Upgrading your internet service is no easy decision. It will likely cost more, involve an installation process, and calling the dreaded internet customer service line. However, with the advancement of technology and the growing need for faster and more reliable connections, upgrading your internet service may become a matter of necessity if you plan to keep up with the rest of the world. Here are six signs that it’s time to upgrade your internet service for either business or home.
1. Slow Speeds
Everyone wants the fastest internet speeds. The faster we can download, transfer, and share data, the better. Internet service providers are all scrambling to invest in new technology to improve speed and reliability, and progress is occurring with each passing year. The fastest speeds in the world can be achieved only through expensive and difficult to come by tech, but at terabits per second download speeds, it’s safe to say this technology will eventually hit the open market.
Slow speeds can make something as simple as streaming Netflix a pain or sharing a large file in the office a challenge. The slower your internet is, the less responsive your browser seems, and the slower your communication with the web will be. Upgrading your service can improve your download and upload speeds, as well as make your connection better able to handle larger workloads.
2. Customer Service
Customer service isn’t exactly a top concern with many ISPs, especially the largest of them. The customer is just another number to be charged a monthly service fee, and many of the largest ISPs don’t even care about the backlash that comes from poor customer service. You’ll likely find this incredibly frustrating when you call in to report a problem or ask a question about your bill.
When you upgrade to better service with a new ISP, it’s important to look for a provider that makes customer service a priority. Every business should put customer service at the top of its list, and those that don’t generally don’t care much about the needs of the customer. Don’t sign on with a company that doesn’t care!
3. Service Outages
When your service keeps dropping, you can lose data and your temper. It’s entirely frustrating to get involved in a project, spend hours perfecting it, only to have your connection drop off and cause you to lose your data. Not to mention, it’s just plain obnoxious to have a connection that never stays…well, connected. This could be due to your equipment or the service package you’re using, so if your internet comes and goes, it’s time for an upgrade. Use ISP sites to compare internet service providers in your area for the best deals.
4. The Need for More Bandwidth
Whether you’re moving to a new home with more people in it or your business is getting ready to expand, you may find that you require a connection with greater bandwidth. This refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transferred over a period of time. So, if you’ve got 5-6 people using a connection at once, that data cap is reached very quickly, and the service can slow down tremendously.
When you introduce new devices to the connection, you’ll likely need to upgrade your bandwidth. You can’t expect the same speeds with 5-6 people using the same connection, and for the modern business, being subject to outages and slower speeds can kill productivity and cause a lot of frustration.
5. Downloading Data
If you download a lot of data per month, your internet service might not be able to handle it. For one thing, your provider may have a data cap; meaning you can’t actually download anything more than that cap, and for another thing, your speeds might not be conducive to quick downloads. You’ll spend hours waiting for large files to download such as games, movies, and more.
If you find that you can’t seem to download large files, it’s time for an internet upgrade. You’ll be happy to see even your largest files downloading with ease at speeds that will reduce your wait time tremendously.
6. Security
Better security is advantageous for both home and business connections. Upgrading your service means you’ll get access to not only a faster and more reliable connection, but also a more secure one. Protect your personal data with more secure internet, or, if you’re a business, your customers’ data. This should be a top concern for modern businesses given the state of cybercrimes in the world. With breaches at large companies like Target and Capital One, businesses of every size should concern themselves with cybersecurity.
Upgrade your internet for better download speeds, greater bandwidth and security, increased reliability, and better customer service. Your internet should benefit your home or business, not cause endless frustration!