Small business broadband: what should you compare?
Broadband is now part of the operating infrastructure of most small businesses. Card terminals, cloud software, calls, security systems and customer Wi-Fi may all depend on it. This guide helps you turn those daily requirements into a sensible connectivity brief before you request quotes.
The short answer
Choose business broadband by matching the connection to the work it must support. Compare busy-time download and upload speeds, reliability, support, resilience, contract terms and any need for a static IP—not just the headline Mbps.
Start with the work the connection must carry
List the services that stop or become difficult without internet access: cloud accounting, Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, video meetings, online ordering, EPOS, VoIP, CCTV, file transfers and guest Wi-Fi. Note how many people and devices use them at the same time. A five-person office uploading design files has a different requirement from a café whose most critical devices are tills and card terminals.
Compare upload speed as well as download speed
Download speed affects receiving data, streaming and loading cloud applications. Upload speed affects sending files, cloud backups, video calls, hosted services and off-site CCTV viewing. Ask for both estimated download and upload performance at the address, including the speed expected during the provider's stated busy period.
Decide how much downtime the business can tolerate
A low-cost connection may be appropriate where staff can temporarily use mobile data. A business that cannot take payments or answer internet-based calls during an outage needs a stronger continuity plan. That may include a 4G or 5G backup connection, a separate second line, documented failover steps and battery power for essential networking equipment.
Check support and fault-handling arrangements
Ask when support is available, how faults are logged, what information is provided during an incident and whether the service has any stated repair objective. Keep the order reference, circuit details and support contacts somewhere staff can reach even when the main connection is unavailable.
Work out whether you need a static IP
Most small firms do not need a static public IP. It can be useful for approved remote access, IP allow-listing, some VPN designs, hosted services and certain monitoring systems. It should not be treated as a security feature by itself. Ask your IT provider what is genuinely required before adding it to the specification.
Read the complete commercial terms
Compare the minimum term, notice period, setup charges, equipment ownership, price changes, moving-premises process and early termination charges. Ofcom says customers should receive clear information about estimated download and upload speeds when buying fixed broadband. Keep the Contract Summary and related agreement documents with your business records.
FAQs
Next step
Find out what's available at your address, or talk to a human about your setup.
Written by OCCTA Telecom Team. Reviewed by OCCTA Compliance and Product Team. Published ; last reviewed .
General information only. Availability, estimated speeds, installation work, features and commercial terms are confirmed for the specific address and order.