So you’ve checked that nbn™ is available in your area and you’re ready to have your business connected - congratulations! Before you sign up to the first plan you come across, take time to consider your business’s needs. You’ll want to research the type of plan that will meet your business’s needs, which includes speed, support, bundled services, and other elements. In this article, we take a look at the common features of business nbn™ plans and additional factors you should take into account when choosing an nbn™ solution for your operations.
When choosing a plan, you should review common key features like speed, data, and bundle options.
Service providers will usually provide details of two speeds. First, the maximum speed your nbn™ plan can achieve, and second, the typical speed during peak business periods (such as 9AM - 5PM). You’ll want to consider both of these speeds.
Additionally, understand your download and upload requirements. If your team members do a lot of videoconferencing, sending of large files, data backups on cloud storage, and other large uploads, your plan should ideally offer good upload speeds as well as adequate download speeds.
Does the plan offer unlimited data or do you have data caps? While most nbn™ plans have unlimited data, some come with data caps which might not be sufficient for your business. .
Do you need to bundle your phone with your nbn™ plan? Check the plan offers phone/PBX bundles. Additionally, are calls pay as you go (PAYG) or unlimited? Would PAYG or unlimited work out to be more cost effective given how many calls your staff make? You might be able to purchase the right phone equipment with an affordable upfront fee and bundle related features like a dedicated fax line with your plan.
Do you need extra features like static IP addresses? A static IP address can be useful if you host your own services (email or web hosting etc) and want to allow external connections access. A static IP is also useful with certain VPN connection types.
Does the provider offer good support for businesses? Providers with business nbn™ plans might offer dedicated support teams who are always ready to help you with technical support and troubleshooting. This could minimise downtime and disruptions to business continuity for you.
In addition to common features like speed, take into consideration device compatibility, contract terms, cost, and ease of set up when finding the right business nbn™ plan.
Your existing devices might not be compatible with the nbn™. Speak to your device supplier or manufacturer about compatibility. You can also check in with your retail service provider who might be able to assist you on whether your device will work with the nbn™.
How long is the contract duration? Consider the timeframe of the contract and potential liability or penalties if you need to cancel it. Can you choose a month-to-month contract with no lock-in conditions?
When it comes to the cost of plans, many service providers are flexible and businesses can usually find a suitable plan that lies within their budget. if you’re looking to also upgrade to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), you would need to apply for the nbn™ Technology Choice Program and be prepared to pay for the costs of upgrading yourself.
The nbn™ can be easy to set up, and if you have any doubts, your service provider should be happy to walk you through the process. Once you’ve checked that it’s available in your area and chosen a plan, your provider will arrange with nbn™ a technician onsite visit to carry out installation work. In some cases they may be able to send you nbn™ equipment (NBN box) through the post so that you can set up and connect yourself. The final piece of equipment is usually the modem/router which connects directly to the NBN box (or directly to the phone wall socket if the connection type is FTTN or FTTB). If you run into any difficulties along the way, you can check in with your provider’s support help desk.
Transitioning to the nbn™ isn’t as much of a challenge as it can seem. For your business nbn™ plan, consider your data allowance and speed requirements, and ensure upload and download speeds are sufficient for what your team will be doing. Having bundled options like phones/PBX can also be essential, along with extra features like a static IP. You’ll also want to find a plan that comes with good customer support. Other things to consider include your contract length, device compatibility, and how easy it is to set up. As long as you factor in these features and options and plan your switch well, your business will likely end up with a suitable plan that fulfils your requirements.
SpinTel has been servicing Aussie households and small businesses with fast, cost-effective solutions since 1996. No matter where you’re located, we can assist you with the right nbn™ solution for your business. Contact us for more information today, and explore our flexible business nbn™ solutions here.
