Deadlines, communication, effort, and hard work are some of the basics of running a successful business and building growing careers. Unfortunately, all of this can fall flat in the face of a mediocre internet connection. Being stuck with an unreliable internet and telecom service provider can mean you have to compromise on your work quality. Apart from not allowing you to communicate with your clients, a poor service provider might adversely affect cloud storage features. 

Vital factors to consider when looking for an internet service provider

Network security
Security is an important factor that should make you pick or drop an internet and telecom service provider from your preferred list.

With internet theft and ransomware activities on the rise, a secure network is crucial. Your internet connection will be privy to some of your private information, which, in the wrong hands, can land you in trouble. You won’t have to worry about your sensitive personal and financial information with a telecom provider you can trust. Try to find out whether your service provider owns the cloud they use for information storage and transfer, the training their employees receive to prevent security threats, how often you will have to expect a non-functional day with their internet and telecom service, and more. 

Download speed
Your data connection speed is dependent on the type of connection the internet service provider has to offer. Here, the connection speed represents the rate of data transfer and latency. With a high latency period, you will experience a lag in your work and may have to spend more time accomplishing each task. Since latency is based on the connection type you are provided, you may want to consider your options carefully. If your business or work runs mostly on cloud-based applications and processes, it calls for a high-speed connection. Research and confirm the performance and speed being offered by the internet and telecom providers you are considering. 

Connection type
For cloud-based workers, satellite internet and telecom connections are a no-no. The slow speed will have them ticking four tasks off the 10-task-long list at the end of the day. Other connection options include fiber, 4G-LTE, cable, dial-up, and more. Your choice of connection might differ based on your needs despite the difference in the connection speed and performance. Additionally, take into account the space and money all of these options might cost you. 

Customer support
Next on your to-do list is to check the service provider’s reliability and after-sales service. Chances are, you might never again meet or speak to the person who was responsible for setting up your account with the ISP. That does not mean you want to spend every few days stuck with the customer service representative talking about the issues you are facing with the company’s services. Check with existent network users about the state of their connections and their position on the satisfaction scale. Alternatively, check their online ratings and carefully read through the common complaints. This should give you a better understanding of the direction you should be handing in. 

Prices
Your budget has a lot of say in this matter, but that does not mean you slack off on the research and comparison. Different providers will offer you different plans and services. It is up to you to actively look for options that better match your needs while allowing you to experience quality service. If some internet and telecom services quote you a price that is too good to believe, check their availability. Chances are, their low availability is a contributing factor to the low prices. Alternatively, you can seek out providers that are willing to offer customizations in their plans. Customizable plans are better at meeting your needs, your budget, and the provider’s services. 

Check the reputation
Before abandoning your former internet and telecom provider, research your next option thoroughly. Check their plans and usage limits, and most importantly, take a long hard look at what their users have to say. Don’t just go by what the company’s website testimonials say. Do your own research, and go through reviews and complaints posted by people. Go a step further and try to find if people had their complaints addressed and resolved by the service provider. 

Availability
If the internet service provider does not offer their service in your area, their high-speed connection is of little good to you. This can limit your internet connection options from fiber and cable service to broadband or satellite connections. It can also affect their response time to your complaints and queries. Lower-than-standard price points are among the red flags that point to the low availability of an internet and telecom service provider.