The UK government is investing over £1 billion towards improving broadband throughout the country with the aim of having superfast connections available to at least 95 per cent of the nation by 2017. The right broadband has been highlighted as one of the ways to help business growth, and fast, reliable connections are a prerequisite in today’s global business marketplace.

If you’re in the process of setting up a small business or are looking to upgrade your existing broadband then are a few issues to consider before signing up.

Don’t settle for less

Many businesses are still working on an ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) connection, which when compared to FFTP (fibre-to-the-premises) is outdated and slow. The FFTP connections and speeds are vastly superior to those available previously. The good news is that upgrading shouldn’t be too much of a price jump for existing customers but there will be a vast difference in connection, performance and down/up loading. However, the bad news is that FFTP hasn’t yet been rolled out completely across the UK and this is especially true in some of the more remote or rural areas.

There are many different connectivity types available for businesses and your provider should be able to assess your company and make the right choice to suit your needs.

See also: Business broadband options for small companies – how to choose the right broadband package as a small business.

Assess your requirements

An assessment of your broadband needs whether you’re a start-up or an existing company should be made to ensure you purchase the right package. There are a few variables to consider including the number of users connecting from your premises as well as whether you download or upload more information. These variables will make a difference when it comes to connectivity and the bigger the business, the faster the connectivity solutions should be. Tailored packages through a provider to suit your needs are the best option once an assessment has been made, but remember that as your business grows your requirements will no doubt also change so always consider future growth.

Don’t forget to ensure that some form of technical support is included free of charge in the package you choose.

The static IP factor

A static IP address is the best option for businesses as this means your identifying number will always remain the same; dynamic IP addresses change with each connection. The benefits of a static IP including the ability to access advanced internet facilities and allows you to build websites, run a server and create an email account to send emails to your own website domain.

Broadband is the one thing that business cannot afford to cut corners on and this tool is vital for long-term growth and sustainability. Don’t be afraid to obtain as much information as possible from your potential provider and it’s reassuring to know that there are good deals available through competitive providers if you’re looking for reliable but cheap broadband.

Looking for Broadband deals? Guide to the best UK business phone and broadband deals.