Making the Most of Business DSL

Get more out of your business DSL without incurring extra fees

Not all DSL and broadband providers--or services--are created equal. While the majority of their advertisements and promotions advertise similar variations on a common theme (fast, faster and fastest connections!) actual connection speeds vary, as do other fine details of DSL contracts, including fees and supplies necessary for service implementation. Providers won't advertise everything you could be doing to get the most out of your connection, and probably hope that you won't ask.

Making the most of business DSL means sticking to your guns and carefully monitoring your service to make sure you're getting exactly what you've paid for. You may be surprised to find that you can get some of the following from your DSL service provider:

1. Free upgrades to high speed DSL.

2. Quick fixes on your DSL for business technical issues.

3. Extra DSL features for switching to a business DSL provider.

 

Test drive a free upgrade from your business class DSL provider

Like any other Internet connection, business DSL connections come in a variety of different speeds; the faster the connection, the higher the cost. Before you commit to paying through the nose every month for a premium high-speed plan, look for special plans that offer temporary upgrades for little to no extra cost. This will give you a chance to decide whether the extra speed is really worth paying for.
Try: Shop around for business DSL providers like Covad that offer a no-risk, free trial standard with all business connections; that way you'll have a chance to see whether you want to pay for the extra speed. You can also use a service like EZISP.info to find limited-time deals (including free upgrades to higher speed connections) with other providers.

Report technical problems to your business DSL provider immediately

Don't assume that a few burps and glitches in the system are par for the course. You're paying top dollar for a connection that works, and one of the biggest selling points of DSL service is that it's supposed to be fully functioning 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Choose a provider with a troubleshooting department that can keep up with its Internet connections.
Try: Large Internet providers like AT&T have the resources to provide round-the-clock support services and quick-access automated help centers to solve your business DSL technical problems. AT&T's Business Internet Services are reliable and widely available. You can also verify that you're getting what you pay for in connection speed with an independent service such as Speedtest.net, which is based on the licensed Ookla speed testing software.

Make sure you're getting DSL service for business, not residential, use

Business DSL plans often cost more than residential plans because the demands you place on the network--and the service you receive in return--are expected to be higher. While it's tempting for small businesses to save a few bucks by opting for residential services over the business plan, you're going to miss out on some very helpful perks and necessary features if you do so.
Try: SpeedGate Communications offers a good comparison of typical business and residential DSL services. BroadbandInfo.com explains the difference between bridged (your typical residential plan) and routed (often offered only through a business plan) DSL connections. If you need extra connection security and quality, you may want to make the extra investment in a routed connection. Business connections also tend to offer faster upload speeds.

 

• Don't hesitate to negotiate with your DSL provider. Many DSL Internet service providers offer perks like free routers or DSL modems, free upgrades to higher speed connections, and reduced rates for a period of time; even if your current provider, or the one you're considering, isn't offering such a deal right now, they might be willing to cut you a deal in order to keep your valuable business.

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