Before your employees can send emails, stream or upload videos, or engage in online gaming, you must first choose—and create an account with—a business Internet service provider. They' set you up with a modem and/or a Wi-Fi router so you and your team can enjoy the advantages of being online. However, before you select a service provider, below are some important questions to ask.

4 Questions to Ask Your Internet Services Provider (ISP)

What are your security measures?

Business Internet providers need to make their customers' transactions and information as secure as possible.  A good provider will routinely block spam and malware over email and block incoming connections on well-known file-sharing ports to prevent unauthorized access. The service you choose should use firewalls, intrusion detection, and redundant connections to ensure client security and connectivity. 

Do you offer 24/7 tech support?

Inevitably, you'll experience problems with your service or equipment and you'll want expert help. Your ISP should offer round-the-clock tech support manned by skilled professionals. Preferably, the call center should be operated locally rather than outsourced overseas. Technical calls are often difficult even without the communication issues that arise when you deal with a non-native English speaker.

What other services do you offer?

Ask what services accompany business Internet access. For instance, some providers offer Voice Over Internet Protocol phone service—which lets you make free long-distance calls over the Internet instead of a traditional phone line. Others provide hosted PBX, automated file backup, disaster recovery, and more.

What bandwidth do you offer?

Bandwidth is a measure of how much information your Internet connection can handle at a given time. It is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees who need Internet connectivity only for email and web browsing can likely get by with 10 Mbps or less. Those with more employees or who need streaming or video conference service should consider 25 to 50 Mbps or more. 

If you need reliable Internet service, contact the experts at GreatWave Communications in Conneaut, OH. They are locally-owned and have served Ashtabula County since 1897. They specialize in residential and  commercial fiber Internet as well as television and phone services. They are known for their clear, dependable signals and friendly, helpful support staff. Learn more about this venerable phone and Internet provider on their website or call (440) 593-7140 to schedule Internet service.