In 1995, Bill Gates wrote: “The Internet will help achieve ‘friction free capitalism’ by putting buyer and seller in direct contact and providing more information to both about each other.”
Almost 30 years later, there are now more than 25M Internet users in Australia. Access to goods and services is one of the Internet’s key benefits to consumers. But Google Consumer Insights reported that 53% of mobile visitors will leave a web page if it takes over three seconds to load. Another study found that, for 70% of consumers, page speed influences the willingness to purchase from an online vendor. Finally, 78% of small businesses said they would have operational difficulties without the Internet.
All businesses have an Internet connection nowadays, but a poor-performing one can be incredibly frustrating for staff members and can impair their productivity significantly. In an age where most business software and tools rely on a fast and reliable Internet connection, ensuring that your team has access to robust and efficient Internet services is paramount. A high-quality Internet setup can enhance job satisfaction, reduce frustration, and contribute to a more positive and productive work environment.
Beyond employee frustration, downtime is another consequence of Internet outages.
However, it is essential to understand that having a reliable connection is just one piece of the puzzle. So, what are the other aspects you should consider?
1. Quality Hardware for Modern Business Connectivity
According to Statista, most Australians access the Internet via laptops and desktops (53%), mobile phones (43%) and tablets (4%). Modern businesses rely on a plethora of Internet-connected devices, including security systems and VoIP phones. These all require a portion of your bandwidth.
Having a quality business-grade hardware setup, such as firewalls and routers, is crucial in maximising the potential of your Internet connection. Not only do these devices provide enhanced security features to reduce security risks, but they also enable you to set up multiple connections. This redundancy ensures that in the event one of your connections fails, you have a backup in place, minimising downtime and maintaining productivity.
2. The True Cost of Cheap Internet
The common adage ‘You get what you pay for’ holds particularly true when it comes to Internet services. If you opt for a very cheap deal, it’s likely that your experience will reflect that choice. Some providers offer massively overprovisioned services to achieve a low price point, but this often results in unreliable performance and limited support. Investing a little extra in a more appropriate connection can save your business thousands in lost productivity. Paying for quality means fewer disruptions, better support, and a more consistent Internet experience that supports your business operations efficiently.
Moreover, the advent of NBN’s network in Australia, with high-quality fibre optic services that were once exclusive to large corporations are now available to small to medium businesses at very attractive price points. Fibre optic connections delivered directly to your premises are the most reliable service available and offer the flexibility to easily increase your speeds as needed. This scalability is essential for businesses with growing or fluctuating bandwidth requirements.
3. Your Business Needs More Than Just ‘Best Effort’ Internet
Business-grade Internet services come with commercial Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which provide guarantees for service restoration times in the event of an outage. Unlike consumer services on the NBN network, which typically operate on a ‘Best Effort’ basis, commercial SLAs ensure that your business operations face minimal disruption. This reliability is critical when you depend on your Internet connection to run your business.
4. One Provider for IT and Internet Services is a Game Changer
Businesses can hugely benefit from partnering with an IT service provider for their Internet needs as they can help you navigate the best NBN options for your infrastructure needs. They also provide network management, cyber security, and ongoing support to ensure your Internet connection runs smoothly.
Having a single provider manage both your IT and Internet services can also be invaluable, particularly in avoiding the confusion and finger-pointing that can occur during service outages. A consolidated provider approach means greater accountability and a streamlined process for managing all your business Internet services, communication, and troubleshooting.
A Cost-Effective and Smart Investment
Upgrading to a high-performing and reliable Internet is a wise decision to make. It is an investment in the future of your business.
The best option today would be the National Broadband Network (NBN). Why?
- It has widespread availability, covering 98% of the population.
- It offers a range of speeds, reaching up to 10,000Mbps for an enterprise plan.
- NBN’s infrastructure is designed for reliability and stability.
- Various pricing options are available, depending on your needs.
NBN internet is available through Retail Service Providers (RSPs), such as Aussie Broadband which ONGC partners with. Aussie Broadband has been named the Best Rated Brand NBN provider in 2024 for the fourth consecutive year, mainly due to its network speed and customer satisfaction.
Partnering with a Certified MSP Provider like ONGC not only helps you gain a competitive edge but also ensures you have the right infrastructure in place to support your business’s growth. Unlock the full potential of your nbn™ connection with ONGC and experience the difference in reliability and performance for your business.