The 10 Best Internet Service Providers in Singapore with High-Speed Mobile and Fibre Broadband Business Solutions

How a Good Internet Service Provider Assists in Making Your Business Processes Smoother and More Efficient

Internet service providers (ISPs) provide internet access over a geographic region through networks constructed from fibre optics, cable wiring, satellite, and cellular towers. They offer high-speed broadband connections to residential users and businesses who pay for this service.

Every business depends on internet connectivity for its day-to-day activities. Due to its significance, different internet service providers are available, each with its own set of service options. We will guide you through understanding the role of an ISP, the various internet services available, features of business internet, selecting an ISP, and determining the internet speed best suited for your company.

The Role of an Internet Service Provider

The main role of an internet service provider is to offer internet access to subscribing companies. This involves ensuring fast and secure data transfer through the Internet while maintaining network infrastructures and managing Internet traffic. ISPs provide the necessary equipment and infrastructure to access the Internet at different capacity levels.

The amount of bandwidth and internet speed an ISP provides subscribers depends on the price. Moreover, internet service providers could offer bundled subscriptions that include phone and cable television services since many internet connections use the same infrastructure as these other services.

Internet service providers are responsible for offering internet access and safeguarding their subscribers from cyber threats, and issuing warnings if necessary. In case of any potential danger, threat, or emergency that could affect providers, ISPs should collaborate. Additionally, ISPs are expected to prevent any criminal activity on their networks.

Services Offered by Internet Service Providers

There are various types of internet connections, such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable, fibre, mobile broadband and satellite, provided by many ISPs. It's important to consider your business location and needs before selecting a type of connection, as each option has advantages.

DSL

DSL is a type of internet connection that uses a telephone line. This connection type is commonly available since nurmerous buildings already have the necessary infrastructure. However, it's slower than other broadband connections, with a maximum speed of around 100 Mbps.

Cable 

Ethernet, another term for cable internet, is known for being more dependable and having less delay than other services. It is capable of delivering broadband speeds that reach up to 500 Mbps. Many houses and commercial establishments have phone lines or cable TV; connecting to cable internet is convenient.

Fibre

Fibre connectivity offers faster speeds than cable connections, which support broadband speeds of up to several gigabytes of data per second. Although less widespread than cable, fibre is increasingly becoming popular, with companies such as Google Fiber continuously developing new networks.

Mobile broadband 

Mobile broadband is a type of internet connection that uses cell phone towers. It lets us operate the internet on our phones even if we don't have Wi-Fi. These connections are useful in areas where it's challenging t to get cable, fibre, or DSL internet. They could be a good option for businesses based in remote locations or employees who are always on the move. For example, mobile broadband could be crucial if your team often goes to see clients.

Compared to other internet connections, this option is easier to set up and only requires the presence of a nearby cell tower. Although 5G speeds can theoretically reach 1 Gbps, the average mobile broadband speeds from top carriers generally range from 30 Mbps to 62 Mbps.

Satellite

Satellite internet is beneficial for businesses operating in rural regions. The internet is accessed by users through a network of low-Earth orbit satellites, with Telstra being one prominent example of a satellite internet provider. Compared to other types of internet connections, satellite internet is usually slower, with speeds typically reaching up to 100 Mbps.

Features of Business Internet

When starting a new business, it's vital to ensure that you have a dependable Internet connection. Many internet service providers offer plans designed specifically for businesses. Business broadband plans have features specifically designed for businesses, making them more expensive than home plans. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right plan to ensure you are getting value for money. When selecting a business broadband plan, you must know about different business internet features in Singapore.

24/7 support

For businesses, staying connected is significant. Being disconnected, even for a short period, results in decreased revenue. This is especially true for an online store – customers won't be able to make purchases during connection downtime. In case of internet connection issues, it's important to have access to timely technical support. Select an Internet service provider that always provides dependable customer support, even during odd hours.

Static IPs

Business broadband offers a static IP address, either by default or for an additional fee, while home broadband has a dynamic IP address. The key difference between a static and dynamic IP address is that a static IP remains constant, while a dynamic IP changes each time a user connects to the Internet.

A static IP is a unique online identifier that enables businesses to host their own server, website, or domain name server and remotely connect to computers. Though tech-savvy business owners could use dynamic IPs to save costs, having a static IP is still convenient.

Online security

Good online security is important for personal and business use but especially critical for companies. Small to medium-sized businesses are often targeted by hackers because they are seen as easy targets with potentially large payoffs. A successful cyber attack could devastate a business, possibly leading to its downfall.

Selecting a business-oriented plan with trustworthy security software is vital to secure your business. An efficient security software minimises your chances of falling victim to malware and harmful websites. In addition, you should consider a company that provides data backup and recovery utilities or a virtual private network service.

Dedicated phone lines

A phone line is beneficial, especially for businesses, even with the rise of the Internet and mobile phones. Making phone calls still allows for faster response times than emailing. Combining your broadband plan with a phone line is better than having a separate line. Additional features such as international call plans, audio conferencing, and voicemail-to-email are also available, which is helpful for business purposes.

Prioritised traffic

By signing up for a business plan, you will have access to a network exclusively for business customers. This network is separate from the one shared with residential customers, meaning you will have prioritised traffic and a low possibility of experiencing network congestion. With this network, you can enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted connection.

How Fast Should Your Business Internet Be

Assess your business' internet requirements. Even though a reliable internet connection is crucial for any growing business, spending money on a private network service you won't utilise is unnecessary. Determine the appropriate speed for your business and explore the possibilities that come with it.

100/100 Mbps

For a small company with up to 10 users doing basic tasks such as emailing, browsing and downloading documents, 100 Mbps is a sufficient speed. If your business is a startup, this speed should be perfect. However, if you are a multimedia company that frequently uploads large files, you could upgrade to a faster tier of internet speeds.

300/300 Mbps

For a company with 15-20 average internet users, it is recommended to have a speed of 300 Mbps. This speed will allow you to easily perform everyday tasks and handle larger files for creative ventures such as video production.

1 GB or higher

Choosing one gig of data will give your company a cushion to expand effortlessly, with upload and download speeds of 940/880 Mbps, allowing for smooth streaming of conference calls, conducting reports, and producing multimedia projects. The service is also fast enough to enable running applications from the cloud, reducing reliance on a hard drive. This option is best if your company has an average of 30 or more users.

Factors to Consider When Selecting an Internet Service Provider

The Internet has become an important part of both business and daily life. Reliable internet connectivity is important for reaching prospective customers and conducting online services or utilising IP Phone systems. With it, companies can operate productively. To select the best business internet service provider, consider these five factors:

High-speed internet connection

When choosing an ISP, consider connection quality, bandwidth, and speed factors. Moreover, ensure that they provide support services and complementary features. Selecting an ISP that offers services beneficial to your business and customers is also important.

Opting for a bundle that includes business, phone, email and TV services is recommended. Bundling them together saves you significant money in the long run. Additionally, it is vital to prioritise setting up such as a reliable Ethernet service for networking purposes.

The ISP handles internal and external networking requirements, reducing Internet complexity and facilitating network management for the entire company. It also allows you to concentrate on the core of the business while the ISP handles the rest. When seeking an ISP, look for one that provides consulting services and helps keep your business connectivity up to date so you can make better decisions.

The required bandwidth and speed

When the Internet is slow, it is inconvenient, causing people to show their frustration. Therefore, it is critical to concentrate on Internet speed when considering daily business operations. Fast Internet leads to increased productivity, while slow Internet does the opposite.

Considering these factors, an inexpensive package with low-speed connectivity is not advisable. It is recommended to allocate a proper budget for IT and carefully select a suitable internet package for your internet usage needs. You should also ensure that the chosen ISP provides the required level of connectivity and be aware of the bandwidth limits. Knowing these limits will help you make a good decision for your business.

Availability

In rural areas, availability is vital when choosing an internet provider. Even if you have high-speed cable or fibre access, it's only useful if the provider covers your area. Many residents and business owners have limited options, including just one satellite internet provider and some form of broadband connection or 4G-LTE network, which is effective with the right equipment and plan.

Reliability

For business customers, reliability is the critical factor in internet service. An unreliable connection causes stress and hinder productivity. Suppose your business needs help to afford internet interruptions. In that case, choosing an ISP that provides a service level agreement is recommended, which outlines the level of reliability you can expect from the connection.

Reliability is closely tied to customer service. No matter how strong the connection is, issues are bound to arise. Hardware malfunctions or damaged lines could cause these. Problems could occur at some point.

Great customer service plays a significant role in business operations. It takes more than several days for new hardware to arrive for any business. Therefore, a good service provider should be able to provide a higher level of service to meet their needs.

Overall, internet service providers are an invaluable tool for any enterprise. With their reliable uptimes, expansive coverage, customer support, and tailored packages, they offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to keep businesses connected and running smoothly. Whether you're looking for an on-premise solution or want to take advantage of cloud-based services, internet service providers have the flexibility to meet any enterprise's needs.

Take a look at our list of internet service providers to understand how they can help with networking and expanding your consumer base, as well as increasing your online sales.