Internet access is increasingly becoming a necessity as the world transforms into a digital economy. Gone are the days when slow dial-up internet connections were acceptable. These days almost every business application including cloud software, banking, paying taxes and a host of other everyday business activities are on the web. In some industries access to web based services is vital to the functioning of the business. Fortunately as digital adoption has gathered pace in the rest of the economy, the price of business grade broadband has become more accessible. Examine the following list to better understand options that may be applicable to your business. The list is in order of least monthly investment / speed to most monthly investment / speed.
- ADSL
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) was the first iteration of residential broadband services. Being an asymmetric service means that uploads are significantly less than downloads. For most users this asymmetry doesn't present too many issues. Basic applications like browsing the web and checking emails are not upload intensive. Offering up to 8Mbps download it is a significant improvement on dial up connections. However the world has moved significantly since it's introduction. Today ADSL has to a great extent been replaced by ADSL2+. However depending on your distance from the supporting telephone exchange (>2km), ADSL may still be the technology delivered.
- ADSL2+
ADSL2+ offers maximum download and upload speeds of 20Mbps and 1Mbps respectively. In reality factors including distance from exchange, the density of subscribers to your ISP, weather conditions and the physical condition of the copper connecting your premises to the local telephone exchange can all impact on this maximum speed. Once again basic download intensive applications such as reading textual content, watching videos and checking emails operate fine with ADSL2+. The moment your desired usage become upload intensive then you need to begin to investigate NBN, EFM, MBE, Fibre and Microwave.
- NBN 25/5 & 100/40
The original NBN promised Australians a world class broadband setup. Unfortunately due to mostly political disturbances the original fibre to the premises plan has been replaced by a Fibre to the node plan reliant on old world last mile copper technology. This means that the maximum plan ratings of 25Mbps and 100Mbps downloads and 5Mbps and 25Mbps upload will most likely not materialise. For business customers who increasingly rely on upload intensive applications including cloud servers, software, video conferencing etc the choice is to wait for NBN to come to your neighbourhood or make an investment to acquire copper based EFM and MBE services today and drive business productivity.
- EFM & MBE
Both EFM and MBE are copper based "symmetric" services. This means that once NBN becomes available they too like ADSL and ADSL2+ will no longer be supported. However in the meantime (which could be btwo or more years) businesses have the opportunity to enjoy symmetric speeds and in many cases Unlimited download and upload quotas and witness masive productivity growth in their business.
The main difference between EFM and MBE is that MBE offers guaranteed speeds, whereas EFM offers a theoretical maximum. EFM like ADSL2+ depends on distance from the exchange and a host of other climatic factors to deliver maximum speed ratings.
- Fibre
Fibre Optics is by far the fastest symmetric service available. It is also the one that involves the greatest monthly investment. However if you're serious about business productivity and want to future proof your business then there is simply no other alternative than Fibre. Some of our carrier partners offer a 400/400 fibre service if your premises is On-Net that will deliver amazing access for under $1,000 per month per site.
- Microwave
Finally there is point to point Microwave and other RF (radio frequency) technologies. Microwave is ideal for remote environments where as physical cable based connection may be difficult or expensive. Utilising radio frequency and RF transmitters and receivers, we can beam an uncontended symmetrical connection to your premises from a nearby transmission mast. For customers in remote locations serious about data connectivity there is simply no other alternative.
To find out more information about selecting the right broadband solution for your business call 1800 954 456
