The invention of the internet has been a game-changer not only for enterprises and industries but also for the world. Fast internet companies have the power to escalate digitization, transforming businesses, industries, and economies digitally. The rapid adoption of the internet across businesses, industries, and economies has changed the way tasks are carried out, research is conducted, and social networks are built, and continues to navigate the world through the complexities of digitization.
The internet was a tool for large companies that stood at the forefront of business digitization at the beginning. However, gradually the scenario changed as the internet became a ‘door-to-door thing’ where every individual or small business with a smartphone, tablet, or desktop had an internet connection that helped them operate, connect, and communicate digitally.
Manuel Castells, in his book The Internet Galaxy, views the Internet as ‘a culture made up of a technocratic belief in the progress of humans through technology, enacted by communities of hackers thriving on free and open technological creativity, embedded in virtual networks aimed at reinventing society, and materialized by money-driven entrepreneurs into the workings of the new economy.’
He encapsulates how this culture influences the development of electronic business services, the relationships between the state and the civil society, and the activities of virtual community members. Internet developments that are equitable and inclusive help decision-makers create visions and actions that they assume offer a universal solution for those who wish to explore the full potential of the internet.
Considering his approach toward the internet, it can be said that small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that are willing to take advantage of the internet’s full potential must be a part of an inclusive and equitable development of the internet.
This article intends to explore how small and medium-sized businesses manage and control their internet access effectively, and how internet service providers contribute to the processes. But, before that, we will have an insight into the history of the internet and its evolution to date.
The History of the Internet: An Evolution
The invention of the Internet cannot be attributed to a single person or a particular year and date. Instead, it is a series of developments that took place over time. However, January 1st, 1983, is a key milestone in the history of the Internet when the TCP/IP protocols were adopted to enable communication between different networks, marking the official birth of the Internet in the world. In 1991, Tim Berners-Lee introduced the World Wide Web (WWW), making it accessible to people with user-friendly interfaces. WWW links hypertext documents into an information system, which makes it accessible from any node of the network.
Advancements in the wave division multiplexing (WDM) and circulation of fiber optic cables in the mid-90s influenced culture, technology, and commerce, making the rise of instant communication through instant messaging, electronic mail, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone calls, video chat, and the WWW encompassing blogs, forums, online shopping sites, and social networking services. And, now, with continued digitalization, the internet is expanding its boundaries to make way for new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and more to streamline operations for all scales of businesses.
Internet for Small and Medium-sized Businesses
In the business landscape, industry bigwigs are leveraging new technologies with the help of the internet. However, small businesses are no longer lagging in exploring the potential of the internet. Small enterprises utilize it for multiple purposes. They include-
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Marketing
It helps them build a strong online presence in the face of market competition through website design and SEO marketing. The internet allows them to create online platforms and leverage networks to build connections with customers.
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Operations
Using the internet, small and medium-sized businesses are now streamlining operations, such as going digital and creating e-commerce platforms. It enhances communication, improves data management and accessibility, and automates tasks. Organizational workforces can optimize their tasks and reduce the burden of executing manual tasks by using the internet.
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Communication
The internet is a web of interconnected networks that connect one network to another, unlocking digital communication. Using the internet, small and medium-scale businesses can connect with their customers through email, messaging, and social media platforms.
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Data Analysis
The internet enhances data analysis for small businesses by providing access to a plethora of information and powerful analytical tools to make informed decisions and improve operations. It enables data collection, analysis, and application of customer data to personalize products, services, marketing, and other operations, helping enterprises gain a competitive advantage.
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Accessibility
Businesses leverage the internet to reach customers across multiple devices, from mobile to desktop. Through location-based services, business organizations can find customers’ physical locations and promote local services.
As a roadmap for a small business’s operational efficiency, the internet for small business goes beyond the process of connecting networks; it is a multifaceted tool that helps small and medium-sized businesses achieve their business goals. These tools enable operational streamlining, customer relationship enhancement, and a strong online presence.
Apprehending the Internet Needs of a Small Business
Before understanding the management and monitoring of the internet accessibility by small and medium-sized businesses, companies must know their internet requirements-
- They must take their business activities into consideration and appraise the ways they use the internet. This may include email communications, web browsing, online conferencing, data backups, and cloud-based services.
- Consider the business’s growth trajectory in the next few years, either in terms of employee numbers or offered online services, for which business owners will need internet service that can scale up.
- Evaluate the number of users and devices used by company employees to leverage the internet, which could affect the bandwidth needs.
- Small businesses offering Wi-Fi or hosting a customer-facing web service will have different internet requirements compared to other companies that do not. For such services, a fast internet connection should be prioritized.
- Internet downtime can severely affect the revenue of a small business. Hence, they must look for internet providers who guarantee high uptime.
- SMEs must prioritize cybersecurity and evaluate the built-in security features offered by their internet service provider, or consider taking additional measures to protect data and operations from cyber threats.
Top 5 Affordable Internet Service Providing Companies of the USA
SMEs are low-funded businesses that take time to grow financially and need resources to operate at an affordable cost. The internet, as a key operational resource or tool, is a must for small-scale businesses to operate smoothly in a competitive business environment. Therefore, SMES must go for affordable yet high-quality internet service providers to meet their internet requirements. Below are some low-cost and high-speed internet providers in the USA for small businesses to explore their full capabilities.
Frontier
Frontier is a Fiber Internet Service Provider that offers Fiber 200 Internet at a low cost of $30/month. This internet service provider excels in delivering fast and reliable Fiber internet of 1 Gig starting at $49.99 per month. Frontier’s internet services include a high-speed router, auto-pay discount, unlimited data, free installation, Wi-Fi7, and more for homes and small businesses looking for an affordable internet connection.
Spectrum
Spectrum is another internet company that operates under the trade name of Charter Communications. It offers high-speed internet with no contracts, making it flexible for businesses to adopt. However, compared to other providers, it has a low upload speed. Spectrum’s business special internet connection gives wide coverage.
Xfinity
Xfinity, as a well-known internet service provider, offers “Now Internet,” a low-cost internet option for small and medium-sized businesses. It includes no annual contracts, 100 Mbps download speeds, and self-installation with provided WiFi equipment.
AT&T Fiber
AT&T Business Fiber internet plan provides speeds up to 5 Gbps and is highly suitable for small businesses and residential purposes. It is the fastest and offers multiple features, starting at a price of $80 per month for a 500 Mbps speed, taxes, and fees included.
COX
Cox Communications, Inc. offers comprehensive business internet services, including a range of plans tailored to specific business requirements and sizes. It is recognized for its customer-centric approach and affordability.
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