Broadband Comparison

Which Data Service Is Right for Your Business?

To determine the best business-class connectivity option for your business, it is important to evaluate your business’ employee needs—such as do employees perform high volumes of Web browsing, do they require video streaming services, and are Voice services and other cloud-based applications required—and proximity to the services. Understanding your business’ technological requirements will help take the guesswork out of choosing the optimal business-class connectivity service.

T1, Bonded T1, and Business Ethernet connections provide true business-class connectivity. They offer the same uptime SLAs (99.99%), provide symmetrical upload and download speeds (T1=1.5 Mbps, Bonded T1=up to 12 Mbps, Ethernet=up to 135 Mbps), and are widely available in major metropolitan areas. Business Ethernet is faster and generally more cost competitive than T1 and Bonded T1 connections. It has become a popular business-class connectivity option for companies and is out-pacing T1 sales in some markets. For businesses located in dense metropolitan areas, Ethernet over Copper offers greater flexibility and provides the best connection speeds at the best prices.

In addition to choosing a broadband type, it is also important to conduct an Internet providers comparison in order to ensure the Internet services provider you select is able to meet your business' current and future needs. Watch our Choosing a Data Services Provider video for more information.

COMPARE BROADBAND OPTIONS
Business Ethernet
Advantages Robust SLAs; 99.99% guaranteed uptime Mission-critical performance Symmetrical download and uploads speeds to 135 Mbps Best value for businesses with intensive bandwidth needs	Best for.. Businesses that need faster symmetrical upload and download speeds than a bonded T1, while still maintaining mission-critical reliability. When combined with Voice Services, Business Ethernet provides increased capacity at a significant cost savings. Best value for businesses that require more bandwidth for: Large file uploads and downloads Multimedia applications, including video Remote workers connecting to a main office Communication between offices (VPNs) Server/application hosting
T1
Advantages Robust SLAs; 99.99% guaranteed uptime Mission-critical performance Symmetrical download and upload speeds of up to 12 Mbps with our Bonded T1 service	Best for... Businesses that have multiple offices and need symmetrical upload and download speeds; also those that require mission-critical reliability. T1 provides the speed and performance necessary for Voice Services and multiple Internet users or users who download streaming media applications.
DSL
Advantages Download speeds of up to 20 Mbps Cost-effective 99% uptime guarantee available	Best for... Businesses that need affordable service with fast download speeds, but don't require fast upload speeds. Compare different DSL options.
DS3/OCx
Advantages Robust SLAs; 99.99% guaranteed uptime Symmetrical bandwidth options up to multi Gigabit speeds	Best for... Businesses that require maximum performance, extreme speed, and service that are backed by robust SLAs and an expert customer support team.
Cable
Advantages Business-class customer premises equipment	Best for... Businesses that need an always-on, high-speed data connection to the Internet that supports multiple users, website, and enterprise applications.
Satellite
Advantages Nationwide coverage Provides service to teleworkers and remote business locations Symmetrical bandwidth options up to multi Gigabit speeds	Best for... Businesses that have a highly distributed workforce and locations in areas where DSL and Cable access are currently unavailable. Also, businesses that want to supplement  their traditional terrestrial access services.
Wireless
Advantages Nationwide coverage Provides service to teleworkers and remote business locations 1 Mbps download speeds and 100 kbps upload speeds Routable static IP addressing	Best for... Businesses—especially those with teleworkers and remote locations—that need a business-class broadband connection packed with features that support multiple users, websites, and enterprise applications.