How small businesses should compare connectivity
In short: Compare on speed (especially upload), reliability and SLAs, support quality, contract length, and exit terms. Get an estimated speed for your address and read the small print. Don’t choose on headline price alone if downtime would cost you more.
Speed and technology
Match the product to how you use the connection: video calls, cloud apps, large uploads. Upload speed matters as much as download for many businesses. Full fibre often gives better uploads and more predictable performance. Use our speed guide and full fibre vs FTTC vs cable as a starting point; see FTTP in the glossary for a tight definition. Get an address-specific estimate from the provider.
Reliability and SLAs
Business products often come with a service level agreement (SLA): e.g. fix within a certain time, or credits for prolonged outages. Compare what’s on offer and what happens if things go wrong. For some businesses, a slightly higher price with a clear SLA is worth it.
Support
Check how you can get help (phone, chat, portal) and whether business customers get priority. Read reviews and ask other small businesses if you can. Poor support can outweigh a good price.
Contract and exit
Note minimum term, price after any offer period, and early exit fees. If you might move premises or change needs, shorter terms or clearer exit rules may matter.