Jul 16 | By Annie Eyre
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur working from a home office or managing a busy multi-location enterprise, the internet speed for your business needs to align with how your team works, what tools you use, and how you interact with customers.
However, choosing the right business internet plan isn’t just about selecting the fastest package available. It’s about choosing a service that fits your specific business internet needs, supports your growth, and keeps your team productive.
In this guide, we’ll cover what a good business internet speed looks like, provide estimates based on everyday business activities, and help you evaluate your needs based on business type, size, and internet usage patterns.
What is a good internet speed for my business?
A “good” internet speed depends on several factors, including the number of users, the nature of your business activities, and the quality of service you expect. Let’s start with some general benchmarks based on typical business size:
| Business type | Users | Recommended speed | Common use cases |
| Home office / freelancer | 1–3 | 25–100 Mbps | Email, video calls, file sharing |
| Small business | 4-10 | 100–250 Mbps | Cloud apps, VoIP, conferencing |
| Medium business | 10-50 | 250–500+ Mbps | Multi-user collaboration, large uploads, video |
| Large business | 50+ | 500 Mbps–1 Gbps or more | Data centers, heavy file transfers, multi-office use |
Beyond user count, think about how your business operates. For instance:
- Retail and hospitality businesses may require reliable connectivity for point-of-sale (POS) systems and guest Wi-Fi.
- Marketing or design agencies often transfer large files and need higher upload speeds.
- Remote-first teams rely on video conferencing and cloud platforms, which benefit from symmetrical connections.
- Medical or legal offices may prioritize secure, high-bandwidth connections for cloud-based data handling.
Types of business internet
There are several types of internet connections available for businesses, and the kind you choose can affect both speed and reliability:
Fiber-optic internet
With multi-Gig speeds available, fiber internet provides fast speeds your business can depend on.
- Best for: Medium to large businesses, cloud-based operations, symmetrical speed needs
- Pros: Extremely fast, symmetrical upload/download speeds, low latency
- Cons: Availability may be limited in rural or less-developed areas
Cable internet
- Best for: Small to medium businesses with moderate upload needs
- Pros: Widely available, good download speeds
- Cons: Upload speeds are often lower than download speeds; performance can drop during peak usage
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
- Best for: Small businesses or locations with limited options
- Pros: Reliable for low-bandwidth tasks like email and browsing
- Cons: Slower and less scalable than fiber or cable
Fixed wireless / 5G business internet
With speeds up to 400 Mbps, Verizon offers several 5G business internet plans that may be available in your area.
- Best for: Remote areas or businesses that need flexible installation
- Pros: Quick setup, increasing speeds in 5G-enabled areas
- Cons: Can be affected by weather and signal interference
Satellite internet
- Best for: Very remote locations with no wired alternatives
- Pros: Nearly universal coverage
- Cons: Higher latency and lower data caps, which can affect performance
How much bandwidth does my business need?
To choose the right plan, estimate the amount of bandwidth your business activities require. Here’s a breakdown of typical usage per user:
| Activity | Download speed | Upload speed |
Web browsing & email | 1–5 Mbps | <1 Mbps |
| Cloud-based SaaS tools | 1-5 Mbps | 1–5 Mbps |
| Video conferencing (HD) | 2–4 Mbps | 2–4 Mbps |
| VoIP / phone calls | 0.1–1 Mbps | 0.1–1 Mbps |
| File uploads / backups | 10–50 Mbps | 10–100 Mbps |
| Streaming (HD) | 5–8 Mbps | N/A |
| Streaming (4K) | 15–25 Mbps | N/A |
| Remote desktop or VPN | 1–10 Mbps | 1–10 Mbp |
Considerations when choosing internet speed
Speed isn’t everything. The right internet plan should align with your business operations and support your goals. The recommended internet speed for small businesses will be different from the recommendations for large corporations. Here are a few important factors to consider:
Business type and industry
- Retail stores require stable connections for their point-of-sale systems and inventory tracking, and may also offer Wi-Fi to customers.
- Offices and agencies use cloud-based collaboration tools, communication apps, and file-sharing platforms.
- Restaurants and cafes may not need high speeds for internal use, but often benefit from fast guest Wi-Fi.
Number of employees and devices
Bandwidth is shared across all users and connected devices. A 10-person office might have over 20 devices online at any given time, including computers, mobile phones, printers, and smart devices.
Guest Wi-Fi requirements
If your business offers public Wi-Fi, ensure it doesn’t interfere with your core operations. You may need a higher speed tier or a separate network to manage guest access without performance issues.
Business tools and platforms
Frequent use of cloud backup, video conferencing, or software platforms like CRMs, ERPs, or design tools can place significant demands on your bandwidth.
Scalability
Choose a plan that can grow with your business. As you add employees or adopt new tools, your bandwidth needs will increase. Partner with a provider that makes it easy to upgrade without interrupting your service.
Final thoughts: Speed is strategy
There’s no universal answer to the question, “What internet speed does my business need?” The best plan is one that supports your current workflow while providing enough flexibility to adapt to future needs.
To recap:
- Assess your business activities and how they rely on the internet
- Consider your number of users, devices, and guests
- Understand the pros and cons of different internet connection types
- Look for symmetrical speeds if you depend on uploads or video conferencing
- Make sure the plan is scalable and backed by strong reliability guarantees
A thoughtful investment in the right internet speed can help reduce downtime, enhance collaboration, and create a better experience for both your staff and your customers.
