subject: Shopping around for the cheapest business broadband packages [print this page] Shopping around for the cheapest business broadband packages
If you run a small business or you're an office manager, you'll understand how important it is - yet how difficult it can be - to keep your costs down. One cost that offices have to deal with today that didn't exist a few decades ago is the price of an internet connection. And since each person in a business now needs to be well connected in order to carry out the tasks of their job efficiently, fast broadband connections are essential. Business broadband connections can be expensive but by shopping around for the best package, you could save money and improve your connection speed.
A good starting point in your search for cheaper broadband is to compare broadband providers on an internet comparison site. Just like insurance comparison sites, these websites let you distinguish between the benefits and prices of different broadband packages. You should also be able to filter your results to include specific benefits like free landline minutes or a complimentary wireless router, or to exclude companies you'd rather avoid working with.
Once you've come up with a shortlist of affordable options, it's advisable to visit the websites of these providers directly. Here, you should be able to gain a more complete picture of what will be offered to you if you sign up to a particular broadband package. For example, there might be extra benefits that are not listed on the comparison website, or the actual contract period may be longer than you expected. If you're not quite sure which features to look out for when comparing broadband providers, here are some handy tips.
First, look at the contract length. Some providers may offer a discount on your bill for the first few months of your contract if you sign up for two or more years. Others may even offer you the first few months for free, which could mean significant short-term savings. If some of your business or customer service operations are carried out over the phone, search for business telephone and broadband packages. to reduce your phone and internet bills in one go. You may also find that some providers offer you free minutes on your business phone line, a benefit that could also provide a significant reduction to monthly costs.
Moreover, your broadband package might be cheaper if you choose one with a capped usage allowance rather than an unlimited broadband option. In this case, it's crucial to liaise closely with your IT department to ensure that the capped allowance is sufficient for your business needs. If it is not, it's certainly worth paying extra for unlimited broadband since this will minimise the chance of business disruption and ensure that your employees are always connected.
When you've finally come to a decision on which broadband provider best meets your needs and your budget, it's important not to simply settle down into the same package for several years. When your contract period is over, start your search again to see if there are cheaper options available. If you find one, give your current provider a call and ask if they can match the offer. This way, you ensure that you always have the best broadband deal and save on the long-term costs of running your office.
