless backup, security, video conferencing and voice

VOIP telephony, business trunking, hosted voice

Fiber Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited with soft data caps (satellite)

Unlimited

Unlimited

Install Charge

Free (online orders only)

Included in subscription

Included in subscription

Varies by location

Free in certain circumstances

Free (online orders only)

Review Link
Scroll Table

Reviews

Editor's Rating: 8.8/10
Visit Site
Links to AT&T Business

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

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.

SpeedPrice
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’s symmetrical upload and download speeds are much faster than their competition and offer a 99.9% uptime guarantee.
  • For smaller businesses reliant on the internet but not requiring speeds of up to 5 Gbps, the vendor offers a range of fiber plans starting from a low $70 per month.
  • For businesses not in a fiber zone, AT&T Business’s 5G and LTE services offer a high allocation of priority data on the higher plan.
  • Although there is wide 5G and LTE coverage, fiber optic broadband may not have reached your area yet.
  • AT&T Business plans are often more expensive than similar services offered by competitors.
  • Heavy data users on the 5G and LTE plans may experience slower service during periods of high demand.

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.”

Editor's Rating: 8.4/10
Visit Site
Links to Comcast Business ISP

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 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.

SpeedSpeed + Security Offer PriceSpeed + Phone + Security Offer Price
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.

  • Enterprise businesses benefit from Comcast’s high-speed internet capacity and extensive national and international infrastructure and thanks to its position as a leading global telecom company.
  • Businesses handling sensitive personal and financial data access the network’s advanced cybersecurity features on all plans.
  • Comcast offers robust internet backup service to clients in the rare event that their main network suffers an outage or interruption.
  • Although 1.25 Gbps will be enough for most businesses, the maximum speed on Comcast is significantly slower than the fastest speed AT&T Business offers.
  • Plans requiring less than a two-year commitment are available, however you will likely pay a premium for this.
  • The maximum upload speed on the Comcast network is 35 Mbps, which may be far too slow for some businesses.

Comcast Business ISP generally scores well in online customer reviews although some clients have expressed concern about internet speeds in parts of the country and their customer service team. Overall however, the company scores 3.9 out of 5 on Gartner with an impressive 63% of reviewers recommending the service. Reviewers on Featured Customer rate the service as 4.7 out of 5.

Click here for our full Comcast Business ISP review.

Editor's Rating: 8.8/10
Visit Site
Links to Spectrum Business

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 offers three speeds to clients on their internet service:

SpeedPrice
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.

  • In addition to their standard 12-month contracts, Spectrum also offers month-to-month options for companies wanting greater flexibility.
  • Spectrum’s partnership with RingCentral means that you can make calls, send messages, transfer videos and transfer files from your cell phone.
  • The company’s 1 Gbps is great value. Although not the cheapest on the market, it is up to 30 percent less than many of its main competitors.
  • While the month-to-month deals are a welcome option, you have to contact the company to find out how much they cost.
  • This vendor’s upload speeds are capped at 35 Mbps, which may not be fast enough for some types of businesses.
  • The Advanced Wi-Fi box costs an extra $10 per month. Bundling the box as part of the subscription charges would have been better for customers.

Spectrum Business does not fare as well in online reviews as some of the competitors we feature on this page. They score 3.6 out of 5 on G2 despite the fact that 76% of clients rate the service as 4 or 5. While some customers have expressed concerns on service team availability, others comment that the internet service is “fast and efficient, and hardly produces any lag or buffering”.

Viasat logo
Editor's Rating: 8.2/10
Visit Site
Links to Viasat

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

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

SpeedService FeesSpeeds Provided with Plans
50 Mbps
  • $49.99 per month
  • $1.23 Admin Fee
  • $15 Lease Fee
  • 92 Mbps download
  • 4 Mbps upload
  • 642 ms latency
  • 50 GB data
150 Mbps
  • $159.99 per month
  • $1.23 Admin Fee
  • $15 Lease Fee
  • 123 Mbps download
  • 5 Mbps upload
  • 636 ms latency
  • Unlimited data

There are other fees to consider too in this Florida location, again which may vary according to where you are located and may not apply to you. This includes an installation fee of $500 as well as an activation fee for the same amount, which the company may discount partly or fully. There is also an early termination fee of $20 per month for each month remaining in the contract.

  • Viasat brings high speed internet services now to parts of the country that will not be connected to fiber internet services for years to come, if ever.
  • Persistent IPs allow employees to securely connect to company networks and resources without frequent interruptions or the need to reconfigure settings.
  • Most plans now offer unlimited data meaning that internet costs are predictable from month to month.
  • Upload speeds are very slow compared to cable, wireless and fiber broadband, maxing out at 5 Mbps on Viasat.
  • Viasat, like all satellite providers, struggles with latency issues meaning real-time applications like video conferencing can experience delays.
  • Some users reported a prolonged loss of service during adverse weather conditions.
Editor's Rating: 8.6/10

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

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

SpeedService Fees
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.

SpeedService FeesPremium network accessPrice guarantee
10 Mbps$69 per month25 GB1 year
25 Mbps$99 per month50 GB2 years
50 Mbps$199 per month150 GB3 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.

SpeedService FeesSpeeds Provided with Plans
200 Mbps$59 per month
  • 1-year price guarantee
  • Save $20 per month for one Business Digital Voice line
500 Mbps$79 per month
  • 2-year price guarantee
  • 30-day money-back guarantee on 2-year term
  • $100 Visa® Prepaid Card when you switch
1 Gbps$99 per month
  • 3-year price guarantee
  • No activation fee
  • Router rental fee included
  • Save $20 per month for one Business Digital Voice line
  • $200 Visa® Prepaid Card when you switch
2 Gbps$129 per month
  • 5-year price guarantee
  • No activation fee
  • Router rental fee included
  • Save $20 per month for one Business Digital Voice line
  • $200 Visa® Prepaid Card when you switch

Monthly charges are subject to taxes, fees and equipment charges. All plans offer unlimited data and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you sign up for two years.

You’ll need to contact Verizon directly to inquire about the dedicated line service.

  • Verizon offers high-speed broadband across a variety of different business types including fiber, 5G and LTE, providing customers with impressive coverage across the U.S.
  • For smaller businesses on the move, the discount on business lines for making calls and sending and receiving messages offers real savings.
  • If your business needs extremely fast upload speeds, the performance of Verizon’s FIOS fiber broadband service is superior compared to most of its competitors.
  • Although quicker than many fiber networks, Verizon has a much lower top speed than AT&T Business.
  • While the price guarantees on plans are welcome, it is unclear when you sign up just how much your subscription will rise once the guarantee elapses.
  • You may be charged a router rental fee on lower speed fiber connections, adding further to the cost.

Verizon receives a generally favorable reception from its customers, scoring 4.2 out of 5 across over 450 reviews on Best Company. The company receives praise for the quality of its connection and customer services team.

Optimum logo
Editor's Rating: 7.5/10

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 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.

ProductPriceDownload SpeedUpload Speed
1 Gbps Optimum Business Secure Internet$349.951000 Mbps50 Mbps
500 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet$244.95500 Mbps20-50 Mbps
400 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet (400 Mbps market)$244.95400 Mbps20 Mbps
300 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet$204.95300 Mbps20-50 Mbps
200 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet$204.95 ($154.95)200 Mbps20-35 Mbps
150 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet$244.95150 Mbps10 Mbps
100 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet ($204.95 in non-Gigabit Mbps)$154.95100 Mbps10 Mbps
50 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet ($210.90 in Internet Service markets at 5 Mbps upload speed)$154.9550 Mbps8 Mbps
30 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet$145.9030 Mbps3 Mbps
25 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet$104.9525 Mbps5 Mbps
20 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet$135.9520 Mbps2 Mbps
15 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet$85.9515 Mbps2 Mbps
6 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet$79.956 Mbps768 kbps
3 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet$70.953 Mbps512 kbps
1 Mbps Optimum Business Secure Internet$65.951 Mbps384 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.

  • For companies not wanting to enter into a long term contract for internet provision, Optimum offers a very flexible, easy-come-easy-go approach.
  • There are over 100 retail outlets that can provide support to customers in addition to the 24/7 phone and email support.
  • Optimum supplies customers with robust cybersecurity protection, blocking access to malicious sites and preventing DDoS attacks.
  • Compared to other providers, Optimum is very expensive with 1 Gbps plans costing more than twice as much as some other providers.
  • Upload speeds on most plans compare poorly to other competitors outside the company’s Gigabit market area.
  • The company appears to be in the middle of a reputational crisis with high volumes of poor reviews from users.

What Is Business Internet?

Business internet is a type of internet service provided by an internet service provider (ISP) that’s specifically designed for use in business and commercial settings, as opposed to residential ones. At its most basic, the concept is the same — the internet is how you log onto the World Wide Web, power smart devices and conduct any number of internet-driven tasks. But compared to residential internet, business internet is usually faster and more reliable. Also, business internet plans are likely to offer features the average personal user doesn’t need, such as backup routers and priority connections.

Almost every business needs internet service. Without it, companies would be unable to operate essential business software, such as cloud-based POS systems and business phone systems. Across industries, most businesses require internet service to conduct everyday operations in both their customer-facing “front office” and the “back office” where administrative tasks are completed. For example, a car dealership needs internet to run a credit check on a would-be lessee, a coffee shop’s self-order kiosks need internet to operate, and healthcare organizations need internet to use modern medical software. Any of these companies may also want to offer their customers Wi-Fi access.

It’s rare today to have a business that doesn’t require internet service of some kind. Even a street vendor who only operates at festivals and fairs would need to connect their mobile POS system to the internet to process sales. While this wouldn’t require a traditional business internet setup, they’d still need their smartphone to connect to reliable internet.

How Much Would a Business Internet Plan Cost?

How much a business internet plan costs depends on several factors, including the type of internet (such as cable or fiber), your business’s location, your desired speeds and uses, and the package you choose. Among the top providers we investigated, starting prices ranged from $30 to $69 per month, while the fastest plans cost anywhere from $160 per month to more than $300.

It can be challenging to compare costs across vendors because they typically structure their pricing differently from one another. Plus, because there are so many speed and service options offered within a single ISP, it’s a good idea to talk with a service provider representative about the available packages so you have a thorough understanding of the best plan for your needs, the exact speeds and features you will receive, and the costs of add-ons. Hidden costs can be detrimental, especially to a smaller business, and no business should be cost-burdened by the need to operate their business online. Upstanding internet service providers will be candid and explicit about their prices.

Although month-to-month plans may appear less intimidating, the monthly costs are often higher than the costs associated with a two-year contract. You may also be able to lock in your rate and not have to worry about price hikes with a longer contract. Additionally, your vendor representative can help you assess the benefit of bundling services such as phone and internet, which often helps lower the overall costs.

Before you sign any contracts, it’s essential to note cancellation fees, whether the company offers a price lock to guarantee your rate for the duration of your agreement, installation fees, and the costs to upgrade or add features to your plan. See if the provider throws in free features because it values its customers or if they demand a fee for every change or addition to your plan.

FYIDid you know
Be sure to factor in the costs of any add-on services you need, such as equipment rentals, wireless backup, advanced security and guest Wi-Fi.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Business Internet Plan?

Verizon mobile support

Among the many reasons businesses need reliable business internet is to communicate with customers. Source: Verizon

These are some of the many benefits of getting a business internet plan from one of the top internet service providers.

  • Enables reliable communication and software use: Business operations require internet-powered communication tools and business software to function properly. Business internet plans provide the mechanisms and speeds necessary to efficiently conduct everyday business.
  • Improves mobility: Access to wireless internet is increasingly key to business success, as many teams today need to communicate through mobile phones and tablets. The best ISPs can support your wireless communication needs.
  • Increases remote access: Wherever a business is located, it needs high-speed broadband internet to function appropriately and efficiently. For that, they need to partner with a reliable ISP.
  • Offers professional support: The best internet service providers help your team troubleshoot quickly to allow your business to run smoothly and with minimal internet interruption. In fact, ISPs usually prioritize restorations and speeds for business clients.
  • Enhances brand reputation: A powerful and reliable internet connection enables seamless customer communication that demonstrates the integrity of your business. Customers also tend to look more favorably upon establishments that offer them free Wi-Fi access.

How to Choose a Business Internet Provider

One of the first things to do when choosing a business internet provider is to consider all the ways in which your business relies on internet service or will. With this information, you can determine what kind of bandwidth you need, and then you can assess your needs for any extra services or add-ons. From there, you’ll want to use guides like this one to research which ISPs offer packages that meet your needs and then confirm the service is available in your area.

Of course, there are several other factors you should weigh before choosing a business internet plan. Business.com spoke with business owners and leaders to learn what they prioritized when signing up with a business internet provider.

Infrastructure

Victor Santoro, CEO of Profit Leap, wanted a high-speed, stable connection, leading him to choose fiber internet.

“With fiber connectivity, our team spends less time troubleshooting connectivity and more time innovating,” he told us. “For fellow CEOs, the right technology infrastructure empowers your business to reach its full potential. Do your homework, understand your needs and find tools to build on.”

At Lush Life Brands, CEO Natasha Williams required “flexibility and mobility,” so she chose a wireless solution.

“Since we host two major events and several smaller ones throughout the year, having a reliable internet service that we can take with us is crucial,” she said. “With over 1,000 attendees at these events, everyone is trying to connect to Wi-Fi, so having a dedicated service specifically for our vendors is essential. This allows them to stream content, process payments and manage other important tasks seamlessly.”

Speed & Reliability

For The Rohg Agency founder Josh Cremer, “dependability and speed” were his biggest concerns. “We couldn’t afford downtime or lagging service with daily client work,” he said. Cremer ultimately chose a package with “reliable, fast internet allowing seamless collaboration across our global team.”

Robert Hill of Bullmight named “reliability and speed” as his “top priorities,” explaining, “Our digital marketing campaigns require fast upload and download speeds, especially when collaborating with clients via video conference.”

Costs & Contracts

When debating your costs and contract lengths, Santoro recommended considering future internet technology needs and your long-term budget. “Advanced systems cost more upfront but prevent replacement costs down the road,” he said, further noting, “If starting over, I would have negotiated a longer contract term to lock in rates.”

Hill also regretted not locking in rates with a longer contract. The lesson? “Don’t assume a short-term deal is more flexible; for most businesses, internet service is a necessity, not a luxury. Lock in the best rates for as long as possible.”

Scalability & Customization

Just because your business requires a certain internet speed now doesn’t mean that speed will always be the right one for your business. Many ISPs offer a large number of plans of varying speeds, allowing businesses to downgrade or upgrade their speeds as necessary, depending on their contract.

With this in mind, Cremer said, “Don’t just consider current needs. Think long-term and choose a provider able to scale with your business … I wish I’d anticipated how much internet needs can change. I’d suggest choosing a provider offering scalable, customizable options as your business grows.”

“For startups and SMBs, I recommend choosing a provider known for reliability and scalability over initial cost savings,” said Altraco co-owner Albert Brenner. “Transitioning providers is time-consuming and risky, so choose a partner ready to support your growth for the long haul.”

Brenner further shared, “My advice is to evaluate providers based on your specific business needs and future goals to find a customized solution rather than settling for a generic one-size-fits-all plan.”

Williams similarly advised, “Look for a company that listens and hears you; that understands your needs and provides you with options that best serve your needs versus trying to close the deal.”

What Are Features to Look for in a Business Internet Provider?

The features to look for in a business internet provider may vary depending on your specific needs, but generally, you should pay attention to the following.

Fast Speeds

First and foremost, it’s important to assess the internet speed options different ISPs provide, which range from low to extremely fast. One specific aspect to pay close attention to is the download and upload speeds. If you see only one speed listed, usually in Mbps or Gbps, it’s likely the download speed. AT&T is one of the few providers to offer symmetrical upload and download speeds with all dedicated and fiber-optic internet plans, while Verizon offers the same with nearly all of its dedicated and fiber plans.

If your business is expanding, expecting to move locations or changing its customer interaction levels, the option to upgrade or purchase a higher-speed plan can be a key to success.

Did You Know?Did you know
While many ISPs offer business customers unlimited data, businesses that cross monthly data thresholds will experience slower internet speeds.

Varied Plan Options

While some internet service providers offer just a few service plans, others feature a large variety of plans with numerous unique features and categories. Depending on your business’s needs, a few plan options with set pricing and features may suffice. However, companies with more complex needs may benefit from an internet service provider with packages that support things like large-scale data backup, wireless backup internet options and even television services (for businesses such as restaurants and doctor’s offices).

Location-Based & Industry-Specific Coverage

If your business operates in a nontraditional industry setting, like a remote location or strictly mobile, the type of internet service and provider you choose can change the way your business operates online. Rural businesses may opt for a satellite-based provider or a provider with strong backup capabilities in the case of an internet outage. Businesses that rely heavily on mobile communications may opt for a vendor that specializes in wireless communication and uses 5G for high-speed internet connections.

FYIDid you know
Satellite internet providers often cover areas where DSL and cables can’t reach.

Add-On Services

Add-ons — such as wireless backup, security tools and guest Wi-Fi — can be extremely beneficial to a growing business with evolving needs, but their inclusion in your package and your advertised costs can be misleading. When you’re shopping for an internet service provider, it’s critical to assess the features included with a plan and the add-on services that require an additional fee. If the price of a plan is low but your business needs an array of additional features, the total cost to attain those features may not be affordable. [Read related article: The Cost of Cybersecurity and How to Budget for It]

Robust Customer Support

Comcast store

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

Your internet service provider should promise — and deliver — quality customer service. Troubleshooting is an inevitable part of online operations; the internet is never a sure thing, and technical difficulties are common. Providers with 24/7 business-class support can help your company get the assistance it needs in a timely manner so you can continue operating smoothly. Before you choose a provider, it’s vital to look into each vendor’s customer support resources and ensure you will have the help you need to set up your service and handle any technical problems that arise. Most of the providers we’ve reviewed offer 24/7 customer support and uptimes above 99 percent.

How Do I Install Wi-Fi & Internet Within My Business?

AT&T ethernet cable

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

How you install internet at your business will depend on the type of internet service you purchase. However, almost all instances involve setting up an installation appointment in which the vendor will send a technician to your place of business to implement the service you chose. In certain cases, you may be able to self-install. Regardless, the length of time required will vary, though most installations take a few hours. For satellite internet, particularly in rural areas, your implementation can take several days.

For wireless service, the installation process involves setting up your modem, wireless router and Ethernet cable. Depending on the size of your premises, you may also need to set up a Wi-Fi repeater or extender to ensure strong service reaches all the relevant areas of your property. Your professional technician can help determine the right radio band and wireless protocols to ensure the best service for your location and use cases. [Find out more about setting up business Wi-Fi.]

For cable or fiber internet, the technician will take care of the required outside wiring, which usually involves in-ground cables and a telephone pole, along with a modem, a router and other equipment. Essentially, the wires send signals to the modem, which connects to the router to power your internet service.

For satellite internet, the technician will set up a satellite dish in an unobstructed outdoor position (commonly on a roof). Your ISP sends signals to a satellite orbiting the Earth, which in turn sends data to your dish. The dish then sends the signal to your modem, which ultimately provides the internet connection.

For 5G internet, the service depends on 5G towers and cellular networks. High-frequency waves are sent from the tower to your 5G modem or router, which then provides the internet connection either via an Ethernet cable or wirelessly. An Ethernet cord will provide more stability.

In all instances, once the physical work is complete, your service technician can walk you through establishing your networks, connecting your computers and other devices, and setting up cybersecurity measures.

TipBottom line
You may want to set up a hotspot to provide Wi-Fi for your customers or if you have mobile internet needs.

Methodology

To determine the best internet service providers on the market, our team of technology experts and software analysts evaluated an initial list of 24 vendors. We narrowed the list to 11 after considering the types of internet services and speeds offered by each provider and whether they were the ideal connections and bandwidths for business environments across the country.

In choosing six ISPs as our top recommendations, we studied each service’s download and upload speeds, hardware options, regional availability and installation process. We questioned providers about their plans and bundled services, and we experimented with setup, troubleshooting and customer support resources. We also read through user reviews, looking for testimonials that highlighted each vendor’s strengths and weaknesses to see how real-life customer experiences aligned with our own.

In the end, our experts and analysts studied each service’s functionality and evaluated the vendor’s internet products on more than 20 factors. These factors were weighted differently in our overall conclusion. The weights were determined based on how much business owners prioritize these criteria when shopping for business software and services and making purchasing decisions.

  • Pricing (30%): Our experts and analysts compared and contrasted each vendor’s plans, judging which packages offered the best bang for your buck. We took into account monthly versus annual contracts, installation fees, service bundle options, price locks, cancellation fees, and how costs varied across internet type and speed.
  • Features (25%): We looked for standard internet service functions like fast download and upload speeds, wireless backups and cybersecurity protection. We also assessed the available integrations and awarded extra points for advanced services, like fiber connections and symmetrical download/upload speeds.
  • Ease of Use (25%): We tested the internet hardware and online tools ourselves, gauging each service’s learning curve, user-friendliness and customization options. We also considered whether there were easy-to-use guest Wi-Fi capabilities, mobile access and seamless connectivity for computers, tablets, phones and televisions.
  • Customer Service (15%): We evaluated the range of each vendor’s customer service options, including whether phone assistance was provided with all package tiers. We also examined each ISP’s online resources for businesses interested in self-guided help.

Based on these criteria, we not only determined which internet service providers our readers could trust but also the ways in which each vendor could best serve different business needs. Some services were better at certain tasks than others or more suited to a particular type of company. These takeaways informed the “Best for” use cases you see on this page.

To learn more about our methodology, see our full editorial process.

FAQs

The type of internet connection best for businesses will differ from business to business due to factors like bandwidth requirements, speed needs and locations. Not every speed or connection type is available in every area. That said, when you’re measuring speed against cost, a dedicated (non-shared) fiber connection is usually the best option for a business, particularly if you want the fastest possible upload and download speeds.

No, the advertised speeds will not be the same speeds you get. Advertised download and upload speeds reflect speeds provided under perfect conditions, which are not realistic for most business users sharing a network in real time, often over a Wi-Fi connection. You should expect your actual speed, when tested, to be well below the advertised speed on your plan.

Yes, business internet plans are generally secure. Many come with cybersecurity features; for example, AT&T’s dedicated internet and fiber business internet packages include 24/7 network monitoring, cyber threat analysis and protection via AT&T ActiveArmor. Comcast similarly offers SecurityEdge to protect your network from threats, while Spectrum gives its business customers licenses for F-Secure Desktop Security software. Some providers offer additional security measures as add-ons or sell extras like static IP addresses, which help with secure VPN connections.

The recommended speeds to obtain from your provider are going to be unique to your business. Almost every company needs internet, but not all companies need the same internet speeds. The best speed for your business — whether that be 1 Mbps or 5 Gbps — will depend on the type of business you run, how you communicate with customers and how frequently, how often you download or upload large files, how many internet users you’ll have on any given day and whether your company will be dependent on fast speeds to optimize operations.

Yes, you will most likely need to get hardware for your internet plan. You’ll need a modem and router to connect to the internet, and any such equipment you may already have is unlikely to work (or work well) with your new business internet service. For satellite internet, you’ll also need a satellite dish. Fortunately, the best internet service providers allow you to buy or lease the necessary hardware from them. In some cases, you may be able to buy compatible equipment from third-party sellers.

Customer service from your internet provider can include a range of services. The top service you should expect is robust technical support. From professional implementation assistance to technician-led troubleshooting, the best ISPs provide skilled experts who can install your internet connection and fix any issues that arise. You should also be able to access phone, email and live chat support, but hours of availability vary among companies and can be dictated by your plan. Most top companies, however, offer 24/7 support on all business package tiers, and you’ll likely receive priority service over residential customers.

In addition to connecting you with live technical help, customer service agents can also tackle questions about your account, billing, speeds and other topics. Internet service vendors also typically have a number of resources for self-guided help, such as online tutorials, troubleshooting tools, FAQs and knowledge bases. You may be surprised to learn that some internet providers also have educational resources on business topics. For example, Verizon’s website includes reports and webinars on customer loyalty, cybersecurity, inventory, team collaboration, social media strategies and more.

While user-driven customer review sites like Trustpilot don’t break their ratings down into different categories (e.g., pricing, customer service, etc.) or separate ratings by product (e.g., cellular service, internet service, etc.), they do assign an overall score for many top companies. When it comes to business internet providers, Comcast has the highest TrustScore. Meanwhile, in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Business Internet Satisfaction Study, AT&T ranked highest among respondents in both the large and medium-size businesses categories, while Verizon ranked highest among small businesses of fewer than 20 people.

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Mark Fairlie
Written By: Mark FairlieSenior Analyst & Expert on Business Ownership
Mark Fairlie brings decades of expertise in telecommunications and telemarketing to the forefront as the former business owner of a direct marketing company. Also well-versed in a variety of other B2B topics, such as taxation, investments and cybersecurity, he now advises fellow entrepreneurs on the best business practices. At business.com, Fairlie covers a range of technology solutions, including CRM software, email and text message marketing services, fleet management services, call center software and more. With a background in advertising and sales, Fairlie made his mark as the former co-owner of Meridian Delta, which saw a successful transition of ownership in 2015. Through this journey, Fairlie gained invaluable hands-on experience in everything from founding a business to expanding and selling it. Since then, Fairlie has embarked on new ventures, launching a second marketing company and establishing a thriving sole proprietorship.
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