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5. always on.

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7. starlink.

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8. t-mobile home internet, t-mobile home internet deals for february 2024 in silver spring, md 20902, 1. hughesnet.

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5. T-Mobile Home Internet

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  • Supports 1-2 Devices
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Compare Internet Providers in Nearby Cities:

Takoma Park , Kensington , Chevy Chase , Garrett Park , College Park , Beltsville , Hyattsville , Bethesda , Mount Rainier

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16 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Silver Spring, MD

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Best Internet Provider in 20902

  • Xfinity - fast download speeds and most internet coverage
  • Verizon - fast speeds
  • Viasat - widely available
  • HughesNet - internet no matter where you live
  • Starlink - coverage

Fastest Internet Providers in 20902

  • Xfinity - Fast up to 2 Gbps (2000 Mbps)
  • Verizon - Fast up to 2 Gbps
  • RCN - Fast up to 1500 Mbps
  • T-Mobile Home Internet - Fast up to 245 Mbps
  • Starlink - Fast up to 220 Mbps
  • Viasat - Fast up to 150 Mbps
  • Always ON - Fast up to 150 Mbps

How many Mbps do I need for streaming?

You need at least 25 Mbps per streamer for 4K Ultra HD video. For HD video streaming: YouTube recommends 2.5 Mbps, Amazon Prime Video suggests 3.5 Mbps, Netflix at least 5 Mbps, and Hulu requires 6 Mbps. Read this page to learn more about HD streaming requirements.

What is the best internet speed for online gaming?

50 to 100+ Mbps on wired connections are the best for gaming. You can play online with 12 Mbps, but you will get frustrated when players with faster connections defeat you. Learn more about the Best ISPs for online gaming .

What is Mbps?

Mbps is the abbreviation for megabits per second, and it also appears written as Mbits/sec. Internet providers use megabits per second to measure speeds. Broadband speeds are 25 Mbps or faster. Learn more about Mbps .

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Home » Internet Service

Best Internet Providers for Business

AT&T Business Internet is our favorite, but there are a lot of great options

Brianne Sandorf

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You know what’s even more frustrating than finding home internet? Finding business internet!

The internet you choose for your business affects its efficiency, expansion, and bottom line. So which service to choose?

We're here to help you figure that out with five excellent recommendations for various business internet needs.

Guide to business internet:

  • What to look for
  • AT&T Business: Best overall
  • Spectrum Business: Best extras
  • Comcast Business: Most options
  • Frontier Business: Best high-speed internet
  • CenturyLink Business: Lowest cost

Methodology

What to look for in business internet.

There's a marked difference between residential and business internet. With residential internet, you only need to cater to you and your family's needs. With business internet, you'll consider the business' and its employees' needs.

Here’s what to look for when picking an internet service for your business.

  • Reliability
  • Availability
  • Scalability

Price is always crucial, but it's even more important to a business. The right price balances on the edge of a knife. Spend too much, and you'll cut into your profits. Spend too little, and you may not get the speedy and reliable connection you need to make your business successful.

You also probably want faster speeds for business internet than at home. You know that gig internet service we always say you don't need in your house? Well, you may want it for your business, primarily if you work in a media-rich field. Remember that your service's actual speeds may not align with its promised speeds, so it's good to buy on the high end of your acceptable speed range.

When choosing a connection speed, you want to account for every work device on the premises, but you may also need to consider Wi-Fi needs for employees’ and visitors’ personal devices. In some cases, you may want to set up a separate, slower guest Wi-Fi for personal use.

You also want an internet connection you can rely on during business hours. In most cases, a fiber or cable internet connection is the most reliable option.

Your chosen internet service also needs to be available where you live. Not every service provider is present in every area—especially fiber providers . If you live in a densely populated area with many homes and businesses, like New York, you're more likely to have access to fiber internet. If you live in a rural area, you're unlikely to have access to fiber and may need to see if you can find some satellite or fixed wireless options for business.

Finally, think about scalability, otherwise known as “Can this internet connection grow with my company as it expands?” If the answer is no, you’ll be fine if you’re okay with switching providers in the future. But if you want a longstanding partnership, you need a service that can handle your business’s projected growth.

The difference between business and residential internet is in the plans. Residential internet is usually slower than business internet because fewer people and devices typically connect to it.

You can get business internet at home, which is great if you run an at-home business, but it's unlikely that you can get residential internet at an office. And why would you want to? Fast business internet, especially fast fiber business internet, may be the key to success.

Either way, if you’re self-employed or work from home, you may be able to claim your internet as a business expense.

AT&T Business Internet: Best overall

An AT&T Business Internet fiber plan is an all-around excellent option for your growing business. AT&T’s fiber internet is superfast (going up to 5Gbps) and even has symmetrical speeds and unlimited data with some plans. It also ranks first in the American Consumer Satisfaction Index for 2022 .

AT&T Business Internet runs more expensive than its competitors (at least initially). The cheapest plan starts at $75 for 300Mbps. But with the most expensive plan, you get roughly 16 times the speed at three times the price—an increased value for sure.

AT&T’s business plans use a reliable fiber connection, and the speed goes up to 5,000Mbps. That’s unheard of in a home internet connection and eye-popping even in the business sector. And what’s more, you’ll get unlimited data and symmetrical speed with those five gigs, meaning the upload speed will equal the download speed. You’ll both send and receive high-res media files with ease.

As the ACSI score suggests, AT&T fiber internet gets excellent customer satisfaction, so you'll likely be delighted with your service.

Spectrum Business Internet: Best extras

Spectrum is a solid internet provider we often recommend, and Spectrum Business Internet ups the ante by providing a free domain name, customer email addresses, and internet modem with your plan. That's practically everything you need to start a business! Plus, you can find Spectrum internet in 42 states, so you likely live in a service area.

We do want to point out that Spectrum's plans are substantially more expensive from the get-go than other providers' (and they only go up after 12 months). Instead of thinking of the domain name, emails, and modem as free, it may help to think of the extra cost as paying for those features.

But if that’s still too pricey for you, you may be able to get discounts by bundling the business internet with another Spectrum service—business phone lines, perhaps?

All of Spectrum's plans are high speed , reaching the princely pace of a whole gig. However, Spectrum projects that you can connect fewer employee devices than AT&T. These estimates seem low even with Spectrum's cable connection versus AT&T's fiber. The 300 and 600Mbps plans may go much further than Spectrum says. But if you want to avoid that gamble, select Spectrum internet service only if you have a small business.

Spectrum’s customer service needs a little work, according to the ACSI. The service scored just 64 out of 100. That's low, even for internet providers, which traditionally score beneath other industries.

Comcast Business Internet: Most options

Whether you have a small business or a medium-sized one, Comcast Business Internet has an option for you. Depending on your needs, you can get as few as 50Mbps or as many as 1.25Gbps.

Comcast’s biggest strength is its variety. The wide range of plan speeds gives you great scalability for your business to grow. It’s also available almost everywhere in the United States, making it a viable option for nearly everyone.

Unfortunately, Comcast changes its prices depending on its service area, so we can't guarantee exact costs. But for reference, we've included one of the service's price ranges. You can see that these prices get quite expensive (over $300!), so in some areas, Comcast definitely won't be the best value.

Also, Comcast Business Internet is a cable service, so you may not see as reliable of service as you would get with fiber plans. Still, your connection should be stable.

Surprisingly, Comcast, which is legendary for its terrible customer service, doesn’t rank that low with the ACSI. Its score of 68 ranks it above some of the other brands we recommend.

Frontier: Best high-speed internet

Ka-chow! No, it’s not Lightning McQueen that’s going so fast—it’s Frontier Business Internet. After AT&T, our overall pick, Frontier is your best bet for speedy connections.

Frontier's speeds start at 500Mbps, the fastest starting point of our recommended services, and go up to 2,000Mbps. The starting price is a little high ($65), but the value of the plans gets progressively better, especially considering that you get a fiber connection. Also, a router comes with each plan, so factor that into the cost.

Frontier doesn't predict how many devices can connect to each plan without overloading the Wi-Fi, but our speed guide will help you figure it out.

Sadly, Frontier is only available in some states, so your opportunities to sign up for the service are limited. This won't be a problem for, as an example, New Yorkers or Utahns—but Montanans will miss out.

The ACSI gives Frontier fiber a 74, which puts it on the higher end for internet customer service but the lower end for fiber satisfaction. So, though you'll get fast service through Frontier, your interactions with the company may need improvement.

CenturyLink Business Internet: Lowest cost

You'll spend less money with CenturyLink as your business internet service provider. CenturyLink offers 940Mbps and symmetrical speeds for $75 a month, which is quite a steal compared to other Wi-Fi providers. And with no contact, you can save money if needed by canceling (for free!) anytime.

Of course, you want more than just cheap internet; you also want reliable internet. For its cheaper plan, CenturyLink uses DSL, a less reliable option. But the provider also has a business fiber plan, which we recommend in most cases, depending on your business needs.

Also, good news: CenturyLink is fairly ubiquitous, so chances are it’s available in your area as a business internet provider.

Like Frontier, CenturyLink doesn’t offer guesstimates of how many devices can use each plan, but the Business Fiber plan should offer exponentially more connections than the other.

CenturyLink gets a 78 in customer satisfaction for its fiber service (coming second after AT&T), while its DSL gets 62 (between Frontier and Spectrum). Looks like you'll be pleased with Business Fiber, but maybe not so much with Simply Unlimited Business Internet.

Recap: Best internet providers for business

  • AT&T Business Internet: When it comes to overall value, AT&T Business Internet is our pick. The speediness, symmetrical speeds, data cap elimination, and customer service reputation make it our top choice—and costly.
  • Spectrum Business: The Spectrum Business Internet fiber service comes with a free domain, email addresses, and modem. However, Spectrum customer satisfaction could be higher.
  • Comcast Business: Comcast Business Internet offers six different plans, giving you plenty of options to address your business’s needs over the years. It’s also rather expensive, especially when you get to the higher speeds.
  • Frontier Business: Things get real speedy with Frontier Business Internet, which goes up to 2,000Mbps. But the service may not be available in your area.
  • CenturyLink Business: CenturyLink Business Internet offers 940Mbps fiber for $75, which is fantastic. The cheaper plan isn't as good a deal, though, so if you don't get the fiber, you should skip this one.

We make sure to consider a bunch of different factors when we recommend an internet service provider, such as:

  • Customer service score

Price and speed are the two things most customers weigh heavily when choosing a service. After all, you want something you can afford but that works well, right?

But that’s not all there is to consider. You also want to know if a service is available in your area. That’s why we either discuss a service’s availability or provide you with a zip check test like the one below.

And finally, we account for the ACSI customer service score, online reviews, current news, and our personal experiences to determine what kind of customer experience you’ll get with each service.

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Best High-Speed Internet Providers for Small Businesses of 2023

4.5 out of 5 stars

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. * 1-yr. price guarantee Fios 100 Mbps w/2-yr agmt., 2-yr. price guarantee Fios 300 Mbps, 3-yr. price guarantee Fios 940/880 Mbps **With Auto Pay or $5/mo. fee applies. One-time charges apply. Max speeds are wired. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary. † w/ 2 year agmt. ‡ Maximum speeds as fast as 100 Mbps download/upload per month for 12 months with minimum one-year agreement. Installation, Business High-Speed Internet Fee ($5.99/mo.), taxes and other fees apply. Subject to availability. § On the Business Unlimited 35, 60, and 100 service plans, after 75, 150, or 200 GB of data usage, respectively, Viasat may prioritize your data behind other customers only during network congestion. Video streaming quality on the Business Unlimited 35 and 60 plans is typically at 480p, the Business Unlimited 100 plan is typically at 720p. For metered service plans, extra charges apply for data used in excess of the monthly data allotment. Minimum 24-month service term. One-time standard installation fee is $300.00. Priority connection means your data receives preference on Viasat's network. All fees are subject to taxes. Speeds and streaming video qualities are “up to,” will vary and are not guaranteed. Service is not available in all areas. All offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Viasat and the Viasat logo are trademarks of Viasat, Inc.

Nicolle Okoren

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our editorial guidelines and advertising disclosure .

The bottom line: The best high-speed internet provider for small businesses is Verizon .  Verizon does a great job ensuring affordable prices, fast speeds, and customer service. Verizon customer service outranks all other competitors. 

Every business is different, though, and there are excellent brands other than Verizon that also might meet your more specific needs or concerns. We recommend Frontier for best budget, AT&T for speed, and Comcast for tech support. Of course, your business is outside of the city and in more of a rural area, we recommend Viasat . 

business internet service 20902

  • Fios by Verizon : Best overall
  • Frontier Business Internet : Best budget-friendly ISP
  • AT&T Business Internet : Best for pure speed
  • Comcast Business Internet : Best free tech support
  • Viasat Business Internet : Best for rural businesses

Best high-speed internet providers for small businesses

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *w/ 1yr. price guarantee Fios 100 Mbps, 2yr. price guarantee Fios 300 Mbps, 3 yr. price guarantee Fios 940/880 Mbps ** 12-mo.agmt for Internet req'd. Early term fee may apply †With Auto Pay or $5/mo. fee applies. Multi-Device Security Pro included at $4.99/mo. One-time charges apply. Max speeds are wired. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary. § On the Business Unlimited 35, 60, and 100 service plans, after 75, 150, or 200 GB of data usage, respectively, Viasat may prioritize your data behind other customers only during network congestion. Video streaming quality on the Business Unlimited 35 and 60 plans is typically at 480p, the Business Unlimited 100 plan is typically at 720p. For metered service plans, extra charges apply for data used in excess of the monthly data allotment. Minimum 24-month service term. One-time standard installation fee is $300.00. Priority connection means your data receives preference on Viasat's network. All fees are subject to taxes. Speeds and streaming video qualities are “up to,” will vary and are not guaranteed. Service is not available in all areas. All offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Viasat and the Viasat logo are trademarks of Viasat, Inc.

Here's how we arrived at the list above. We included only plans with download speeds of 25 Mbps or more to match FCC guidelines for broadband internet. We also left out any plans that were extraordinarily expensive for the download speeds they provide—they're just not worth the money.

In the end, our list of best broadband service providers includes several major companies with cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), and fiber-optic plans.

Verizon: Overall best for high-speed business internet

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. **w/ 1yr. price guarantee Fios 200 Mbps, 2yr. price guarantee Fios 500 Mbps, 3 yr. price guarantee Fios 940/880 Mbps 

Verizon serves up the best combination of business internet speeds, reliability, and support.

Although Verizon sells a few business DSL plans, none have speeds at 25Mbps or more. For truly fast speeds, fiber is hard to beat. Verizon's fiber plans, branded Fios, offer you a chance at near-gigabit connections.

What do we mean by “near gigabit”? Verizon’s fastest plan—Fios Gigabit Connection—gives you maximum download speeds of 940Mbps with upload speeds up to 880Mbps. That’s lightning fast by today’s standards, but it doesn’t quite reach 1,000Mbps, the true definition of gigabit speed. Yet with fiber plans that consistently meet the speeds Verizon advertises, and then some , we’ll let that bit of fudging slide.

Another feather in Verizon’s cap is its customer service. We understand that most internet providers have poor reputations. But the fact that industry-rating juggernaut J.D. Power gave Verizon second place for customer satisfaction among small to medium-sized businesses should give you warmer feelings.

Verizon high-speed internet plans

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *w/ 1yr. price guarantee Fios 200 Mbps, 2yr. price guarantee Fios 500 Mbps, 3 yr. price guarantee Fios 940/880 Mbps 

Verizon’s fastest plan is priced at about $249 per month. That may be a bit expensive for some very small businesses, but it’s far better than the nearly $500 that Comcast charges for gigabit speeds.

Many Verizon plans offer symmetric speeds, which means you get the same speed for downloads and uploads. Fast upload speeds can significantly improve activities that require sending data from your device, including videoconferencing in real time and uploading large files to cloud storage.

One gripe: contracts. While some ISPs—like Spectrum and AT&T—offer contract-free plans, Verizon uses a 12-month agreement that renews automatically. It’s not the worst thing in the world, but it’s something you should know in advance.

The bottom line: Verizon Fios offers an impressive array of high-speed internet plans to fit businesses of just about any size.

Frontier: Best budget-friendly option

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

If you saw the plan prices for our picks above, you may be worried that an affordable high-speed internet connection is beyond reach. With plans priced at the hundreds of dollars per month, budget-conscious businesses need an alternative.

Plus, each plan comes with free access to Frontier Business Suite. This is regularly an $800/year plan that includes SmartVoice line and Wi-fi enabled phone, access and backup of 200GB of data in the cloud anywhere you are, a multi-device security pro and, finally, an optimized Wi-Fi router. 

You can also add Frontier Internet Backup to your high-speed plan for an additional fee. Using a cellular modem, Frontier Internet Backup keeps your business—and all of your devices—online when internet outages occur for seamless operations and uninterrupted productivity.

Frontier fiber internet plans

*With Auto Pay or $5/mo. fee applies. Multi-Device Security Pro included at $4.99/mo. One-time charges apply. Max speeds are wired. Wi-Fi, actual & average speeds vary.

All of Frontier’s high-speed internet plans come in under or just above $150 per month.

Now for Frontier’s major shortcomings. Frontier’s customers lodge a lot of complaints against the internet service provider. One common grievance is high latency. Latency, which refers to data transfer delay time, can cause serious headaches for businesses that require fast and reliable connections. Activities like video streaming are at risk of disruption from high latency.

Despite customer service and reliability concerns, you should consider Frontier if getting a low price for high-speed plans is your No. 1 priority.

AT&T: Best customer service

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. 12-mo.agmt for Internet req'd. Early term fee may apply

If you’re focused on finding the fastest business internet plans possible, we recommend AT&T. Business plans from AT&T soar all the way up to 1,000Mbps download and upload speeds, offering you true gigabit connection potential.

Several of AT&T's fiber plans give you the option of symmetric speeds—but at a lofty price. If your business is a frequent user of upload-heavy applications and real-time communication software, you should consider one of these plans with symmetric speeds.

AT&T high-speed internet plans

AT&T partially makes up for its high pricing in great customer service rankings. AT&T is currently our top pick for great internet service, and J.D. Power agrees: In 2021, AT&T ranked first for customer satisfaction in the small to medium-sized business category—though only third for very small businesses. 3

Comcast: Best free tech support

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *with 2-year agreement

There’s a lot to like about Comcast, including fiber plans with symmetric speeds up to 1Gbps. And its pricing, while not the cheapest, is competitively matched against other providers like Verizon and AT&T.

Plus, Comcast plans come with zero-cost installation, a 30-day trial period, and access to tons of extra apps, software, and tools for Wi-Fi, security, and more. We especially like that Comcast offers free 24/7 tech support. Some providers charge extra for top-notch customer care, but Comcast, as far as we can tell, offers solid help any hour of the day or night.

Comcast high-speed internet plans

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *with 2-year agreement **For 12 months with 2-year agreement †with 2-year agreement

We couldn’t talk about Comcast without mentioning its dreadful reputation with residential customers. However, Comcast business customers don’t rate their ISP nearly as harshly as their home-based counterparts.

We breathed a bit easier when we realized that Comcast truly does offer a solid internet option that’s super reliable and super fast.

business internet service 20902

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Viasat: Best for rural businesses

Data as of 6/7/23. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. On the Business Unlimited 35, 60, and 100 service plans, after 75, 150, or 200 GB of data usage, respectively, Viasat may prioritize your data behind other customers only during network congestion. Video streaming quality on the Business Unlimited 35 and 60 plans is typically at 480p, the Business Unlimited 100 plan is typically at 720p. For metered service plans, extra charges apply for data used in excess of the monthly data allotment. Minimum 24-month service term. One-time standard installation fee is $300.00. Priority connection means your data receives preference on Viasat's network. All fees are subject to taxes. Speeds and streaming video qualities are “up to,” will vary and are not guaranteed. Service is not available in all areas. All offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Viasat and the Viasat logo are trademarks of Viasat, Inc.

As the only satellite internet provider on this list, Viasat’s widespread availability makes it the best for rural businesses. Even if you operate out of locations that other ISPs don’t touch, you can almost certainly get Viasat’s satellite internet service .

Unlike the satellite internet providers of the past, Viasat offers both availability and speed. Its business internet plans, with download speeds ranging from 35Mbps to 100Mbps, can compete with most other broadband providers.

Plus, Viasat’s state-of-the-art satellite technology minimizes other rural internet issues, such as latency, so you can keep your business up and running—no matter where you operate.

Viasat high-speed internet plans

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *On these plans, Viasat may prioritize your data behind other customers only during network congestion.  For metered service plans, extra charges apply for data used in excess of the monthly data allotment. Minimum 24-month service term. One-time standard installation fee is $300.00. Priority connection means your data receives preference on Viasat's network. All fees are subject to taxes. Speeds and streaming video qualities are “up to,” will vary and are not guaranteed. Service is not available in all areas. All offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Viasat and the Viasat logo are trademarks of Viasat, Inc.

Even with its improved technology, Viasat does still have data limits. It doesn’t use hard data caps—that is, Viasat won’t simply switch off your internet after you use all your data—but it will throttle (slow) your internet if you use more than your allotted daily data. If this poses a problem, you can always upgrade to a plan with more data.

Now, we still don’t recommend satellite internet for everyone. If you have other ISPs in your area, you can probably get the same speeds for a lower cost from a different provider. But if you’ve got a business high in the mountains or out on the plains, then Viasat provides a solid option (even if it’s the only one).

Spectrum: Honorable mention for no-contract cable

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *for 12 mos.

Want high-speed internet for your office but feel squeamish about signing a long-term contract? Spectrum will connect you to cable internet speeds up to 1000Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) totally contract-free.

Spectrum, a Charter Communications brand, provides cable internet to U.S. businesses. The upside to cable internet is that you access it through the same cable modems used to deliver cable TV, which makes this internet widely available. Spectrum provides fiber connections in some areas, but the service is so limited that we haven’t included the plans here.

Spectrum offers three high-speed cable options to business customers: 100, 300/400, and 1000. Each plan denotes the download speed you can expect from your connection in megabits per second.

Spectrum business Internet pricing

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *for 12 mos. **for 24 mos. when bundled with Phone or TV † for 12 mos. when bundled with Phone or TV

Where Spectrum falters is its upload speeds. Cable technology limits how much upstream heft you can get, and Spectrum’s plans can get you up to only 20Mbps upstream.

Another trouble spot is customer service. Spectrum has been embroiled in legal troubles for the last few years, especially in the state of New York, where it failed to follow through on service promises made with its acquisition of Time Warner Cable. We’re keeping an eye on the situation— poor customer satisfaction could knock Spectrum down in our books.

But if you’re outside of New York or less bothered by poor customer service ratings, Spectrum cable Internet appears as a rosy alternative to expensive DSL and fiber providers that lock you into lengthy contracts.

The takeaway

The right combination of fast internet, reliable connections, and solid customer support makes Verizon Fios a worthy choice for nearly any small business.

Verizon is our pick for the best overall high-speed business internet provider. But just because the ISP is our number one choice doesn’t mean it’s the right one for your business. Consider the factors important to you—cost, contracts, customer service—and then choose the one that best fits your business’s demands.

Make sure you can get the ISP you want—find business internet providers near you .

Speed and bandwidth: How much do you need?

Speed and bandwidth are another two more ambiguously used terms in internet parlance. But we can define them a bit clearer than broadband internet and high-speed internet.

  • Speed is the rate at which an internet connection transmits data from one end to the other. Measured in bits per second, most modern high-speed internet speeds range between 25 megabits (about 1 million bits) and 1 gigabit (about 1,000 megabits) per second.
  • Bandwidth refers to the maximum capacity of a connection to carry internet data. Although ISPs often use speed to market their plans, they’re actually selling bandwidth. For example, a 100Mbps plan has the capacity to deliver data at 100 megabits per second. But beware—you may not actually experience the advertised speed all the time.

Now back to the question: How much speed or bandwidth do you actually need? The answer depends on the type and frequency of internet activity your business engages in on a day-to-day basis.

While guidelines on speed use vary, here’s our recommendation for the speed you’ll need to run your business smoothly.

Internet speed capabilities

What else should you consider when choosing business internet providers.

Price and speed. That’s what matters when it comes to choosing a business internet provider, right?

Well, not entirely. The truth is that unless you have an unlimited budget (who does?) or run a supremely data-heavy business (not likely), you’ll have other factors to consider. Here are the ones we focus on.

  • Connection type: Depending on your business’s location, connection type may be a key consideration. Some areas may have only a few internet connection choices—or even just one.
  • Customer and industry ratings: Customer reviews of internet providers tend toward the hellish. But remember that businesses often have different experiences than residential customers. Make sure you understand how a potential ISP handles business customer complaints and concerns.
  • Fees: Your customers hate hidden fees, and so should you. Check to see if you’ll be paying your provider extra for things like installation, static IPs, or early termination.
  • Bundles: Most internet providers offer special deals for packaging more than one service under the same roof. Whether phone or VoIP or TV, consider bundles as a way to shave off some extra cost when you need several services.
  • Data caps: You’ll run into limits on the amount of data you can use most often with satellite and wireless providers. It can be costly or disruptive to exceed these caps, so ensure you pick an internet plan that can accommodate your data needs.
  • Cloud, security, and software services: From backing up your precious business data to running email, accounting, and e-commerce applications, many ISPs include or offer special rates on software and cloud-based services.
  • Hardware: Each internet type requires a unique set of equipment to get up and running. Some setups are simple—just a modem connected to an office cable line. But others, like satellite internet, may require hefty hardware—and hefty costs too.

But others, like satellite internet, may require hefty hardware—and hefty costs too.

High-speed internet FAQs

"Broadband" and "high-speed internet" are somewhat murky terms that not everyone defines equally. But here's what we use: in 2015, the FCC defined broadband service as any connection that provides customers with download speeds of at least 25Mbps. 

There’s no indisputable definition of high-speed internet. In fact, internet service providers attach the term to just about any plan, regardless of speed.

What’s more, the terms broadband internet and high-speed internet are often used interchangeably, further confusing things.

But why the confusion? Well, consider how the technology has evolved. Even the slowest plans featured in this article would have been considered blazingly fast in 2008—and much more so in 1998. So even if everyone did sit down and agree to a singular definition of high-speed internet, that definition would have to change every few years.

With that in mind, look for internet that’s fast enough for your needs rather than just high-speed internet. We’ll look at speeds in-depth in a minute.

Broadband more appropriately refers to any internet type that isn’t a dial-up connection. Essentially, broadband’s debut marks the age at which most of us moved on from the days of modems that tied up our phone lines to dial into internet provider companies like AOL. And what an age that was (we still hear the screeching modem sounds in our dreams).

Today, broadband internet generally includes any “always on” cable, DSL, fiber-optic, and even high-speed satellite internet connection. But not every plan operates at truly high speeds. So to compare internet providers, we decided to use the FCC’s 2015 guidelines on broadband internet speeds , which set the minimum at a 25Mbps downstream.

Most small to midsize businesses can operate well at 25Mbps or more. Of course, as speeds get faster, even this current definition will start to seem slow. And the FCC may change its mind on minimum broadband standards. We’ll update you as necessary.

High-speed broadband internet connections encompass plans from a variety of service providers and connection types. Depending on your area, you may have access to several of these or just one.

  • Cable: This connection uses the same modems and coaxial cables that deliver cable TV, so cable internet is widely available in most well-populated areas.
  • Digital subscriber line (DSL):  These may be sent via phone lines, but DSL connections are faster and more reliable than the phone-based dial-up internet of yesteryear.
  • Fiber:  Fiber-optic networks beam light through glass or plastic bundles of wires—each wire the size of a human hair— and these connections offer some of the fastest internet speeds on the planet.
  • Satellite: For rural businesses without access to land-based broadband, satellite internet is like an internet angel sent to earth by planet-orbiting stations.
  • Wireless: Whether through hotspots, cellular signals, or fixed radio towers, wireless internet provides options for remote and traveling businesses.

Learn more about the difference between internet types with our detailed comparison.

Methodology

We analyzed each business internet service provider's affordability, overall value, suitability for growing businesses, ease-of-use, and customer service, among other factors.

Related content

  • Best Satellite Internet Providers for Rural Businesses: Viasat vs. HughesNet
  • Verizon vs. Comcast Business Internet: What’s the Best ISP for Small Business?
  • AT&T vs. Comcast: Which Internet Provider Is Best for Small Businesses?
  • How to Choose an Internet Service Provider for Your Business

At Business.org, our research is meant to offer general product and service recommendations. We don't guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services.

Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T services. Call to see if you qualify. Fiber optics may apply to all or part of the network, depending on your location. © 2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other AT&T marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All rights reserved. Subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. provide products and services under the AT&T brand.

Available in select areas only, additional monthly fee applies. Frontier’s Gig Service is available in all Frontier fiber markets, but may not be available to every location depending on local network capacity or other technical details. While Frontier’s Gig Service is delivered on our 100% fiber-to-the-location network, actual speeds may vary due to limitations in the customer’s network at their location, devices in use, and/or Frontier’s network traffic conditions. Actual speeds will range up to 940 Mbps (download) and 880 Mbps (upload) and may vary depending on usage of the network and multiple other factors.

FiOS 100 Mbps offer: Must subscribe to new FiOS Internet for Business with minimum one-year agreement. Internet will be provisioned with maximum speeds as fast as 100 Mbps download/100 Mbps upload based on line requirements. Business High-Speed Internet Fee ($5.99/mo.) applies.

FiOS 500 Mbps offer: Must subscribe to new FiOS Internet for Business with minimum one-year agreement. Internet will be provisioned with maximum speeds as fast as 500 Mbps download/500 Mbps upload based on line requirements. Business High-Speed Internet Fee ($5.99/mo.) applies.

FiOS Gig Service offer: Must subscribe to new FiOS Internet for Business with minimum one-year agreement. Internet will be provisioned with maximum speeds as fast as 940 Mbps download/880 Mbps upload based on line requirements.

All FiOS Internet for Business offers: For new business customers in select Frontier FiOS areas. Maximum service speed is not available to all locations and the maximum speed for service at your location may be lower than the maximum speed in this range. Service speed is not guaranteed and will depend on many factors. Service and promotion subject to availability. Internet installation ($20), taxes, governmental surcharges, fees and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promotional period. A $9.99 broadband processing fee upon disconnection of service applies. Early termination fee of $33.33 per month, times the remaining number of months in the term agreement, will apply. Other restrictions may apply. Frontier reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. The FiOS marks are owned by Verizon Trademark Services LLC and used under license.

˚Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem.

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The 5 Best Business Internet Services for 2022

Caroline Goldstein

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

While researching business internet providers may not be the most exciting part of starting a business, it might be one of the most crucial: Whether you run a tech startup or a brick-and-mortar shop, it’s likely that you rely pretty heavily on a reliable internet connection to get the job done.

And for business owners, an unreliable internet connection isn’t merely a nuisance—it can spell the difference between optimal productivity and distracted, frustrated employees; or even a sale and a missed opportunity. Essentially, the best small business internet service should embody the adage “out of sight, out of mind.” If you don’t notice your internet acting up, then it’s doing its job perfectly.

But there are so many telecommunications companies out there, offering so many internet services and packages (and, naturally, all of them claim to be the best). So, we’ve made the process a little easier for you by picking out the five small business internet service providers you should consider first.

business internet service 20902

What to look for in a business internet service provider

Comparison shopping on business internet providers can seem daunting (or at least tedious). Here are some guidelines to get you started.

First, begin by checking whether the provider in question is actually available in your area—naturally, this will be the easiest way to weed out internet service providers at the top of your search.

Next, consider the number of employees you have, the number of devices that require internet connection, and the bandwidth necessary for the kind of activities you need to perform, whether that’s video conferencing, extra-large downloads, or simply web browsing. And if your company needs more than one solution from your provider—like phone, fax, cable, or web hosting services—then it might be most efficient to choose a bundle.

If your office only uses the internet mostly for emails and other simple functions, you can certainly get away with a provider’s lowest bandwidth tier. But if you’re running a company with many employees, or if you absolutely rely on the internet to conduct your business, opt for the fastest speed available. And if you’re debating between packages, consider springing for the speed just above what you think you need. When it comes to your internet connection—which, for many businesses, is essentially their lifeline—it’s better to make room in your budget for foolproof speeds, rather than contending with constant disruptions in your daily operations (and, eventually, paying for that faster speed anyway).

But before you sign any contract, make sure you thoroughly understand its terms. Pick out where additional fees, such as early cancellation or installation fees, might be hiding. Flexibility in your contract is key, too. If you’re a quickly growing company, for instance, look out for your plan’s policy on upgrading your services fee-free.

It’s also worth checking out user reviews on your provider’s customer service. These days, there’s little more frustrating than spotty internet service—and an unavailable or subpar support system to help you fix it.

With those guidelines in mind, you can dig deeper into all five of the following business internet service providers, tailoring your research to suit your business’s unique needs.

5 best business internet service providers

The following internet service providers aren’t listed in any particular order. But based on a few key factors—including geographical availability, service speeds, customer reviews, pricing, and contract flexibility—we’ve deemed these five companies worth looking into first.

Verizon Fios Business

Verizon has been ranked the highest in customer satisfaction for small and medium businesses from J.D. Power for six years running—just one reason why Verizon Fios makes the list of the best business internet service providers.

Verizon Fios Business offers five internet plans, with download speeds ranging from 75 mbps up to 940 mbps. Prices range from $64.99 per month for the first year, then $69.99 per the month for the second; up to $214.99 per month for the first year, then $224.99 per month for the second. Fees and equipment charges aren’t included in those prices, however.

All Verizon’s contract lengths are two years, with an early cancellation fee of 35% of the base monthly charges for the remainder of the term.

On the downside, Verizon Fios Business is only available in certain metro areas in nine states on the East Coast. But they also offer several phone and internet bundles, some with the additional incentive of a Visa Prepaid Card of up to $200.

Pro: Great customer service and reliable connection.

Con: Service is limited to a handful of states on East Coast.

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Spectrum Business

Spectrum Business offers three download speeds: 200 mbps, 400 mbps, and 940 mbps, with bundles starting at an incredibly affordable $44.99 per month. Pricing for other download speeds isn’t readily available on their website, however. You’ll have to enter your business’s address to find out which offers are available, and at which prices, in your area.

Perhaps the best feature of Spectrum Business’s internet services is that they’re all contract-free. Instead of the standard one- or two-year contracts, Spectrum Business charges customers on a month-to-month basis. So if you’re growing quickly and anticipate needing to upgrade, there’s no need to worry about locking yourself into a multiple-year deal, and potentially encountering early-cancellation fees. Plus, Spectrum services are available in 41 states, including Hawaii.

Do be aware, however, that Spectrum Business customer reviews are less than stellar.

Pro: Affordable pricing and widely available.

Con: Mixed reviews on customer service.

Comcast Business

Servicing 39 states across the country, Comcast Business Internet stands out from the pack for offering one of the highest-speed services you’ll find with their 1 gig (1,000 mbps) plan. Other than this “Blazing Speed” plan, Comcast Business offers four business internet tiers ranging from 25 mbps to 300 mbps. And signing up for their Comcast Business Connection Pro feature means that if your connection goes out, you’ll be automatically connected to a 4G LTE wireless backup.

Pricing-wise, you’ll need to provide your business’s address to receive a quote. We were also unable to find contract details, but reviewers have stated that Comcast has two-year-long contracts, and their early termination fees are hefty. Also be aware that their highest-speed plan might not be available everywhere.

Pro: Super-fast download speeds.

Con: Large early cancellation fee.

Although Frontier offers the slowest internet speeds on this list—ranging from just 7 to 40 mbps—their bundle prices are some of the lowest you’re likely to find. And if you’re a sole proprietor, have only a few employees, or simply don’t rely too heavily on your internet service (if you run a brick-and-mortar store, for instance), Frontier’s lower speeds may actually be just right for you.

On the lower range, Frontier’s Business Max + Voice Service bundle gets you 7 mbps internet speed, free installation, a free WiFi router, and a business phone for just $49.98 a month for a two-year contract. Their highest-tier bundle, the Business Extreme + Voice, gets you the same add-ons as the Business Max + Voice, but with a 30 mbps internet speed.

Pro: Reasonably priced bundles.

Con: Low internet speeds.

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AT&T Business

AT&T offers a few business internet packages at varying speeds and price points. Business owners who want the highest possible speeds with the most advanced features can opt for one of their three Dedicated Internet Service packages, which offers customers internet speeds of up to 400 mbps.

Of course, you will need to pay for those super-fast speeds. Prices for AT&T’s Dedicated Internet Service packages range from $993 per month to $1,770 per month, and contracts range from 24 to 36 months. Keep in mind, though, that offer availability and pricing will vary depending on where you’re located.

But if you don’t want to shell out $1,000+ for your internet, AT&T does offer lower-priced options, too. Look into their AT&T Wireless Internet product; for either $60 or $100 per month, users get either 50 or 100 GB of data with a 4G LTE wireless device.

Pro: Super-fast internet speeds are available.

Con: High-speed plans can be pricey.

Which small business internet service is right for you?

First and foremost, the business internet provider that works best for your business is the provider that services your area—so always start your search by plugging in your business’s address. Keep in mind that providers’ offers and rates will vary according to your location, too.

On that note, it could be worth looking into regional business internet service providers in addition to the five marquee providers we mentioned here. It’s possible that they’ll offer internet speeds just as fast as the larger companies can, but at even better price points.

And if you’re wary about locking yourself into a years-long contract, make it a priority to find either a provider that offers a month-to-month contract, or that doesn’t incur punishing early termination fees. That way, your business can expand as much and as quickly as it possibly can—because the last thing you need to worry about is whether your internet connection can support your growth.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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Best Business Internet Providers of 2024

Table of Contents

  • Best Business Internet Providers
  • Things To Consider When Buying
  • How We Chose

Choosing an internet provider for your business – whether it’s a large corporation or a small startup – requires careful consideration. Availability, speed, security, reliability, contract length, and budget are all priorities you need to examine when looking at potential business internet providers.

For example, your company may have certain expectations for the bandwidth and contract length. The majority of internet service provider (ISP) contracts are two years, although some don’t require a contract at all. You may have to adjust these expectations if you’re located in a rural area, although there are some plans specifically designed for businesses that are far from city centers.

Also, pay attention to speed and connection type. Download and upload speeds are most commonly displayed in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps) – you can learn more about this in our guide, What Is a Good Internet Speed? Connection type can range anywhere from cable to fiber to satellite. Fiber connections tend to have the fastest potential speeds, but satellite and cable are more widely available.

Plus, ISPs sometimes offer additional features for companies, typically at an extra cost. One example is a static IP address so a business can host its own website and run a server.

To simplify your search, here’s our list of the best business internet providers and what you need to know about them.

  • Best Overall: AT&T Business »
  • Best for Bundling: Verizon Business »
  • Best for Small Businesses: Comcast Business »
  • Best Budget: Frontier Business »
  • Best for Rural Businesses: Viasat Business »
  • Best for Mobile Businesses: Starlink Business »
  • Best for City Businesses: Google Fiber Business »
  • Best for Customer Satisfaction: EarthLink Business »
  • Best for Secure Data Transmission: Cox Business »

business internet service 20902

Best Overall: AT&T Business

Good customer service reviews

Very fast, up to 5 Gbps

Contract-free plans

Gig speeds only available in select areas

Top plans can get expensive

Customers report loving AT&T’s business internet. In fact, J.D. Power’s 2022 Business Wireline Satisfaction Study left AT&T in first place with large enterprise companies, with a score of 872 out of 1,000.

AT&T Business Fiber has six plans, ranging from Business Fiber 50 ($60 per month for 50 Mbps) to Business Fiber 5 GIG ($250 per month for 5 Gbps). If your company needs incredibly fast internet speeds, the 5 Gbps plan might be your only good option, as it’s five times faster than almost all of AT&T’s competitors’ plans. So, if you’re constantly uploading large files, holding video conferences, and performing other bandwidth-heavy tasks, you might be willing to pay $250 per month for this plan. Note: This price for the speed is an incredibly good deal compared to other offerings in our list.

As a $20-per-month add-on, businesses can also sign up for AT&T’s Managed Internet Backup service, allowing them to stay online even during outages. This feature provides unlimited data via the provider’s 4G LTE wireless network for up to 24 hours.

For large companies with hundreds of employees, there’s technically an even faster option than the 5 Gbps plan, and it’s via AT&T Dedicated Internet. Dedicated internet is not a shared connection like almost all other types, so businesses don’t have to worry about loss of bandwidth during high-traffic times. However, it requires special installation. AT&T’s dedicated speeds start at 20 Mbps but go all the way up to a staggering 1 terabit per second (Tbps).

A key component of AT&T is its generally contract-free plans as well as its many bundling options. If you’re in need of a business phone plan, you can bundle business internet with an AT&T phone plan for an extra $15 per month.

Fastest speed: 5 Gbps

Contract: No contract

Availability: 42 states

Verizon Business Phone

Best for Bundling: Verizon Business

Three connection types

Many bundling options

Top-ranked in customer satisfaction

Contract of one to three years required on most plans

Only available in 10 states

Overall, Verizon has been the highest ranked for customer satisfaction for small and medium businesses for six years straight by J.D. Power. The company offers many plans and bundles for small businesses and major companies.

Businesses have three fiber plan options when it comes to Verizon Fios Business Internet. On the lower end is Fios 200/200, which is $69 per month and has 200 Mbps download and upload speeds (the fact that the download speeds and upload speeds are symmetrical are key if your company often uploads larger files to remote servers). Or step up to Fios 500/500 for $129 per month with a download/upload speed of 500 Mbps. The fastest plan, Fios Gigabit Connection, costs $249 per month and offers up to 940 Mbps.

With Verizon Fios business bundling you can pair any internet service with a Business Digital Voice Line for an extra $20 per month. Plus, Verizon offers Fios TV business plans for private viewing, public viewing, and bar and restaurant viewing, which is very convenient if you want to keep your business services together under one provider.

Verizon Business does require a contract of one to three years that renews automatically, as well as a price guarantee – the length of the guarantee varies by plan tier. There’s also an early cancellation fee of 50% of the base monthly charges for the remainder of the contract. If you don’t like contracts or want more flexibility with your plan, you may want to choose a different provider that doesn’t lock you into a strict contract like Verizon does.

Verizon is still lacking in some locations, which is a major reason why it isn’t yet as common as it could be for businesses. While Verizon overall is known for having great coverage nationwide and internationally, Verizon Fios Business is only available in select major cities on the East Coast. If Verizon Fios isn’t in your area, try calling customer service to request it.

If fiber isn’t available in your area, you may be able to get Verizon 5G Business Internet. The three 5G plans include up to 100 Mbps for $69 per month, up to 200 Mbps for $99 per month, or up to 400 Mbps for $199 per month.

Lastly, Verizon’s LTE Business Internet is a decent option if neither fiber nor 5G is available at your company’s address. You can get either 10 Mbps for $69 per month, 25 Mbps for $99 per month, or 50 Mbps for $199 per month. All three LTE plans have no contracts and come with varying data allowances.

Fastest speed: 940 Mbps

Contract: One- to three-year contract required

Availability: 10 states

business internet service 20902

Best for Small Businesses: Comcast Business

Very stable, with backup connections

Dedicated account representatives

No data caps

Very expensive for the speeds received

Doesn’t offer any speeds over 1.25 Gbps

Lack of scalability options for growing businesses

Comcast Business offers a nice blend of decent pricing, a stable connection, and fast speeds. Depending on your address, its plans run from 50 Mbps starting at $49.99 per month to 1.25 Gbps at up to $349.99 per month (including discounts for autopay and paperless billing). Comcast Business doesn’t charge for installation, and companies have a 30-day trial before being locked into a contract of two or three years. In some locations, it offers the 100 Mbps plan for as low as $39 per month for 12 months with no contract.

If you’re frustrated by outages, Comcast can switch to a cellular 4G LTE backup connection for up to 16 hours if there’s a power outage or other unexpected event, so your business can continue moving smoothly despite any environmental factors at play. Keep in mind, however, that this backup service costs an extra $39.95 per month.

One bonus of Comcast is that it offers a contract-free plan in some areas. This flexibility is especially important for small business owners who aren’t sure if they want to commit to Comcast for the long term.

Another bonus is the option for businesses to request a dedicated account representative. This person can help businesses with whatever issues they may have, and they can recommend services they believe will help optimize operations for your company. This is in addition to Comcast Business’ 24/7 tech support.

Fastest speed: 1.25 Gbps

Contract: None to three years

Availability: 39 states

business internet service 20902

Best Budget: Frontier Business

Fast speeds up to 2 Gbps

No charge for installation

Relatively affordable

Poor customer satisfaction ratings

Frequent outages due to inclement weather

Like Verizon, Frontier offers fiber plans, but unlike Verizon, Frontier’s plans are relatively affordable for their high speeds. Plus, Frontier doesn’t charge for installation. Frontier is about half the price of its competitors for what it offers. The least expensive Frontier option is Business Fiber 500, which starts at $64.99 per month with autopay. Next comes Business Fiber 1 Gig starting at $89.99 per month, and the fastest is Business Fiber 2 Gig starting at $129.99 per month.

Customer service, however, is not Frontier’s best asset. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), the customer satisfaction score for Frontier has remained pretty steady at 74 out of 100. The Better Business Bureau has rated Frontier Communications Corporation with an F for poor service and missed appointments.

If you do decide on Frontier, you can add on other technologies for your small business, including RingCentral (all-in-one secure video, message, and phone app), SmartVoice (cloud-based access to calls and messages), and a static IP (offers safe sharing of larger files over a secure network and remote access).

Frontier, while growing, is not available across the entire country. At press time, it was available in: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Overall, Frontier is a great option if you’re looking for inexpensive yet quick internet and don’t think you’ll need much help in the customer service department. You also should expect to have some outages due to weather.

Fastest speed: 2 Gbps

Availability: About 50% of the country

business internet service 20902

Best for Rural Businesses: Viasat Business

Works well in rural areas

Decent speeds for satellite internet connections

Many coverage areas

Business needs to have a clear view of the sky facing south

Extremely high prices for minimal speeds

Potential for latency issues

If your company is located in a rural area that’s not typically served by one of the larger business internet companies, then you may want to look into Viasat. It offers satellite internet for small businesses and has professional installation.

Viasat does offer relatively fast satellite internet, with speeds up to 100 Mbps and rural data caps of up to 200 GB. However, for the speeds offered, plans are much more expensive than other options. Plans generally start at $175 per month for speeds of just 35 Mbps and 75 GB of high-speed data. For download speeds of 100 Mbps, you’ll be charged $500 per month.

In some areas, you may only be able to get up to 12 Mbps download speeds with varying levels of high-speed data – 10 GB for $100 per month, 50 GB for $175 per month, or 75 GB for $250 per month. Latency also tends to be an issue with satellite internet by virtue of the connection type.

All plans have a minimum 24-month contract and a $300 one-time installation fee. With most of these plans, Viasat does include unlimited regular data and video streaming at no extra cost.

Also, Viasat has some of the best national coverage; it’s available everywhere in the United States, plus some areas of Hawaii and Alaska. Your business simply needs to have a clear view of the sky facing south, as the satellite dish points in that direction.

Fastest speed: 100 Mbps

Contract: 24 months

Availability: Nearly every area of the United States

business internet service 20902

Best for Mobile Businesses: Starlink Business

Works well in all available areas, including rural

Fastest satellite internet provider in the United States

High data caps

Hardware cost of $2,500

Expensive monthly fee compared to other top providers

Marketed toward businesses in remote locations, Starlink Business offers fast satellite internet without using fiber optic or cable wiring. As a result of its rural availability, fast speeds, and high data caps, Starlink is relatively expensive. The initial cost of hardware is $2,500, plus a monthly payment starting at $250. Speeds top out at 220 Mbps, and any rain or snow may wipe out the connection temporarily, leaving your business without internet.

One major bonus of Starlink is that your business may set up a receiver anywhere to connect to the internet via the company’s low Earth orbit satellites, which provide lower latency than traditional satellite connections.

Starlink has options for fixed, mobile, and maritime businesses, so depending on the plan you choose, you can move the satellite receiver to another location easily. It doesn’t need to be connected to anything other than a power source. However, you do need a clear view of the sky to achieve a connection. You or your business team will also need to set up the equipment personally or hire a local contractor to set up the system; there is no professional installation option.

Starlink is not as universally available in the U.S. as competitors Viasat and HughesNet, with large coverage gaps mainly in the Midwest and the South. The company’s eventual goal is to provide full global coverage, but it may be quite some time until that vision is realized.

Fastest speed: 220 Mbps

Availability: Varies based on address

Google Fiber

Best for City Businesses: Google Fiber Business

No contracts

High speeds up to 2 Gbps

99.9% uptime Service Level Guarantee on top plan

Only available in select cities

Relatively new and still expanding reach

If you’re looking for fiber optic internet without a contract, Google Fiber may have what you need, as it offers minimal terms with no contracts. However, Google Fiber is still expanding, meaning its coverage may not be as widely available as that of other big-name providers.

Users have ranked Google Fiber highly for its transparent prices and easy-to-understand features for each plan. Google Fiber is also easy to reach for customer support via its chat box and their 24/7 phone support, which is very responsive.

Google Fiber offers two business internet plans: Business 1 Gig ($100 per month) and Business 2 Gig ($250 per month). These come with download speeds of 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps, respectively, though both plans have upload speeds of up to 1 Gbps. The major perk is that both internet plans are stated to have 99.9% reliability, with the 2 Gig plan adding a Service Level Guarantee that refunds 25% of your monthly bill if your average uptime sinks below 99.9%. Both plans include a Wi-Fi 6 router, and Business 2 Gig adds two mesh Wi-Fi extenders, a single static IP assignment, and guest Wi-Fi network capability.

Google Fiber Business can be a good option for metropolitan companies that need fast speeds, customer support, and reliability – if the service is available in the area at all.

Availability: Limited; varies based on address

EarthLink logo

Best for Customer Satisfaction: EarthLink Business

Very fast connections

No data caps or data throttling

Transparent pricing structure

At minimum requires a one-year contract

While not as popular for business internet as it is for home internet, EarthLink shouldn’t be discounted. Its high-speed fiber plans have been slow to roll out across the country, although today it’s offered in nearly every state in a limited number of cities. Its fiber plans are also very fast, depending on the plan you choose: They range from 50 Mbps to 5 Gbps.

Each plan includes no data caps or data throttling and ranges in price from $69.95 per month for 50 Mbps to $169.95 for 1-5 Gbps. This is on the lower end of prices for these speeds. However, you will have to sign a contract with a term that varies based on the underlying provider (EarthLink uses larger companies’ networks to provide service). At minimum, the contract period will be one year, according to an EarthLink representative.

EarthLink as a company overall has received high marks for customer service ratings in the past years. It is important to note, however, that there is not as much available about EarthLink’s business internet in terms of polling or customer reviews, so there is room for speculation on the company’s service and actual connections for businesses.

In addition to purchasing internet, businesses can also add on marketing, branding, and website development and security features to their EarthLink Business plans.

Contract: Minimum one-year contract but varies by underlying provider

Availability: Select availability in all states

business internet service 20902

Best for Secure Data Transmission: Cox Business

Offers cable connection as an alternative to satellite

Most plans include a static IP address

24/7 customer service

Data cap on all plans

Auto-renewing contracts

Limited availability

Cox generally offers internet through copper coaxial cables, which is inexpensive and can be fast. It offers a handful of business plans, starting with its Business Internet 100, which has up to 100 Mbps download speeds. Its highest standard business-grade plan offers up to 300 Mbps. For each standard plan, keep in mind that the upload speeds are approximately 10 times slower than the respective download speeds, which should still be plenty for small businesses.

If you have an enterprise-level business that requires more, you can request a free consultation for higher service plans. On the smaller end, you can get up to 940 Mbps, while the biggest corporations can get symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to a staggering 100 Gbps via a dedicated fiber connection.

Pricing is not transparent on Cox’s website, so you’ll need to request a consultation to get a quote for all service levels. There are also plenty of bundling options if you require more than just internet for your business.

Like Verizon, Cox has automatically renewing contracts – a convenient feature if you’re happy with the service, but a downside for companies that are not satisfied and may forget to cancel. You need to provide written notice of cancellation at least 30 days before the contract ends. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with it for another year unless you want to pay the full remaining contract balance plus an early termination fee.

Cox offers 24/7 customer service, which is helpful if you have any technical issues. The provider also offers the Cox Business Security Suite, which is a data protection program that is free with every internet plan purchase. It comes with up to 25 Security Suite licenses, and you have the ability to purchase more if you have more than 25 people or devices.

Cox is available in 19 states, so if you’re not covered by Cox, you may want to look at CenturyLink, which provides similar services but has a larger coverage area.

Contract: Month-to-month or yearly contract

Availability: 19 states

The Bottom Line

There isn’t one ISP that’s good for every company. Consider what your business really needs in terms of its usage, its budget and its location. Then, you can prioritize and figure out which of the companies will work best for you. Still can’t decide? You may want to try a provider that doesn’t require a contract so that if it doesn’t work out, you can easily switch. Based on our research AT&T Business is a good place to start.

Things To Consider When Buying Business Internet

Reliability.

An internet connection’s dependability is measured by how consistent it is overall, explains Vikas Kaushik, the CEO of TechAhead. And the amount of time your connection is active is referred to as its uptime. “Inquire about the history of downtime experienced by the supplier as well as how they handle maintenance,” Kaushik says. “To reduce the likelihood of disruptions, you should inquire about redundancy measures they have in place.”

Company Size

If you have a small business of one to five employees that tend to use the internet to browse the web, check emails, and write basic documents, then you should look for 50-100 Mbps. For midsize companies with 10-20 employees who need video conferencing and remote collaboration tools, you’ll need 100-500 Mbps. For larger organizations with 30-50 employees using the internet for data transfers, data backup and e-commerce, aim for 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps. If you have 50 or more employees who use the internet for web hosting or large-scale e-commerce, you will need at least 1 Gbps. In short, the more devices connected and the heavier-duty the activities, the more speed you’ll need.

Cost by Speed

The best way to do this is by determining the cost per Mbps. Divide the monthly fee by the maximum speeds. For example, AT&T’s lowest plan costs $60 for 50 Mbps, which equates to $1.20 per megabit. AT&T’s highest plan costs $250 for 5 Gbps, or 5,000 Mbps, which comes out to 5 cents per megabit. Be aware, however, that you should factor in customer service, availability, other plan features, and whether you need a lot of speed or not. If you’re trying to decide between a few plans, the cost per Mbps is another factor to help narrow your selection.

Dedicated vs. Shared Bandwidth

Some business internet providers offer dedicated bandwidth, ensuring that your connection is not shared with other users, while others provide traditional shared bandwidth that can lead to fluctuations in speed during peak usage times, Trevor Eason, CEO and tech writer at SamsungTechwin.com, says, “Depending on your business's sensitivity to internet performance, you may want to opt for dedicated bandwidth.”

How We Chose the Best Business Internet Providers

At U.S. News 360 Reviews, our contributor consulted with numerous tech experts, examined studies, and looked at customer reviews to create this list of the Best Business Internet Providers. She then narrowed the selection with more thorough research, considering price, speed, availability, and customer service. Overall, she found that there isn’t a single best ISP that would work well for every company, but Verizon and AT&T are some pretty strong contenders.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Our contributors and editors have years of experience researching and reviewing products. Danielle Braff, the author of this piece, has more than a decade of product reviewing experience with a concentration on tech products and business. Braff has studies published in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Chicago Business, and more. To Braff, a great business internet provider should be fast with a backup for outages and fantastic customer service.

Business Internet FAQ

This totally depends on the provider you select. Most, however, require a modem, a router, switches, and the proper cables. If you opt for fiber internet – a common choice for businesses due to its reliability and high speeds – you’ll need a special fiber connection installed to transmit the data; a clamshell (an exterior protective case for the connection); an optical network terminal (ONT) instead of a modem; a fiber router; and possibly a Wi-Fi extender or two. For satellite internet, you’ll need a satellite internet dish, a satellite modem/router, and a compatible internet device.

In any case, the ISP you select will provide all the necessary equipment and likely offer (or require) professional installation.

First, you should separate your business network from your guest network by using separate virtual LANs (VLANs), or physical networks. Routers, firewalls, and access points offering advanced security features and regular firmware updates will also be key pieces of network equipment. For Wi-Fi access points providing encryption for your network, you’ll need WPA3 encryption. Set up the guest network with internet access only, and use a captive portal with a password for the guests.

If there’s an internet outage or disruption, contact your ISP’s customer service department. Many companies have round-the-clock availability via phone or chat, which comes in handy in situations like this. Some companies in this list also offer backup data for a set amount of time to get your business through potential outages, though this feature comes at an extra cost.

Typically, an ISP will have a devoted spot on its website to report and to track service problems. You should be able to enter your information and receive an estimated time that your service will resume.

This depends on whether you already have a contract with a provider. If you do, you will most likely have to pay the remainder of the contract agreement and/or an early termination fee. Then, you are free to switch to a different provider. The new ISP will likely need to install its own equipment, especially if you’re upgrading to a new connection type like fiber, but the process should generally not take longer than a few business days. Most companies require advance notice if you’re requesting enterprise-level service installation, so the further you plan ahead and coordinate with the new ISP, the less downtime your company will experience.

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

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Best business internet providers

By Robin Layton Last updated: October 12, 2023

Fiber internet business plans provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, which can allow businesses of any size to work faster and more efficiently. Call us to learn more about business internet options.

Compare top business internet providers

Business internet is a great option for those who need fast upload and download speeds, a guaranteed reliable connection and multiple devices to be able to be online at a time. Although business internet takes the stress out of connecting to the internet, it does come with higher starting prices.

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 05/04/23. **Wireless speeds may vary. ***Prices without Autopay and Paperless Billing. Exclusive offer for qualified addresses. For new residential Internet customers only. Max speed capable range for 500 Mbps (450-500 Mbps download/upload), Gig Service (846-940 Mbps download, 792-880 Mbps upload), 2 Gig (1800-2000 Mbps download/upload) and requires 2 Gbps capable devices and wiring. Performance details: frontier.com/internetdisclosures. Requires Auto Pay or $5/mo. fee applies. Beginning April 2022, a printed bill fee of $2.99/mo. will apply, NY, PA and select customers excluded. A $10 fee applies when Internet is disconnected. Equipment return required at disconnection, up to $150 per device if not returned. Multi-Device Security covers up to 10 devices. Other applicable charges and additional services are extra.  Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other offers. Other restrictions, Frontier policies and service terms apply. Last updated 10/10/23.

Find business internet in your area

Unlike your home internet , some internet service providers don’t offer business internet in all of their coverage areas. Allconnect can help you navigate the choices available to you. 

You’ll want to have a good idea of how many employees you have accessing the internet at the same time in order to know what speed your business internet plan should have.

When providers advertise their speed plans, they tend to only talk about the download speeds. However, both upload and download speeds are essential for running a business. Download speed is how quickly information will be received by your router, like in a search engine inquiry or email program. Upload speeds refer to how quickly your system can load an image or file onto a web server, like emailing a photo to a client or loading new info onto your company’s website. 

Search internet providers in your area

Our picks for the best business internet providers .

Jump to section:  

  • AT&T – Best for reliability
  • CenturyLink – Best cheap business internet 
  • Frontier – Best for fast starting speeds  
  • Verizon – Best for symmetrical upload speeds 
  • Xfinity – Best for availability

The listed providers are some of the most widely available and well-rated providers throughout the U.S. You can expect at least one of these providers to be available in your area unless you live in a particularly remote area. If none of these providers are available, consider a DSL or satellite provider, knowing these are not ideal for large businesses that require a lot of bandwidth.

AT&T logo

Best for reliability: AT&T 300 Mbps

The 300 or 500 Mbps plan is probably your best bet to ensure fast enough upload and download speeds without breaking the bank each month. AT&T fiber service is available to about 11% of the U.S., mostly in the Midwest and South.

Fast speeds: AT&T’s 500 Mbps is great for smallt to medium businesses with up to 50 individuals

Extra security: ActiveArmor is included with all AT&T Business Fiber plans at no extra cost

High starting price: $75 is a bit higher than other providers

Availability issues: AT&T’s fiber connections are only available in certain areas

AT&T business internet plans and pricing

Best cheap business internet: centurylink.

Although both of CenturyLink’s plans are some of the cheapest business internet plans available, the fiber internet 940 Mbps plan is a particularly good value. For nearly 10x the speed, you only have to pay an additional $20/mo. However, Xfinity has a $39/mo. plan, but it’s only for up to 50 Mbps, which will not do much for a small business. CenturyLink fiber is available in about 2% of the country, centered in the northern Midwest and Western parts.

Low starting price: $55/mo.

Affordable Gig plan: $75/mo.

Slower speeds: Uses DSL instead of fiber for the Business Internet plan, so not as many people can be connected at once as with fiber service

Limited plan options: There are just plans available

CenturyLink business internet plans and pricing

Best for fast starting speeds: frontier.

Frontier’s Business Fiber 500 plan offers symmetrical upload/download speeds and costs below $65/mo. If you want the best value available, Frontier’s Business Fiber 500 is an excellent choice.

Good plan options: From 500 Mbps to 2 Gigs, which can run an enterprise business up to 100 people

Latest tech: Wi-Fi 6E router included with plans

Expensive Gig plan: $85/mo. is steeper than some other providers

Frontier Fiber business internet plans and pricing

*Prices without Autopay and Paperless Billing. Exclusive offer for qualified addresses. For new residential Internet customers only. Max speed capable range for 500 Mbps (450-500 Mbps download/upload), Gig Service (846-940 Mbps download, 792-880 Mbps upload), 2 Gig (1800-2000 Mbps download/upload) and requires 2 Gbps capable devices and wiring. Performance details: frontier.com/internetdisclosures. Requires Auto Pay or $5/mo. fee applies. Beginning April 2022, a printed bill fee of $2.99/mo. will apply, NY, PA and select customers excluded. A $10 fee applies when Internet is disconnected. Equipment return required at disconnection, up to $150 per device if not returned. Multi-Device Security covers up to 10 devices. Other applicable charges and additional services are extra.  Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other offers. Other restrictions, Frontier policies and service terms apply. Last updated 10/10/23.

Verizon logo

Best symmetrical upload speeds: Verizon

Although Verizon’s price points are a little higher than some of the other providers that offer business internet, it is worth it if you know you will be uploading large files regularly. Verizon is one of the few providers that offer symmetrical or close-to-symmetrical upload speeds for all of its plans. Verizon fiber is available throughout much of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, covering 9% of the U.S.

Fiber connections: Verizon’s symmetrical 100 Mbps can power a small business of up to 10

No risk trial: 30-day money back guarantee on 2-year term

Expensive: The top-end plan is $249/mo.

Verizon business internet plans and pricing

Best for availability: xfinity.

The 50 Mbps plan is not fast enough for most businesses, so if you choose Xfinity, go with the 250 Mbps or 500 Mbps plans. Xfinity is the largest U.S. cable internet service provider, available in parts of 40 states .

Several plan options: Plans get cheaper with 2-3 contracts

Wide availability: Xfinity serves the Western, Central/Southern and Northeast regions of the country.

Expensive: The 1.25 Gbps plan is $199.99/mo

Xfinity business internet plans and pricing

Call us to learn more about business internet options.

What internet speeds do you need to run a business?

Fiber is your best bet for your connection because the upload speeds are symmetrical with your download speeds. That makes it possible for you to upload documents, share presentations to multiple devices, etc., much faster than other types of internet.

The best speeds for business internet by size are:

  • 50 Mbps: Up to 10 users, with email and a point-of-sale system
  • 100 Mbps: Up to 10 users, with email, point-of-sale systems, security and HD, 4K video streaming
  • 500 Mbps: Up to 50 users, with email, point-of-sale systems, security, HD, 4K video streaming and large file transfer capability
  • 1 Gbps: Up to 100 users, with email, point-of-sale systems, security, HD, 4K video streaming and large file transfer capability
  • 2 Gbps and up: Over 100 users, with email, point-of-sale systems, security, HD, 4K video streaming, large file transfer capability and cloud hosting

What internet speed do you need for small businesses?

Small businesses will likely want at least 100 Mbps. The more devices you will have online at a time, the faster the speeds you will need. Additionally, if you need to upload large files frequently, you should either pick a plan faster than 100 Mbps or a fiber plan that has symmetrical upload and download speeds, such as Frontier or Verizon.

What internet speed do you need for large businesses?

Large businesses, with users from 50 to 100, should consider fiber plans around 500 Mbps and higher. Two key aspects of large business internet to look for are scalability – can the service grow with your business – and tech support. No business can afford downtime, so access to 24/7 quality tech support is critical.

Business internet vs. home internet

The best thing about using business internet over a regular residential connection is that you will receive a dedicated line, which means you will not need to share your internet connection with anyone outside of your company. You will also get a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that guarantees certain speeds as opposed to a best-effort service agreement that you tend to get with a home internet plan.

What we like

Faster starting speeds – With business internet plans, you can expect to see most plans starting at 100 Mbps as opposed to 10, 15 or 25 Mbps.

Better upload speeds – Upload speeds on a business internet plan will be faster than a home plan, especially with symmetrical upload/download speeds.

Things to consider

Can be pricey – Fiber small business plans start around $60/mo., but if you have a medium to large business, prices can skyrocket into the hundreds per month.

Fewer options  – In most areas, there are not as many providers to choose from for business internet compared to home internet.

Business internet FAQs

Yes, starting speeds tend to be faster with business internet. The biggest difference between business internet speed and home internet speeds, however, has to do more with upload speeds than with download speeds.

Yes, you can get business internet for your home since many small businesses are run at home. Since starting prices tend to be more expensive with business internet than with home internet, make sure you truly need the added benefits of business internet, such as faster upload speeds and Service Level Agreements.

Yes, any internet service provider can set up a Wi-Fi network for your business after you purchase an internet plan from them. Keep in mind, though, that a hardwired system with Ethernet cables will provide your working environment with the best possible speeds.

A fiber connection will provide the fastest speeds available in your area for any business operation.

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Robin Layton

Written by:

Editor, Broadband Content

Camryn Smith

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The limits a provider sets on the amount of data you’re able to use while online

Download speeds

Transfers data to your home for activities like streaming, shopping and browsing social media

Mbps (Megabits per second)

A unit of measurement used to indicate download and upload speeds

Upload speeds

Transfer data from your home for activities like video calls, uploading large files, working on online documents and live gaming

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  • Best Business Internet Providers for 2024

Comcast Business internet comes jam-packed with all the features a small business needs.

  • Vivian Nguyen

When it comes to internet shopping, most people are familiar with residential internet. However, many internet service providers, or ISPs, also offer business internet that includes a variety of perks that can cater to businesses of all sizes. If you’re starting your own business or looking to level up your existing business, a good business internet plan can make a huge difference in keeping your operations running smoothly. To help you decide which internet is right for your business, we’ve outlined everything there is to know about business internet and which ISPs offer the best internet plans based on speed, value, availability, reliability, and reputation.

Comcast Business Internet (BroadbandNow Top Pick)

Comcast Business Internet is our top overall pick for companies looking for reliable internet, affordable pricing, and a secure connection.

Staying connected is vital for small businesses, especially those providing online services. In the case of unexpected events, such as a power outage, Comcast Business Internet will automatically switch to a cellular 4G LTE backup connection to keep business owners online. Business owners can also contact Comcast’s Business Internet customer service to receive additional support for their internet plan. Comcast is well known for its dedication to customer service, particularly for business users.

While ultra-fast internet speeds are great to have when operating a business, this usually comes with a high cost. For companies that want to stay connected on a budget, Comcast Business Internet delivers affordable plans that come with additional features that can complement any business. With Comcast Business Internet, you can get speeds up to 1.25 Gbps or choose a slower plan to maximize your savings.

Secure internet connections are essential for businesses of all sizes. Comcast’s SecurityEdge technology adds encryption to all of its internet plans, helping businesses stay protected from malware or other cyberattacks that could hurt operations.

Because of its versatile internet options and budget-friendly pricing, Comcast Business Internet is ideal for all businesses, small entrepreneurs and growing organizations alike.

Why We Like Comcast for Business Internet

  • Comcast’s dedicated internet provides priority speeds during peak traffic hours.
  • 4G LTE backup internet keeps businesses running in the case of an outage.
  • SecurityEdge technology adds a level of security to all connected devices.

AT&T Business Internet (The Next Best Business ISP)

Ultra-fast speeds, a reliable internet connection, and outstanding customer service are just a few perks you can get when signing up for one of AT&T’s Business Internet plans.

Offering some of the fastest internet speeds on the market for its customers, AT&T also provides some of the fastest speeds for businesses. AT&T Business Fiber offers speeds up to 5 Gbps, and it is even available in residential areas to small businesses. Fiber internet is the best connection for companies that regularly transfer large data files or work in live production.

In addition to providing fast internet speeds, AT&T offers an internet backup service that allows businesses to continue operating during a service outage. Critical devices such as point-of-sale machines and credit card readers will stay online until your service comes back online.

In the event of a service outage or other issues, AT&T’s business-class customer service is available for all support inquiries. Outside of critical outage support, its customer service can also help with more minor requests related to your business internet. With multiple contact methods and 24/7 support, business owners can rest easy knowing that AT&T has their back.

Whether you’re a large-scale business, multimedia company, or burgeoning business, AT&T Business Fiber Internet plans offer a consistent and quick connection at an affordable price.

Why We Like AT&T for Business Internet

  • Fast fiber internet keeps business operations running smoothly.
  • Built-in backup systems prevent long outages.
  • 24/7 business-class customer service assists with all internet inquiries.

Spectrum Business Internet (Best Business ISP for a Budget)

Spectrum Business Internet stands out from the crowd of business internet providers by offering extensive bundling options, contract-free plans, and affordable pricing.

Although business owners can purchase an internet plan as a stand-alone product, they’ll get a much better deal when taking advantage of bundling options from Spectrum. With Spectrum, you can combine your internet services with office phone, TV, and mobile phone services. So, whether you need TV for your waiting room or mobile phones for workers in the field, Spectrum has you covered.

While many business internet providers require contracts, Spectrum delivers its plans contract-free, meaning its customers pay for its services on a monthly basis. Therefore, there are no early-termination fees (ETFs), meaning you have the flexibility of changing plans without worrying about extra costs.

The cost of fast internet can add up quickly, but thanks to Spectrum’s bundling options with no contracts attached, Spectrum offers affordable pricing for its internet plans. Even its internet-only options are good for businesses that operate on a budget. If businesses want extra features like Wi-Fi, Spectrum offers those services as individual add-ons.

From its bundle offerings to its affordable plans, Spectrum Business Internet works for most businesses, but it is perfect for small businesses that operate remotely or have employees that frequently travel.

Why We Like Spectrum for Business Internet

  • Contract-free plans offer flexibility for small business owners.
  • Bundling options make it easy to shop for internet, TV, and phone services.
  • Fast internet speeds at an affordable cost make it ideal for businesses on a budget.

Other Internet Providers for Small Businesses

The following ISPs may not have as many perks as the ones we’ve mentioned above, but they’re great alternatives for business owners outside of major coverage areas and may even work as backup options to keep businesses connected.

  • CenturyLink : Similar to AT&T, CenturyLink’s business internet options include a basic internet plan and a business fiber plan. All of CenturyLink’s plans come with no contracts and 24/7 customer support. Business owners can make the most of the deals provided by CenturyLink to stay within their budget.
  • Viasat : One of the few providers on the market that offer satellite internet for small businesses, Viasat is great for those who may be living in rural or low-connectivity areas. It offers the same perks as some of the more popular internet providers and provides professional installation.
  • Verizon : Mostly known for its phone services, Verizon provides 5G wireless internet at an affordable price with its business internet plans. There is also an option to bundle business internet with a phone line to help businesses save even more.

Why Pick Business Internet Instead of Residential Internet

Compared to residential internet, business internet offers specific perks that cater to the needs of both small companies and large corporations. Faster internet speeds, priority customer service, and internet backup are just a few examples of these benefits. Before diving into our top favorites, it’s important to note the pros and cons of purchasing or switching to business internet.

Pros of business internet

  • Faster internet speeds compared to residential internet
  • Prioritized internet service
  • No data caps for most plans

Cons of business internet

  • Expensive for the average resident
  • Sometimes requires a contract
  • Variable customer reviews

Tips for Picking the Perfect Business Internet Provider

Every business operates differently and has its own set of internet needs. Maybe it’s a small online business that needs to provide multiple methods of communication for its customers, or it’s a large corporation with an office space that needs to ensure all of its employees can stay connected during work hours. While all businesses have unique qualities, some factors can benefit any business, regardless of size. Here are some tips you should think about before committing to a business internet plan.

Pick Your Speed Based on the Size of Your Business

For a smaller team or startup businesses, a basic business internet plan will usually suffice. However, larger teams or corporations that rely on a strong internet connection should consider some of the higher-tier internet plans available from business internet providers. To help you pick which speed is right for your size of business, we put together the following chart:

Choose Additional Features That Match Your Business Needs

Business internet connections need to be fast, secure, and reliable. That’s why the additional features offered through business internet services are important to include when shopping for a plan. Here are some common features you should look for in your business internet plan:

  • Static IP address: For businesses that host their own website or offer remote work, a static IP address is better for business operations than a dynamic IP address.
  • 4G LTE backup: Even with the best internet service possible, businesses could run into power outages and server shutdowns for various reasons. When this happens, an internet backup option can keep operations running and assist customer retention, especially in e-commerce businesses.
  • Ethernet-dedicated internet: A dedicated internet connection allows businesses to continue working, even during peak traffic hours. While residential internet may run the risk of being throttled, ISPs prioritize businesses with a dedicated connection.
  • Cybersecurity services: Malware and DDoS attacks are nothing new, and hackers are always looking for clever ways to gain unauthorized server access. Business internet providers offer cybersecurity services to help maintain a safe and secure connection for all employees.
  • Business Wi-Fi: On-site businesses can provide their guests with Wi-Fi, giving them the same high-speed internet as their employees. Some business internet plans include Wi-Fi, while others may have it as an add-on.

Bundle Services Based on Your Business

Stand-alone internet plans are great for businesses, but internet providers also provide additional services that could complement any business internet plan. Providers like Comcast and Spectrum offer bundling options that include TV and phone services that could enhance a business customer’s experience. Plus, bundles could help businesses save money while taking their business to the next level.

  • Business TV: Keep your guests happy with a business TV plan. These plans come with a variety of channels to keep people informed and occupied during wait times.
  • Mobile phone service: Stay connected wherever you go. Remote employees and frequent travelers will find great value in adding phone lines to a business internet plan.
  • Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service: Combining internet with phone service, business internet customers who add VoIP service to their internet plan can make or receive calls over a reliable internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Internet Providers

Which internet provider offers the best business internet plan.

For a great overall option, we recommend Comcast Business Internet, as it offers affordable internet plans with several perks to help streamline business internet services. It provides internet-only plans and bundling options, providing even greater flexibility for business owners. Figuring out which internet provider is the best for you depends on your business needs, so check which internet providers are in your area and compare their features to see which one works best for you.

Can I get business internet at home?

Yes. Residents can purchase business internet for their households. People working from home or households that use multiple devices regularly can benefit from business internet the most. Note that business internet is much more costly than residential internet and may come with features that the average consumer may not need.

Why is business internet more expensive than residential internet?

Business internet is more expensive than residential internet because it has several additional features, such as internet backup and a prioritized connection during peak traffic hours. Also, business internet must keep a business and its employees connected, making it more costly than standard residential internet.

What is the difference between residential internet and business internet?

Business internet has additional perks that greatly benefit both small businesses and large corporations. While both types of internet offer similar speeds, business internet providers usually offer dedicated internet connections to give businesses a reliable and fast connection, especially during peak traffic hours. Additionally, business internet providers usually offer an internet backup option that lets businesses continue running during a power outage as well as 24/7 business-class customer service.

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  • The speed to power your business
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  • 20X faster upload speed than cable*
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  • Our most popular package is $55/mo for 12 months for up to 100 Mbps.
  • Our Gig Internet package is $75/mo $65/mo for maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection.
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Best Internet Providers for Business 2024

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  • Price: $69.00–$249.00/mo.*
  • Speed: 200–940Mbps
  • Internet type: Fiber
  • Price: $60.00–$395.00/mo. †
  • Speed: 100–5,000Mbps
  • Price: $49.99–$349.99/mo. ‡
  • Speed: 50–1,250Mbps
  • Internet type: Cable
  • Price: $49.99–$164.99/mo. § for 12 mos.
  • Speed: 300–1,000Mbps (wireless speeds may vary)
  • Internet type: Cable, fiber

Data effective 2/2/24. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

* See Verizon Business disclaimers .

† See AT&T Business disclaimers .

‡ See Comcast Business disclaimers .

§ See Spectrum Business disclaimers .

Our pick: Which internet provider for business is best?

Verizon Business is the best internet provider for your small business. The provider delivers fiber internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds ranging from 200Mbps to 940Mbps, giving you ample speeds but also slower plans that go easier on the budget. Verizon Business also ranks high in terms of customer satisfaction, so it’s clear that plenty of proprietors get what they need from it .

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Jump to: Best internet for business | What to look for | Specs and features | How to choose | FAQ

  • Best internet for business
  • What to look for
  • Specs and features
  • How to choose

The best internet providers for business

  • Best overall: Verizon Business
  • Best for customer satisfaction: AT&T Business
  • Best for small business: EarthLink Business
  • Best for availability: Comcast Business
  • Best for no contracts: Spectrum Business
  • Best for rural: Viasat Business

Compare business internet plans and prices

Data current as of 2/2/24. Prices and availability may vary.

* w/ 2yr. agmt plus taxes, fees & equip. charges.

† Plus taxes & fees. Ltd. avail./areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. 1GIG speeds avail. to new customers with the latest router (“BGW320”) and recommended setup. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed.

‡ for 12 months with 2-year agreement when you enroll in Auto Pay and Paperless Billing.

What should you look for in the best internet for business?

You want an internet service that’s dependable, affordable, and fast enough to fit your needs. It should also have solid customer support that addresses your issues quickly, so day-to-day operations aren’t disrupted.

Also consider scalability. Can the internet service handle your growing company? Look for a service you can upgrade (or downgrade) as needed without the hefty fees.

Security and stability are two other important factors to consider. An internet provider should have tools in place to shield your business against malware, spyware, and hackers. It should also include a backup connection, so your online services don’t go dark during an unforeseen server crash.

How much speed do you need?

We provide a table further down this article that recommends the speed you should select based on the number of employees in your business. Also, consider any guests who will access your internet connection—like patients, shoppers, and so on.

Best overall—Verizon Business

$69.00–$249.00/mo..

  • Great customer service
  • Fast fiber plans
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Verizon Fios is the best internet for business. It offers symmetrical speeds, so your upload speeds match your downloads. That’s an important feature to consider if you upload large files to a remote server throughout the workweek.

However, Verizon Business requires a contract—one to three years, depending on the plan—whereas Spectrum Business does not. Yet Verizon’s fiber internet has equally fast upload and download speeds, while Spectrum’s cable internet does not. We suggest using fiber for the upload speed and reliability.

Verizon Business offers decent bundles too. The 940Mbps plan already includes one VoIP line, but you can add a VoIP line to its 200Mbps plan for $94 per month (with a two-year agreement). Verizon also offers internet and TV bundles for business—great for showing local channels to customers—and bundles that combine all three into one reduced package.

Verizon Business plans and pricing

* w/ 1yr. agmt plus taxes, fees & equip. charges.

# w/ 2yr. agmt plus taxes, fees & equip. charges.

† w/ 3yr. agmt plus taxes, fees & equip. charges.

Best for customer satisfaction—AT&T Business

$60.00–$395.00/mo..

  • Best customer satisfaction
  • Low static IP costs
  • No contracts

AT&T Business ranks high in every category in J.D. Power’s 2023 US Business Wireline Satisfaction Study , and that’s not surprising. AT&T also ranks high in our annual customer satisfaction survey for residential internet. Those high marks translate to the best internet experience for your business, from reliability to customer service.

AT&T Business provides an Internet Backup service starting at $10 a month, so you can stay online during a service or power outage. It includes a battery-powered router with a 12–24 hour uptime capacity. You stay connected over AT&T’s 4G LTE wireless network until your fiber service returns.

Bundles are also available. For example, you can add phone service to its 100Mbps fiber plan for $89 per month.

AT&T Business plans and pricing

* Plus taxes & fees. Ltd. avail./areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway.

† Plus taxes & fees. Ltd. avail./areas. Reward card redemption req’d. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway.

‡ Plus taxes & fees. Ltd. avail./areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. 1GIG speeds avail. to new customers with the latest router (“BGW320”) and recommended setup. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed.

§ Plus taxes & fees. Ltd. avail./areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed.

# Plus taxes & fees. Ltd. avail./areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed. For 5GIG speed, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more information, go to www.att.com/speed101.

Best for small business—EarthLink Business

EarthLink

$64.95–$404.95/mo.

  • Free business listings
  • Point-of-sale security
  • Easy digital marketing tools

EarthLink Business provides two different fiber connection types: Shared and Dedicated. With the former, you share fiber with other businesses, so you’ll see various speeds (up to 5Gbps) and slowdowns during peak times, but it’s cheaper. A dedicated fiber line is more expensive, more consistent, and faster (up to 10Gbps) in speed since you’re not sharing fiber with others. The shared connection is best for small and medium-sized businesses, while dedicated fiber is best for larger ones.

Each plan comes with a trial of several EarthLink Business services. For example, you’ll receive 11 dynamic local directory listings for six months to help your business get noticed on Facebook, Google, Yelp, and more. You’ll also get three months of the reputation manager to start building your company’s trust and loyalty.

You can bundle fiber internet with EarthLink’s fixed wireless service, too, or you can simply sign up for fixed wireless if EarthLink’s fiber is not available in your area. Call EarthLink Business to find out what works best for you.

Earthlink Business plans and pricing

Best for availability—comcast business, $49.99–$334.99/mo..

  • 1,250 Mbps top speed
  • 24/7 local customer support
  • Optional static IP address

Comcast is one of the largest cable internet providers in the US. Its top speed for business internet is 1,250Mbps, which is slightly faster than its residential plan. But the big callout here is you get unlimited data—the residential plans have a 1.2TB data cap. Also, all business plans include 24/7 local customer support, business-level Wi-Fi, and a gateway configured with a public network your customers can access.

Like AT&T, you can layer on the extras for an added cost. Connection Pro includes a backup 4G LTE connection for up to eight hours. SecurityEdge is a feature built into the Comcast Business router that scans for threats every 10 minutes—even your public network.

Comcast Business plans and pricing

* Plans and prices vary by geographic region.

† for 12 months with 2-year agreement when you enroll in Auto Pay and Paperless Billing.

Best for no contracts—Spectrum Business

$49.99–$164.99/mo..

  • Unlimited data
  • 4G LTE backup option

Like with Spectrum’s residential internet service, there are only three business internet plans to choose from, with speeds ranging from 300Mbps to 1,000Mbps. All business plans include 24/7 support, up to 25 email addresses with a custom domain name, and F-Secure desktop security software.

Be sure to choose Spectrum’s business plans over residential ones. They’re compatible with additional services like static IP addresses, 4G LTE backup, and Private WiFi. You can pair any Spectrum Business internet plan with its TV or phone services, but there’s no huge discount when you do. Instead, standard rates apply to each service after 12 months.

Finally, Spectrum provides speeds of up to 100,000Mbps (100Gbps) to enterprise customers if they need more than a gigabit. The enterprise-grade service is available in 41 states and 32 metropolitan areas , which customers can scale in 10Gbps increments as needed. Call Spectrum for more information about its fiber service for enterprise.

Spectrum Business plans and pricing

* $64.99/mo. for 12 mos for Internet only. † $114.99/mo. for 12 mos for Internet only. ‡ $164.99/mo. for 12 mos for Internet only.

Best for rural—Viasat Business

$50.00–$500.00/mo..

  • Speeds up to 100Mbps in select areas
  • Metered and unmetered plans
  • Free static IP addresses

Viasat Business is the best option for businesses located where landlines can’t reach. The problem with satellite internet, including Viasat Business, is the price per megabit is higher than any landline internet connection. Plus, Viasat’s plans with unlimited data have soft data caps, so your speeds slow down once you reach a specific download limit.

All plans require a two-year contract. You also must pay a $300 installation fee and a $10 monthly equipment lease. However, you get three free static IP addresses with each plan—unlike other internet providers on our list. You also get 24/7 support and an option to add VoIP service.

Viasat Business plans and pricing

Internet for business specs.

Speed doesn’t necessarily make an internet service good for a business . After all, your company may not need more than 50Mbps. Instead, the best internet service for businesses should focus on reliability, support, scalability, and security. Add-on services like static IPs and 4G LTE backup connections are a plus.

Here are a few additional features to consider when you choose an internet service for business.

Quality customer service

Business internet typically comes with high-quality expert customer service that’s generally available 24/7, 365 days a year. But each internet provider differs, so ask when customer support is available before you buy.

Dedicated connection

Grab a business internet plan with a dedicated connection, and you won’t have to share with neighboring businesses. That’s a huge plus since it allows you and your employees to stream, video chat, upload documents, and download files without worrying about anyone else hogging the connection.

But dedicated lines are usually far more expensive than ones shared with other businesses. Your monthly fees can reach into the thousands.

Guaranteed service-level agreements

Service-level agreements (SLAs) are one way you can make sure you get what you pay for with business internet.

SLAs typically promise things like low latency or lag, no internet connection downtime, 24-hour customer support, and more. And if your provider doesn’t deliver? Well, those SLAs should cover how you’ll be compensated—we’re talking discounts, bill credits, or the chance to end your contract early.

Internet for business extra features and add-ons

Many internet providers offers add-on services that can help a business run smoothly. They cost extra and aren’t always necessary, but they may be worth the investment.

Here are some add-on services that can benefit your business.

Static IP addresses

An IP address is a set of four numbers used to identify a device connected to a local or wide-area network. The majority of IP addresses change roughly every two weeks, which isn’t ideal if your business needs to bridge VPNs located on multiple sites or plans to run an eCommerce server.

Like the physical address of your office or home, a static IP address never changes. Domain names require static IP addresses to even function.

Generally, you should lease more than one static IP address from your provider: one for the office, one for the mail server, one for the file server, one for cross-site networking, one for VPN connections from remote workers, and so on.

4G LTE backup

While the internet you get for your business usually runs over a cable or fiber-optic network, some providers also offer a 4G LTE wireless backup network that kicks into gear whenever your main internet connection goes out.

Cellular internet may have stricter limitations on speed and data usage, but what’s important is that it lets you keep running business tasks even while your primary internet connection is down. This makes a 4G LTE backup especially useful for restaurants and shops, which often rely on Wi-Fi networks to run credit card machines and point-of-sale software.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone services

The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network is switching off in 2025, signaling the end of traditional analog phone calling. Here in the States, the Plain Old Telephone Service still lingers, but companies like AT&T and Verizon have already discontinued selling new DSL internet service as they replace old-school copper phone lines with fiber ones.

Nearly every internet provider now offers VoIP phone services, which send digital calls over a broadband connection. Some bundle VoIP service with internet at a combined discounted rate. Be sure to check out all the benefits you can get through a VoIP service geared for business.

How to choose a business internet plan

Here are some pointers to help you find the best internet plan for any business.

Decide what you need first

Your first step is to figure out how much speed your business needs. Your answer depends on the number of employees that will use the internet simultaneously and how.

How much speed does your business need?

Use our How Much Speed Do You Need? Tool to get a personalized internet speed recommendation for your small business.

business internet service 20902

Ask about contract length

Business internet plans may come with a one- or two-year contract.

It’s important to consider whether this timeline works for you—will you pay extra fees if you need to upgrade your plan before the contract ends? Is the contract canceled if the internet provider doesn’t keep the promises outlined in the SLAs?

Some business internet plans offer no-contract options, but these typically cost extra. Still, it may be a good fit if you run a seasonal business and need an internet connection for only part of the year.

Get curious about average downtime

There’s nothing worse than your business internet going down and your employees going old school by recording transaction details with paper and pen.

That’s why it’s important to ask about a provider’s average yearly downtime. Most will state their uptime is close to 100%, but you’re the one left in the dark if they don’t deliver.

This is an important feature your SLAs should cover—especially if no internet means a huge loss for your business.

Look into bundles

Bundles are a great way to save money, especially if you need more than just internet. Most internet providers will bundle your business internet with phone, TV, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services at a lower cost than if you bought each plan separately.

Don’t forget about extra fees

Do your budget a favor and factor in activation and installation fees along with any equipment rental fees. Business internet usually requires professional installation, so this is one fee we don’t recommend skipping out on.

FAQ about business internet

How much does business internet cost.

Business internet costs anywhere from $34.99 a month to over $500.00 a month. The price depends on the type of connection (DSL, cable, fiber, or satellite), special features (like a dedicated line), and what speed you get.

If you bundle your business internet with phone, TV, or other services, you’ll likely save some money each month.

Is business internet faster than residential?

Most business internet plans match residential ones in speed. You can get a 5Gbps fiber connection from AT&T whether you need internet in your home or at your business, for example.

But you can get a dedicated connection with faster speeds for a higher price, like AT&T Dedicated Internet . This service tops out at 1Tbps (1,000,000Mbps), but it’s a direct (and private) line to AT&T’s network versus a shared connection with other businesses on the block. A dedicated line speeding along at 1,000Mbps (1Gbps) can cost more than $2,000 per month.

Author - Kevin Parrish

Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.

Editor - Cara Haynes

Cara Haynes has been editing and writing in the digital space for seven years, and she's edited all things internet for HighSpeedInternet.com for five years. She graduated with a BA in English and a minor in editing from Brigham Young University. When she's not editing, she makes tech accessible through her freelance writing for brands like Pluralsight. She believes no one should feel lost in internet land and that a good internet connection significantly extends your life span.

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The Best Business Internet Service Providers of 2024

business internet service 20902

  • Great symmetrical speeds
  • Fiber-optic coverage expansion
  • Fiber speeds up to 5 Gbps

business internet service 20902

  • Global enterprise service
  • Customized plans
  • Download speeds up to 1.25 Gbps

business internet service 20902

  • Contract-free plans
  • RingCentral communication
  • Three simple fiber plans

Viasat logo

  • Satellite internet
  • Accessibility in remote locations
  • Option for unlimited data

business internet service 20902

  • 400 Mbps wireless speeds
  • 10-year price guarantee
  • Large variety of plans

Table of Contents

business internet service 20902

Internet service providers (ISPs) are vital to businesses of all sizes and industries, and it is important to have a reliable internet connection with the speed and features to meet your business’s unique needs. Some businesses operate in remote locations, some require powerful wireless connections for mobility, and some rely on ultrafast dedicated internet plans for secure and unshared connectivity. Choosing the internet service provider that’s best suited to your operational needs can make a significant difference in the functionality of your business. Smart businesses choose the provider and plan that make the most sense for their broadband needs.

The Best Internet Service Providers of 2024

  • AT&T Business: Best for Symmetrical Speeds
  • Comcast Business ISP: Best for Enterprise Businesses
  • Spectrum Business: Best for Month-to-Month Contracts
  • Viasat: Best for Rural Businesses
  • Verizon High-Speed Internet: Best for Wireless Services

What is Business Internet?

If you run a business, you need internet service. Having business internet is a must for your employees and customers. While the technology and service providers may be the same for business and residential internet, business internet customers typically get priority customer service and network priority over residential customers. If the network is slow, businesses will be allocated better speeds. If the network goes down, businesses will enjoy a faster response time.

Compare Our Best Picks

At&t business: best business internet for symmetrical speeds.

  • For small businesses that need reliability and a wide range of connectivity solutions, AT&T offers a variety of options that suit all business types.
  • With 99.9 percent uptime and constantly expanding fiber-optic coverage, businesses can upload and download at the industry’s highest speeds.
  • While AT&T Business offers various plans, security options and internet speeds, it’s more expensive than competitors.

For businesses that need to upload and download content with demanding speed, AT&T Business is a standout service provider. AT&T Business offers reliability, with 99.9 percent uptime and constantly expanding fiber connection coverage.

With AT&T’s Business Fiber and AT&T Phone for Business plans, customers have unlimited access to internet data with included equipment, no annual commitment, and up to 5 Gbps with fiber plans. Dedicated internet plans support large data transfers for e-commerce operations and enable collaboration with 25 times faster upload speeds than cable provides, reaching 1 Tbps in some areas. AT&T Business’s mobility feature allows team members to connect on the go, and the wireless broadband backup gives businesses valuable peace of mind in a power outage.

Businesses that choose AT&T Business as their internet service provider benefit from point-to-point connections that extend outside the United States to global teams. Each plan offers unlimited nationwide calling and supports audio and video streaming. To ensure all customers get the services they need, AT&T works with businesses to determine the best plan for them. You can opt for separate Wi-Fi connections for employees and customers, serve multiple locations according to specific needs, and choose the security products that make sense for your business.

Comcast Business ISP: Best Business Internet for Enterprise Businesses

  • For enterprises that need customized solutions with reliable global reach, Comcast is a flexible provider.
  • Comcast provides global secure networks accompanied by robust cybersecurity features.
  • Comcast requires a two-year agreement to get a reduced monthly rate on services.

With the largest ISP and gig-speed network in the United States, Comcast is an ideal internet service provider for enterprises. Every Comcast solution includes around-the-clock customer support, online installation, scheduling and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Comcast Business, which is backed by a service-level agreement, is a true dedicated internet enterprise service with non-shared internet and different bundles to meet local market pricing and needs. Comcast’s cloud-based cybersecurity, backup internet services, and advanced Wi-Fi access points also give enterprises the power they need to operate smoothly, and the Preferred bundled plan is the most popular, with $25 to $45 off internet, phone and TV.

Comcast team members work with customers to customize options based on their needs and specific industry. When businesses choose Comcast, they receive global secure network solutions, like advanced security, SD-WAN services and highly rated cybersecurity features. With its acquisition of Masergy, Comcast helps bolster channel distribution to over 100 countries.

Comcast can help your business get up and running with services within 10 business days and frequently offers complimentary installation. Although email is not included in plans, Comcast provides unlimited data and internet. Download speeds can reach up to 1.25 Gbps, and automatic internet backup services help ensure your business functions even when the internet goes down.

Spectrum Business: Best Business Internet for Month-to-Month Contracts

  • Spectrum offers contract-free monthly plans to allow businesses the flexibility they need.
  • Spectrum has a unified communications solution partnership with RingCentral to help businesses operate anywhere.
  • The top upload speed is relatively low, at 35 Mbps.

Sometimes a business is bound for change and thus multiyear commitments or contracts don’t make sense. Spectrum offers its business customers month-to-month solutions with no contracts, and prices are locked for at least one year. Spectrum also provides its business customers with unlimited data, free email addresses and a free domain name.

We were impressed with Spectrum’s commitment to providing flexible services. If your business is stuck in a contract with another service provider and you switch to Spectrum’s contract-free plan, you could receive $1,000 to assist with early-termination fees. Spectrum also offers free installation to its customers.

Many businesses that need the flexibility of a plan without a contract also need the flexibility to work efficiently in a variety of places. Spectrum Business Connect is the provider’s all-in-one communication app that allows teams to work from anywhere. To support different devices and help teams function smoothly, Spectrum provides internet speeds up to 1 Gbps (wireless speeds may vary). Equipped with RingCentral (learn more in our full RingCentral review ), Spectrum’s app supports phone calls, messages, videos and file transfers, as well as a seamless transition between phones, tablets and computers. When you bundle Spectrum Business Internet with Spectrum Business Connect, you’ll receive a free unlimited mobile line.

Viasat: Best Business Internet for Rural Businesses

  • For businesses in remote locations, Viasat Business Internet uses satellite connections with speeds up to 35 Mbps.
  • Viasat is available to 96 percent of the U.S. population and will soon be a global provider.
  • As a satellite internet provider, Viasat’s service is slightly more expensive and sometimes results in latency.

For businesses located in areas where other internet options are slow or unstable, Viasat offers reliable satellite internet . Rural businesses need quality internet services just like their urban counterparts do, and Viasat provides more satellite bandwidth than many of its competitors. It is currently one of the top federal government contractors and offers affordable internet plans for rural businesses through the Connect America Fund federal grant program. Viasat Business Internet service is available to 96 percent of the U.S. population, which makes it a great option for those who need remote internet service with speeds up to 35 Mbps outside other providers’ service areas.

Currently, Viasat has five satellites in orbit and plans to add two more satellites to expand its coverage area around the planet. Businesses that provide commercial Wi-Fi or require far-reaching mobility, like airlines and cruise ships, often choose Viasat for its reliable connection in less-populated spaces. Within the next year, Viasat will serve all 50 states, and the company plans to become the first global ISP by 2025.

Viasat can also be used as a backup or redundancy plan, with an entry-level cost of $50. Installation can be completed in three to five days. The provider rotates through three potential IPs and receives a prioritized connection over residential customers. Viasat offers an internet option that works efficiently in inclement weather

Verizon High-Speed Internet: Best Business Internet for Wireless Services

  • Verizon provides 5G wireless internet access for increased mobile speed.
  • The company offers self-setup for its 100 Mbps and 200 Mbps wireless plans.
  • Verizon business internet is fast, but its service territory is limited.

Wireless internet access is a vital part of business operations, and Verizon Business Technology provides some of the best 5G services to enable efficient and functional mobility. For $69 per month, you’ll have 100 Mbps speeds with self-setup or professional installation through the 5G Business Internet plan and a 10-year price guarantee. Verizon also offers an LTE Business Internet plan that connects temporary sites, enables large-scale deployments, and gives businesses the capacity to back up critical operations.

If a business wishes to upgrade its 5G service, it can opt for the Fios Business internet plan that uses an ultrafast fiber-optic network with 99.99 percent reliability and near-symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps. The Fios plan requires professional on-site installation, which is included with the plan along with 24/7 business-class support.

While the Fios plan enables speeds close to 1 Gbps, there are a variety of options that provide lower speeds for differing business needs. If your connectivity needs go beyond internet service, you can take advantage of Verizon’s internet and voice bundles to combine high-speed internet and phone service. Customers can upgrade their Fios plan with standard phone and digital voice add-ons.

To ensure customer satisfaction, Verizon offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, up to $1,500 in contract elimination assistance, and one month free with the 200 Mbps and 400 Mbps speed tiers of the 5G Business Internet plans.

Internet Service Provider Pricing

Although pricing is structured differently for each provider, it is typically determined by a few factors. Because there are so many speed and service options, it is a good idea to talk with a service provider representative about your options so you have a thorough understanding of the plan, the exact speeds and features you will receive, and the costs of add-ons. Hidden costs can be detrimental, especially to a small business, and no business should be cost-burdened by the need to function online. Upstanding internet service providers will be candid and explicit about their prices.

Although month-to-month plans may appear less intimidating, the monthly costs are often higher than the costs associated with a two-year contract. Your service provider representative can help you assess the benefit of bundling services such as phone and internet, which often helps to lower the overall costs.

Before you sign any contracts, it is important to note any cancellation fees, whether the provider offers a price lock to guarantee a solid rate, installation fees, and the costs to upgrade or add features to your plan. Ask yourself if the provider throws in free features because it values its customers or if the provider demands a fee for every change or addition to your plan.

Depending on the service provider you choose, starting costs typically range from $50 to $90 per month.

Internet Service Provider Features

Internet service involves more than the ability to get online. Here are some additional features you may want to consider when choosing a service provider.

Add-ons — such as wireless backup, security tools and guest Wi-Fi — can be extremely beneficial to a growing business with evolving needs, but they can be misleading. When you’re shopping for an internet service provider, it is important to assess the features included with a plan and the features that require an additional fee. If the price of a plan is low but your business needs an array of additional features, the fees to attain those features may not be affordable.

Plan Options

While some internet service providers offer just a few service plans, others feature a large variety of plans with numerous unique features and categories. Depending on your business’s needs, a few plan options with set pricing and features may suffice. Other businesses with more complex needs may benefit from an internet service provider with plans that support things like large-scale data backup, wireless backup internet options and even television services (for businesses such as restaurants and bars).

Speed Capabilities

Because your business’s needs may change, it is important to assess the internet speed options that different ISPs provide, which range from low to extremely fast. If your business is expanding, expecting to move locations or changing its customer interaction levels, the option to upgrade or purchase a higher-speed plan can be a key to success.

One area to pay close attention to is the download and upload speeds . If you see only one speed listed, usually in Mbps or Gbps, it’s likely the download speed. AT&T is one of the few providers to offer symmetrical upload and download speeds with all dedicated and fiber plans, while Verizon offers the same with nearly all of its dedicated and fiber plans.

Provider Type

If your business operates in a nontraditional industry setting, like a remote location or strictly mobile, the type of internet service provider you choose can change the way your business operates online. Rural businesses may opt for a satellite-based provider or a provider with strong backup capabilities in the case of an internet outage. Businesses that rely heavily on mobile communications may opt for a provider that specializes in wireless communication and uses 5G for high-speed internet connections.

Customer Service

Regardless of your business needs, your internet service provider should demonstrate quality customer service. Troubleshooting is an inevitable part of online business; the internet is never a sure thing, and technical difficulties are common. Providers with 24/7 business-class support can help your business get the assistance it needs in a timely manner so you can continue operating smoothly. Before you choose a provider, it is important to ensure you will have the help you need to set up your service and handle any technical problems that arise. Most of the providers we’ve reviewed offer 24/7 customer support and uptimes above 99 percent.

How to Choose an Internet Service Provider

When you’re choosing a business internet service provider , it’s helpful to follow these steps:

1. Understand your specific business needs.

Before you research internet service providers, it is important to have a clear vision of your business needs. Clearly define your business’s size, how you use the internet most frequently, how your needs may change, where your business operates, the level of security you need and whether you need flexibility in your plan.

2. Identify the providers that work to accommodate businesses like yours.

After you assess your business needs, research different internet providers and compare their service plans. It can be useful to compare different plan tiers within one provider as well as similar plans from different providers. Note whether certain plans require add-ons for the service to function the way you need it to, which plans offer scalable options, and the comparative prices of each plan.

3. Talk with different providers to learn about their plans.

Speaking directly with a representative can help clarify the ISP’s ability to provide you with the service you need. Oftentimes, website information can be confusing, and representatives can help you assess which plan makes the most sense for your unique business needs. Speaking with a provider can also give you a better idea of how the company treats its customers.

If you don’t see free installation as part of a promotion when you make your purchase, call a representative to ask if you can have the installation fee waived.

4. Assess your plan options in the context of your present and future needs.

While a lower-tier plan may appear enticing because of its cheaper prices, a lot can change in a year. Because many internet service providers require customers to enter a two-year contract, it is wise to consider the future of your business. You may find it more sensible to purchase a plan with faster internet speeds or additional features. If the future is too uncertain, you may want to opt for a provider that offers a no-contract or month-by-month plan.

5. Choose a plan that is affordable and scalable.

After extensive consideration and research, the best-suited plan will be clear to you.

It’s essential to choose a plan that is affordable for your business, but it is also important to select a plan that can be scaled appropriately in the future. Before you make your final decision, make sure your provider has the capability to support your needs, the flexibility to grow and change along with your business, and the drive to continue providing the best internet connection feasible.

Benefits of Internet Service Providers

These are some of the many benefits of working with a top internet service provider:

  • Improves mobility: Access to wireless communication is key to business success, as many teams need to communicate through mobile phones and tablets.
  • Increases remote access: Wherever a business is, it needs high-speed broadband internet to function appropriately and efficiently.
  • Enables reliable communication: Profitable business requires effective communication both internally and externally, as well as online, to function properly.
  • Offers professional support: Internet service providers help your business troubleshoot quickly to allow your business to run smoothly.
  • Enhances brand reputability: A powerful and reliable internet connection enables seamless communication that demonstrates the integrity of your business.

Internet Service Provider FAQs

Will the advertised speeds be the same speeds i get.

No, advertised download and upload speeds are provided under perfect conditions, which are not realistic for most business users sharing a network in real time, often over a Wi-Fi connection. You should expect your actual speed, when tested, to be well below the advertised speed on your plan.

What type of internet connection is best for businesses?

When you’re measuring speed against cost, fiber is usually the best option for business. If you want the fastest possible upload and download speeds, a dedicated (non-shared) internet option is your best choice. However, in many cases, your location will dictate the types of service available. With limited options at your disposal, the fastest speed is usually the best speed for business applications.

What to Expect in 2024

While different internet service providers are tailored to specific types of businesses, they are still highly competitive. The best providers continuously work to improve their services by increasing the speed and strength of their internet connections and the breadth of their plans’ features. Choosing an internet provider with a commitment to improving its services can be pivotal, especially when many providers require their customers to enter a two-year contract.

Before choosing a provider, you may want to inquire about upcoming improvements. Some companies may not currently offer service in all the areas you need, but they might be expanding their reach to provide higher-quality, broader service in the near future. Many providers have committed to spending billions to expand their fiber networks across the country. Viasat is already available almost everywhere in the United States, and the company plans to be a global provider within the next two years after it adds more satellites. Other companies are continuously working to strengthen their dedicated, wireless and fiber-optic connections. The potential for improved access to high-speed internet service in the next few years may influence the success of businesses across all industries.

Integrations, partnerships and acquisitions are also important to consider. Spectrum’s recent partnership with RingCentral has significantly improved its mobile communication capabilities and allows businesses to more effectively operate with mobility. Online communication is complex, and providers that demonstrate their ability to integrate helpful technologies into their services should be recognized by business customers.

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  • Business Internet Services: Plans for Small Business & Enterprise
  • Fixed Wireless with Business Unlimited Bundle

Get wireless business internet starting at $39/mo.

Save $30/mo when you bundle a qualifying LTE Business Internet or 5G Business Internet plan with a Business Unlimited smartphone plan.

Reliable wireless internet

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Nationwide, business-grade internet solutions

Whether you are in one location or many, large or small, we have an internet solution to fit your business needs.

Simple, hassle-free setup

Set it up yourself with an easy installation process.

Scales with your business

Verizon has monthly scaleable plans and speeds that can grow as your business grows.

Award-winning

Awarded the “Best Practices Product Leadership Award” in the U.S. fixed wireless access market according to Frost & Sullivan.

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5G Business Internet availability varies; not available in all locations. Compatible LTE- or 5G-enabled router required (Verizon-provided or customer-provided). Self set-up and professional installation options are available and may vary by location. In times of congestion, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic. Taxes, fees, Economic Adjustment Charge and other terms apply.

Available within the U.S. on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. Compatible LTE-enabled router required (Verizon-provided or customer-provided). All plans include a data allowance and if usage exceeds that allowance, overage charges will apply. No domestic or international roaming. In times of congestion, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic. Taxes, fees, Economic Adjustment Charge and other terms apply.

Unlimited 4G LTE and 5G Nationwide data. Plans include a monthly allowance of high speed hotspot data then unlimited lower speed data for the rest of the month. In times of congestion, your data (including mobile hotspot if available with your plan) may be temporarily slower than other traffic. Domestic data roaming at 2G speeds. Terms apply.

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Click , chat or call 1-888-786-8237 to talk to an 
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See what you qualify for online.

Check your address to see if it qualifies for 5G or LTE Business Internet. And see what offers are available for you.¹

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Our reliable network earns accolades, year after year.

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Already have 5G Business Internet or LTE Business Internet?

Offer is available to customers who activate a new line of 5G Business Internet or LTE Business Internet and bundle it with a qualifying Business Unlimited Smartphone plan. Offer available for up to 6 wireless business internet lines per account. This offer does not apply to any accounts with an existing 5G or LTE Business Internet and Business Unlimited smartphone plan discount.

Already have a Business Unlimited phone plan?

Activate a new line of 5G Business Internet or LTE Business Internet, bundle it with your existing qualifying Business Unlimited phone plan, and save $30/mo on up to six lines of wireless business internet.

How long will it take for my discount to be applied?

Once both services are activated, the applicable discounts¹  will be applied to your bill within one to two billing cycles.

¹$30/mo wireless business internet + smartphone plan offer is not available for Fios Business Internet customers. Please see website for offers that are available to you.

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Best Business Internet Services for 2024

AT&T logo

  • 5G internet
  • Large fiber footprint
  • No annual contracts

Comcast Business logo

  • Ethernet Dedicated Internet
  • 4G LTE wireless backup
  • Protection from cyberattacks

Spectrum logo

  • No contracts or hidden fees
  • Business TV and mobile bundle
  • Competitive contract buyout terms

Viasat logo

  • Persistent internet protocol (IP) addresses
  • Ideal for flight and aircraft
  • Near 100 percent reliable coverage

Verizon logo

  • 5G Connection
  • 10-year contract price guarantee
  • Vast business phone plans

Table of Contents

Vivian Nguyen

  • Dedicated Internet connection allows businesses to stay connected even with high internet traffic.
  • Internet backup options are provided or offered to keep your business running in the case of an outage.
  • Most plans do not require contracts and are month-to-month or usage-based.
  • This review is for small business owners interested in learning about the best business internet service providers.

Small businesses need internet connectivity, whether it’s an ecommerce company that operates online or a brick-and-mortar store that uses a suite of internet-connected business software and devices. Business internet, an internet service catering to customers looking to find the right internet plan for their business needs, is especially suited for commercial purposes. Whether you want to perform digital outreach for new customers or your remote team needs phone services on top of the internet, reliable business internet service is key. We’ve researched some of the best business internet service providers out there to help you make the best decision for your business when it comes to staying connected.

Best Business Internet Services of 2024

  • AT&T Business Internet: Best for Digital Entrepreneurs
  • Comcast Business Internet: Best for Startups
  • Spectrum Business Internet: Best for Remote Teams
  • Viasat: Best for Rural Businesses
  • Verizon Business Internet: Best for Brick-and-Mortar Businesses

Compare Our Best Picks

Our reviews, at&t business internet: best business internet for digital entrepreneurs.

  • Symmetrical download/upload speeds
  • Single bill and contract with flat rate or usage-based billing options
  • Expensive compared to cable or satellite

AT&T Business Internet is an internet service that provides one of the fastest gigabit internet speeds on the market. Symmetric download/upload speeds, internet backup options and dedicated internet are just a few of the many features offered in one of three business plans offered by AT&T. We chose this plan for digital entrepreneurs who utilize digital marketing and need the fast internet speeds to promote their brand and build out their solo career.

Whether you need the fastest internet speeds to keep livestreams going or need to carry out large data transfers between networks, AT&T can provide some of the most powerful speeds on the market through its business internet plans. Customers in select areas will greatly benefit from using AT&T Business Fiber, while those who choose AT&T Wireless Broadband will find themselves able to connect from virtually anywhere. Though a bit on the pricey side, customers won’t need to worry about annual contracts or overage fees ― common features that come with traditional residential internet.

Comcast Business Internet: Best Business Internet for Startups

  • Ethernet Dedicated Internet for 100 percent business internet uptime
  • Advanced cybersecurity keeps your connection safe
  • Expensive gigabit internet compared to competitors

For companies who are just starting out or only have a small team, Comcast Business Internet is an ideal internet solution. Customers can choose one of six business internet plans that cater to their specific business needs and can scale with Comcast as their business grows. Wi-Fi hotspots and 24/7 business support are also included to help keep startups running, with the option to include additional features like Ethernet Dedicated Internet.

As many people switch over to part-time or contract work, small startups have become a popular career choice for individuals looking to contribute to short- and long-term projects. For business owners, having fast and reliable business internet from a company like Comcast allows them to focus on recruiting, hiring and managing the best talent possible.

Spectrum Business Internet: Best Business Internet for Remote Teams

  • Great internet/phone/TV bundles for easy purchasing
  • No annual contracts or phone taxes
  • Most features come at a separate charge

Spectrum Business InternetⓇ focuses on bringing digital business services to customers at an affordable cost. While it does offer internet-only packages, the real advantages come from bundling it with phone and TV. In addition, there are no contracts or added taxes and customers who are transitioning from a different provider are offered up to $1,000 in credit to cover early termination fees.

Remote teams can benefit greatly from Spectrum’s Business Internet services thanks to the numerous calling features included with business phones on top of the fast internet speeds. Employees working remotely or using a hybrid work model can also take advantage of Spectrum’s Business Connect app with RingCentral to communicate and process large file transfers. Read our RingCentral review

Viasat: Best Business Internet for Rural Businesses

  • Reliable internet coverage
  • Fast customer support
  • Slower in speed compared to cable and fiber

Viasat’s Business Internet, though not as fast as fiber or cable, allows businesses in rural areas to set up and install business internet in what would typically be considered a non-serviceable area. With five satellites in orbit, Viasat is capable of providing high-quality satellite internet with no hidden fees attached. Where cable and fiber cannot cover, Viasat will provide to its customers.

Compared to other providers, Viasat also includes Persistent IPs. Unlike static or dynamic IPs, businesses who use Viasat’s business internet will be assigned three IP addresses dynamically and will occasionally switch between them to keep their businesses running. As the IP addresses do not change over time, this makes it easier to provide remote access to the business network and monitor activity on any connected devices.

Verizon Business Internet: Best Business Internet for Brick-and-Mortar Businesses

  • Extensive business phone plans
  • Hassle-free installation
  • Limited business internet plans compared to phone plans

Known primarily for their vast phone plans, Verizon also offers Business Internet plans using 5G technology to keep business owners connected to their customers. Business customers can choose from three different connection types based on their needs and preferences. We found that those who are looking to start a brick-and-mortar business will find Verizon’s easy internet installation and vast 5G internet coverage especially helpful.

Outside of 5G, Verizon also offers Fios and LTE business internet for customers who may need different connections for their business. Its Fios Business Internet plan connects businesses to an ultrafast fiber network while LTE Business Internet provides wireless connectivity for companies that need business mobility.

Business Internet Costs

Many factors need to be considered when looking into the cost of business internet. Most providers will offer plans that only reflect the cost of internet itself while others will offer one price that covers additional fees and costs, such as installation or early termination.

In our review, we found the base price of business internet to range from $49.99 per month to $500 per month, depending on the type of service and plan. This range does not include any additional equipment or installation fees that may be included.

The Business Internet price ranges for the best picks we reviewed are as follows:

  • AT&T: $75 to $325 per month
  • Comcast: $69.99 to $349.99 per month
  • Spectrum: $49.99 to $164.99 per month
  • Verizon: $69.99 to $199.99 per month
  • Viasat: $175 to $500 per month

AT&T, Comcast, Verizon and Spectrum’s prices reflect internet-only. Viasat’s price range while reflective of its internet cost, comes with many features that offset its price point. These features include but are not limited to hardware leasing, multiple IP addresses and prioritized connections.

Business Internet Features

Dedicated internet.

If you’re running your business under a shared internet connection, there’s a chance that you may have experienced slow internet speeds in moments of high traffic or congestion. When using business internet, however, customers typically will have a dedicated internet option that delivers fast internet speeds through a private connection. Even in moments of high internet traffic, business-critical systems, such as point-of-sale software and data transfers, can continue running smoothly.

Internet Backup Options

Things happen. Internet outages, natural disasters and other unexpected events could cause business internet to go down momentarily. Business internet providers are aware of this and know that businesses could end up losing money if they lose connectivity. When reviewing our vendors, we found that each of them offered various types of internet backup options.

Whether it’s purchasing broadband internet as a secondary connection or using a backup router that offers hours of battery-powered connection, business internet providers typically will include this as part of their internet plans as well as 24/7 support and protection to keep you in the loop about your connection status until the primary connection comes back online.

Business-exclusive phone and TV deals

A lot of businesses nowadays don’t just rely on the internet to run their business. Calling via phone and video is just as relevant, whether a company is exclusively in-office or works off of a remote/hybrid work model. Most business internet providers are aware of this and may offer potential business customers great deals if they bundle internet with their phone or TV services.

In some cases, business customers may be able to save some money on this as well. More often than not, bundling business internet with other services offered by the internet provider will result in a discounted price for all services.

Bundle your business internet whenever possible. Some providers will offer business phone plans or business TV plans that may be useful for your business.

Contract Buyouts

When starting a business, you may decide that switching providers is the best move. Maybe you’ve already started a business and you’re wanting to take advantage of offers provided by another internet provider. Some business internet providers do offer the option of buying out a contract from a previous provider to close in on a contract with a business customer.

It’s not strictly a contract buyout, however. The provider is not purchasing the contract to then give the new contract to the new business customer. Rather, they provide a limited amount of “credit” to cover early termination fees and other costs associated with ending a contract early. Be wary that the new provider may require your existing contract to explicitly say “early termination fees” as proof of the cancellation.

Choosing Business Internet

When choosing a Business Internet Provider, here are some things to consider.

1. Your Business Type

Do you plan on starting your business as a sole proprietor ? Do you want to open up a small shop in a rural area? Is your business model heavily reliant on digital marketing and web conferencing? Figuring out your business type could greatly determine the business internet plan you decide on for your business needs.

Some internet providers include additional features for specific business internet plans, while others offer them for an additional charge. Consider this when deciding what specific business internet needs you have for your business.

2. Location

After considering the pros and cons of being a small business owner and establishing your business brand, you’ll want to think about where to host your business. Most of the business internet providers we’ve listed offer relatively vast internet coverage. However, location is still something that should be considered when deciding what business internet plan to use. This is especially important if your team works off of a hybrid work model, where some employees may need to work from home in addition to working on-site. If you decide to make telecommuting a permanent arrangement for your business model, you’ll also need to consider if being a fully-remote team is an option.

3. Business Size

Do you plan on starting your own business as an aspiring entrepreneur or do you have a team already established? Do you have an idea of how many people you plan on hiring or have you closed in on your initial round of employees? If your business size is relatively small, you may be able to utilize a lower-tier business internet plan. When you need to upgrade or switch, most business internet providers will be more than happy to help you transition as your business scales.

Advantages of Business Internet

Compared to traditional residential internet, most business internet plans come with additional perks for business owners to help them either kick-start their careers or grow their company even further:

  • Priority connection just for your business: Most if not all business internet plans come with a priority connection data limit. When connection speeds slow down due to high traffic, your business can run uninterrupted with a private network dedicated specifically to your business. If you operate your business in multiple buildings, you may be able to get dedicated internet for each location as well.
  • 24/7 business support: Customers purchasing business internet will have access to 24/7 support for business-specific inquiries. General questions and maintenance/outage support can be handled through a provider’s specified contact method.
  • Discounts from bundles: Providers like Verizon and Spectrum offer some major discounts when you bundle their business internet with additional services offered, such as TV or mobile. These plans are designed to enhance your business internet experience and make running your business much more effective. These add-ons include features like web conferencing and extended phone lines.

Business Internet FAQs

What is the difference between business internet and residential internet.

Both types of internet typically offer similar internet plans, packages and prices. The major difference is that residential internet usually includes features catered to personal use, whereas business internet plans are designed for business owners and entrepreneurs. Business internet may offer more resilience and faster speeds so business operations can continue unheeded.

Does my business need business internet?

Technically speaking, no. If you are just starting your business or running your business from home, you may be able to get away with just using residential internet. However, as your business grows, you may find that having business internet ― along with its many benefits that include dedicated connection and internet backup ― will be more suitable.

What are some additional costs to consider when using business internet?

Installation fees, equipment costs and features, such as priority connection and backup internet, are some other costs that business customers may need to consider when purchasing a business internet plan.

What internet speeds does my small business need?

The bandwidth you require for your business will depend on how many people you employ and how much they utilize the internet. For a team of one to five employees who only use the internet to send emails, you can probably get away with between 50 and 100 Mbps . If you have more than 50 employees working on an ecommerce website, for example, you’ll want a plan that exceeds 1 Gbps.

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AT&T Says Service Is Restored After Widespread Cellular Outage

White House officials said the incident was under investigation, but it did not appear to be a cyberattack. Verizon and T-Mobile said their networks were operating normally.

The AT&T logo.

By Jenny Gross and David McCabe

Jenny Gross reported from London and David McCabe reported from Washington.

AT&T said on Thursday that it had fully restored service to its wireless network after a widespread outage temporarily cut off connections for users across the United States for many hours, the cause of which was still under investigation.

The outage, which affected people in cities including Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York, was first reported around 3:30 a.m. Eastern time, according to Downdetector.com , which tracks user reports of telecommunication and internet disruptions. At its peak, the site listed around 70,000 reports of disrupted service for the wireless carrier.

Multiple government agencies said they were looking into the incident, although the Biden administration told reporters that AT&T said there was no reason to think it was a cyberattack.

AT&T did not disclose the scope of the outage, nor the reason for it. When the outage first began on Thursday morning, the company listed the cause as “maintenance activity.”

Jim Greer, an AT&T spokesman, apologized in a statement confirming service was restored and said the company was “taking steps to ensure our customers do not experience this again in the future.”

The outage underscored the importance of connectivity to daily life as individuals and businesses were cut off from communications and the ability to use mobile apps. AT&T advised consumers they could make calls over Wi-Fi and sought to respond to angry customers online. Many phones showed an “SOS” symbol on their screen, signaling they could only make emergency calls, while local governments offered alternate ways to reach 911.

Reports of outages on Downdetector began to fall midmorning, and at one point AT&T’s website showed that outages were limited to users in California , though users in other states were still reporting issues. Cricket, which is owned by AT&T, also reported that its users were experiencing wireless service interruptions and said it was working to restore service.

Reports also surfaced early Thursday that FirstNet, the network AT&T maintains for emergency services personnel, had experienced outages, but AT&T said around 10:30 a.m. that the network was fully operational.

Verizon experienced 3,000 reports of outages at one point on Thursday and T-Mobile about half that. Both companies said in statements that their networks were operating normally.

“Some customers experienced issues this morning when calling or texting with customers served by another carrier,” Verizon said. “We are continuing to monitor the situation.”

In an email, T-Mobile said that it did not experience an outage. “Downdetector is likely reflecting challenges our customers were having attempting to connect to users on other networks.”

Officials in Washington said they were working to understand the cause of the outage. A spokesman for the Federal Communications Commission said its inquiry was being handled by its Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, which was in touch with AT&T as well as other providers.

John Kirby, a National Security Council spokesman, said on a call with reporters on Thursday that the Biden administration was told “that AT&T has no reason to think this was a cybersecurity incident,” although he added that they would not be certain until an investigation had been completed.

Mr. Kirby said that, in addition to the F.C.C., the Department of Homeland Security and the F.B.I. were collaborating with technology companies to investigate the outage.

The F.B.I. said in a statement it was in touch with AT&T and would respond accordingly if any malicious activity was found.

Throughout the day, cities urged residents to find alternate ways of reaching emergency or municipal services, like landlines or phones connected to Wi-Fi. The City of Upper Arlington, Ohio , said the fire department might not be notified of fire alarms because of the outage. It urged that any fire alarm be followed up with a 911 call.

The San Francisco Fire Department said on social media that it was aware of an issue affecting AT&T users who were trying to call 911. “We are actively engaged and monitoring this,” the fire department said. “If you are an AT&T customer and cannot get through to 911, then please try calling from a landline.”

The Massachusetts State Police said on social media on Thursday morning that 911 call centers across the state had been flooded with calls from people checking to see if the emergency service worked from their phones. “Please do not do this,” the police said. “If you can successfully place a non-emergency call to another number via your cell service then your 911 service will also work.”

Even in less extreme circumstances, the outage complicated the many elements of life that have come to rely on a reliable connection to the internet.

Staff at the First Watch restaurant in Dania Beach, Fla., had to turn away breakfast customers for a time while the outage prevented them from processing payments.

Debra Maddow, who lives in southwest Houston, said that she first noticed something was off after 7 a.m., when she went to check traffic and Google Maps was offline. Later, she visited a Starbucks to make an urgent call through its free Wi-Fi, she said.

“I’m really frustrated that they’re not telling us anything,” Ms. Maddow said in a phone interview over Wi-Fi. She said she tried to call AT&T for an update, but after a long time on hold, the call was dropped.

Victor Mather , John Keefe , Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Adam Goldman contributed reporting.

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross

David McCabe covers tech policy. He joined The Times from Axios in 2019. More about David McCabe

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Having AT&T, Verizon issues in Ohio today? Reports indicate nationwide service outage

business internet service 20902

Update, 12:37 p.m.: AT&T said three-quarters of its network has been restored. Outage reports are beginning to dwindle across the country with 24,979 problem reports for AT&T, 5,527 for Cricket Wireless, 1,609 for Verizon and 1,115 for T-Mobile.

Have you noticed a disturbance in your cellular service on Thursday morning? You're not alone.

AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and other network users reported a cellular outage in the United States on Thursday morning, according to Downdetector.com , an outage tracking website.

Here's what we know.

When will AT&T outage be fixed?

The reason for the service disruption remains unknown, and it is unclear when it will be restored.

NBC reports , however, that AT&T acknowledged the issue in a statement Thursday morning.

"Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning,” a statement from AT&T and Cricket said, per the Associated Press . “We are working urgently to restore service to them. We encourage the use of Wi-Fi calling until service is restored."

AT&T owns Cricket Wireless.

AT&T has also been responding to customer service issue reports on X .

AT&T said most of its network was back online by noon Thursday.

“Our network teams took immediate action and so far three-quarters of our network has been restored,” the company said. “We are working as quickly as possible to restore service to remaining customers.”

The company did not indicate when its system would be fully restored.

Is AT&T down?

There were 24,979 problem reports for AT&T as of 12:18 p.m.

The cities with the most reported AT&T outages include:

  • Los Angeles
  • Indianapolis
  • San Antonio

Reports at 12:18 p.m. stated that 51% of users were experiencing mobile phone issues, 41% had no signal and 9% had mobile internet problems.

Is Verizon down?

Verizon had 1,609 outage reports as of 12:18 p.m. ET.

“Verizon’s network is operating normally. Some customers experienced issues this morning when calling or texting with customers served by another carrier. We are continuing to monitor the situation,” Verizon said in a statement, according to the Associated Press .

The cities with the most reported Verizon outages include:

  • New York City
  • Philadelphia

Reports stated at 12:18 p.m. that 66% of users were experiencing mobile phone issues, 22% had no signal and 12% had 5G home internet problems.

Is T-Mobile down?

T-Mobile had 1,115 outage reports as of 12:16 p.m.

“Our network is operating normally. Down Detector is likely reflecting challenges our customers were having attempting to connect to users on other networks,” T-Mobile said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.

The cities with the most reported T-Mobile outages include:

Reports stated at 12:17 p.m. that 50% of users had no signal, 27% had mobile internet problems and 23% were experiencing home internet issues.

Is Cricket Wireless down?

Cricket Wireless had 5,527 outage reports, as of 12:17 p.m. Reports at 12:17 p.m. stated that 65% of users had no signal, 20% had mobile phone issues and 145% were experiencing a total blackout.

What does SOS mean on iPhone?

When iPhones lose connection to their cellular network, devices may display notifications that usually say "No Service" or "Searching," but your phone may also say "SOS" or "SOS only. SOS mode allows you to  call emergency services  during an outage and add emergency contacts in your settings. Adding an emergency contact will alert them to your location with a text message after an emergency call ends, according to the Pensacola News Journal .

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

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Pharmacies nationwide face delays as health-care tech company reports cyberattack

Change healthcare said it became aware of the "outside threat" on wednesday morning, disconnecting their systems for security purposes.

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Pharmacies across the country are reporting delays to prescription orders due to a cyberattack against one of the nation's largest health-care technology companies.

Change Healthcare , a company handling orders and patient payments throughout the U.S., first noticed the "cyber security issue" affecting its networks Wednesday morning on the East Coast. 

"Change Healthcare is experiencing a network interruption related to a cyber security issue and our experts are working to address the matter. Once we became aware of the outside threat, in the interest of protecting our partners and patients, we took immediate action to disconnect our systems to prevent further impact," Change Healthcare said in a statement. 

WYZE BREACH ALLOWED 13,000 CUSTOMERS TO PEEK INTO EACH OTHER'S HOMES

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A prescription pick-up and drop-off area at a pharmacy in Queens, New York. (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Pharmacies across the country have put out notices that the attack on Change Healthcare is disrupting their ability to process patients' orders.

"We are experiencing a temporary pharmacy outage at the 22nd Medical Group. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we work diligently to resolve the issue. Our team is working to restore complete pharmacy services as soon as possible," reads a post from 22nd Medical Group, a medical center based around McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas.

MICROSOFT SAYS RUSSIAN STATE-SPONSORED HACKERS BROKE INTO SOME COMPANY EMAILS

Doctor prescription medication medicine patient

A doctor writes a prescription for a patient. (iStock / iStock)

"The estimated date for resolving this issue will be tomorrow or later. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on our progress."

There is currently no publicly available report on the nature nor origin of the cyber security issue plaguing Change Healthcare.

"There is a nationwide outage from some of the largest prescription processors in North America," Michigan-based Canadian Lakes Pharmacy wrote Wednesday on social media.

Pharmacist customer medication drugstore

A pharmacist assists a customer with prescription medication at a drugstore counter. (iStock / iStock)

The announcement continued, "We CAN receive your RX but MOST insurance plans we cannot bill to your insurance company. If you can wait a day or so to pick up your RX that would be great. If you need it today we can do our best to accommodate individual needs."

Knight’s Pharmacy in Berea, Kentucky , wrote, "As of this morning, we are still unable to process prescriptions to insurance due to the cyberattack on Change Healthcare."

"Unfortunately this is a national outage and beyond our control.  We hope that the situation will be resolved soon," Knight's Pharmacy said. "We will be working to fill our backlog of prescriptions as quickly as possible as soon as the system is available.  We have not been given an estimated timeframe for restoration of service. Thank you for your patience."

A spokesperson for Walgreens said its pharmacy operations, and the "vast majority" of its prescriptions were not impacted. 

"For the small percentage that may be affected, we have procedures in place so that we can continue to process and fill these prescriptions with minimal delay or interruption," the statement said. 

A spokesperson for pharmacy chain CVS told Fox Business that the company is aware of the outages but that there is "no indication that CVS Health's systems have been compromised." 

"We are aware that Change Healthcare is experiencing a network interruption that is impacting certain business operations, as well as the operations of other companies nationally," the spokesperson said. "There is no indication that CVS Health’s systems have been compromised."

The statement continued, "We’re committed to ensuring access to care as we navigate through this interruption. We have business continuity plans in place to minimize disruption of service and apologize for any inconvenience our customers and members may experience. We’re continuing to fill prescriptions but in certain cases , we are not able to process insurance claims, which our business continuity plan is addressing to ensure patients continue to have access to their medications.

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The service outage is expected to last until Friday, but Change Healthcare has not given a definitive timeline for a return to service.

FOX Business' contributed to this report. 

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Pharmacies across US disrupted following hack at Change Healthcare network

  • Change Healthcare Holdings, Inc. Follow
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  • CVS Health Corp Follow

Reporting by Raphael Satter in Washington, Sriparna Roy and Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru, and Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Rashmi Aich, Maju Samuel and Sonali Paul and Miral Fahmy

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Thomson Reuters

Reporter covering cybersecurity, surveillance, and disinformation for Reuters. Work has included investigations into state-sponsored espionage, deepfake-driven propaganda, and mercenary hacking.

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Sriparna reports on pharmaceutical companies and healthcare in the United States. She has a master's degree in English literature and post graduate diploma in broadcast journalism.

A medical technician prepares embryo and sperm samples for freezing at the Laboratory of Reproductive Biology CECOS of Tenon Hospital in Paris

Mercedes-Benz delays electrification goal, beefs up combustion engine line-up

Mercedes-Benz on Thursday delayed its electrification goal by five years and assured investors it would keep sprucing up its combustion engine models, becoming the latest carmaker to flag a weaker-than-expected appetite for battery-powered cars.

PCK oil refinery in Schwedt

The reported leak of Chinese hacking documents supports experts' warnings about how compromised the US could be

  • More than 570 documents reported to be from a Chinese state-backed hacking group were posted online.
  • They mentioned targets in at least 20 countries and territories, The Washington Post reported.
  • Officials have issued repeated warnings about China's hacking operations.

Insider Today

A reported trove of leaked Chinese hacking documents may have given the world a glimpse of how widespread and effective China's hacking operations could be.

More than 570 files and documents were posted to the developer platform GitHub last week, The Washington Post reported. They appear to document hacking activity across multiple countries and come from iSoon, which the Post identified as a private security contractor with ties to China's Ministry of Public Security.

"We have every reason to believe this is the authentic data of a contractor supporting global and domestic cyber espionage operations out of China," a cybersecurity expert, John Hultquist, told the Post.

On Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that China's police were investigating the leak, citing two unnamed iSoon employees it spoke with. The employees told the AP that the documents belonged to the group.

The files mentioned targets ranging from government agencies to businesses such as telecommunications firms in at least 20 foreign countries and territories including the UK, India, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia, the Post reported.

The hackers had claimed to be able to exploit vulnerabilities in software made by companies including Microsoft and Google, per the Post. (The Post said that Microsoft didn't respond to a request for comment and that Google said the documents didn't mention specific vulnerabilities in its software.)

A Google spokesperson told Business Insider that in addition to the files not mentioning specific vulnerabilities in Google's software, the documents describe standard malware techniques that are well-known to the company's security teams. A representative for Microsoft declined to comment when approached by Business Insider.

While the Post's report didn't mention any US targets, the files align with repeated warnings from security officials and experts on China's hacking operations .

The FBI chief, Christopher Wray, told " 60 Minutes " in October that China was running " the biggest hacking program in the world ."

Wray said China had "stolen more of our personal and corporate data than every nation, big or small, combined."

And when it comes to tackling the threat posed by Chinese hackers, Wray said the FBI was finding itself outnumbered .

"If each one of the FBI's cyber agents and intelligence analysts focused exclusively on the China threat, China's hackers would still outnumber FBI cyber personnel by at least 50 to 1," Wray told lawmakers last month.

Representatives for China's foreign ministry didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Correction: February 22, 2024 — This story was updated to clarify that The Washington Post had characterized a hacking group's ability to exploit vulnerabilities in companies' software as claims, not as fact, and to note the Post's efforts to contact Microsoft and Google about the claims. An earlier version of this story also misspelled the surname of a cybersecurity expert interviewed by the Post. It's John Hultquist, not John Hultquitist.

February 23, 3:45 a.m. — This story has been updated with responses from Microsoft.

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Watch: JOHN MCAFEE: This is why the US is losing the ‘cyber war’ to China and Russia

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AT&T outage resolved, authorities investigating

By Aditi Sangal and Catherine Thorbecke , CNN

AT&T says it has restored wireless service

A cell tower in Los Angeles is pictured on February 22.

AT&T said in a statement that it has now resolved the day's massive service outage.

"We have restored wireless service to all our affected customers. We sincerely apologize to them. Keeping our customers connected remains our top priority, and we are taking steps to ensure our customers do not experience this again in the future," the company statement said.

No indication of malicious cyber activity so far, US cyber official says

From CNN's Sean Lyngaas

A US cyber official tracking the AT&T outage told CNN there has so far been no indication that the outage was caused by malicious cyber activity, but the investigation is ongoing.

Fewer than 5,000 AT&T customers still reporting outages

From CNN's Catherine Thorbecke

As of approximately 2 pm ET, fewer than 5,000 AT&T customers were still reporting outages, according to self-reported data tracked by DownDetector.

The FCC says it is investigating the outage

The Federal Communications Commission confirmed Thursday afternoon that it is investigating the AT&T outage.

“We are aware of the reported wireless outages, and our Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau is actively investigating,” the FCC said in a statement Thursday afternoon that was posted on X.

“We are in touch with AT&T and public safety authorities, including FirstNet, as well as other providers," the agency added.

WH: Federal agencies still working to get to bottom of AT&T outages

From CNN’s Kevin Liptak

National Security spokesperson John Kirby attends a news briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, on February 15.

The White House says federal agencies are in touch with AT&T about network outages Thursday but that it doesn't have all the answers yet on what exactly transpired that led to the interruptions.

National Security spokesman John Kirby said the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI were looking into the matter and working with partners in the tech industry to "see what we can do from a federal perspective to lend a hand to their investigative efforts to figure out what happened here."

Kirby said that work was still ongoing.

"The bottom line is we don't have all the answers to that. I mean, this just happened earlier today. And so we're working very hard to see if we can get to the ground truth of exactly what happened," he said.

Tens of thousands of AT&T customers still say they have no service

As of approximately 12:30 pm ET, some 25,000 AT&T customers were still reporting outages, per data compiled by tracking site DownDetector . (DownDetector, notably, only tracks self-reported outages).

Still, the latest figure is a steep fall from the peak of some 74,000 AT&T customers reporting outages at around 9 am ET.

The DownDetector data indicates the widespread outage began around 4 am ET.

Telecom experts tell CNN that outages typically happen for mundane reasons

From CNN's Brian Fung

A "No Service" message is seen on an iPhone in Atlanta during an AT&T outage on February 22.

While Thursday's AT&T outage grabbed national headlines, outages do happen and usually for mundane reasons, several telecom experts told CNN. 

Common causes include construction-related digging that punctures fiber optic cables and software misconfigurations that can lead to interruptions, said TJ Kennedy, a public safety communications expert. 

 "I can't think of every incident in the last few years, but I can think of things related to routers, things related to backhaul, things related to software," Kennedy said. "This has happened across all major carriers, multiple times in the past few years alone."

Thursday's outage could have been caused by human errors in AT&T's cloud-based networking system, said Lee McKnight, an associate professor at the Syracuse University School of Information Studies. 

"The dirty secret of telecom networks these days is they are just a bunch of wires and towers connected to the cloud ,"  McKnight said. "Someone making a mistake, and others on their team — and their automated tools — not catching it, is quite common in cloud computing."

The FCC will almost certainly investigate the outage, experts tell CNN

The Federal Communications Commission will almost certainly investigate this week's incident, multiple experts said. The FCC requires carriers to report information linked to network disruptions.

"The carriers are required to report their outage numbers over time, and the commission can track the number of consumers and cell sites down and things like that," said a former FCC official.

Telecom carriers have every reason to fix any outages quickly, said the former FCC official, "because it creates black eyes for the brand."

"Everybody's incentives are aligned," the former official said. "The FCC is going to want to know what caused it so that lessons can be learned. And if they find malfeasance or bad actions or, just poor quality of oversight of the network, they have the latitude to act."

Gov. Ron DeSantis: "Think about the implications if something like that happened on a much grander scale"

From CNN’s Rebekah Riess

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on February 22.

Florida Governor and former GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis opened an unrelated press conference on Thursday with comments regarding the ongoing AT&T network outage, affecting thousands of customers.

The governor said his office had been in touch with AT&T, who told them they were working to put customers back online, but were focusing on restoring emergency services. DeSantis said AT&T did not speak about what had caused the outage.

“You think about just your daily life, like having cell phones, honestly, it's like, imagine if we had like an EMP attack or something like that would end up happening this country,” DeSantis said. “It’s not necessarily a good thought, because you think you're just so naturally reliant on having cell service (…) so it's a little bit jarring and think about the implications if something like that happened on much grander scale.”

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