Freelancers nowadays are the most important contributors to the gig economy and offer services in a variety of fields that include design, writing, marketing, and programming. A good amount of broadband access is crucial in order to communicate with clients, perform tasks, and submit projects on time.
For light and leisure use, a regular home broadband connection will suffice, but if you want an improvement in productivity and stability, you will need a business broadband connection.
How Does Business Broadband Work For Freelancers?
Business broadband is an improved version of the typical home broadband model which is improved to suit the fast paced and demanding environment of freelancers and business owners.
On top of that, there are added aspects which make business internet more desirable, such as providing a more stable connection, having prompt customer service, the added features of being able to set up a range of security systems, and priority support.
Business Broadband vs Residential Broadband
When comparing business broadband to its residential counterpart, it’s worth noting an important distinction: commercial broadband is optimised for use in a professional setting. Uploading or downloading large files, holding video conference meetings and collaborating across cloud platforms is integral when working remotely; business broadband provides allows for seamless connection and access without lag interruptions.
Benefits of Business Broadband for Freelancers
Broadband for business offers several essential features which make it easier and suitable for freelancers. The main benefits include the following:
Better Customer Service
Client care is one of the distinguishing characteristics of using business broadband. For instance, many residential broadband users are routed through automatic call centres where one has to wait for some time to have their issues resolved. When opting for business broadband, freelancers will often get quick assistance and therefore resolving any issues promptly.
Higher Average Connection Speeds
Speed is a significant advantage of business broadband. Freelancers often deal with activities that demand high-speed connections, such as:
Additional Features Business Broadband Can Offer Freelancers
Business broadband often includes features specifically designed to enhance reliability and security. Some examples include:
Static IP Address
This is useful to freelancers who want to operate their own webpages or require secure access to their servers. This is because Static IP Address remains the same even when it is being used whereas a Dynamic IP will change its address.
Advanced Security Protocols
Business broadband and DSL broadband plans contain more advanced package offerings like firewalls and DDoS protection. This is especially useful for freelancers who work with sensitive information of clients.
Priority Maintenance
Business broadband customers are given priority during outages or maintenance periods, limiting the time of being offline.
VoIP Integration
Some plans include Voice over IP (VoIP) services, allowing freelancers to set up a professional phone line over the internet.
How Can Freelancers Obtain Business-Level Broadband Connectivity?
The necessary steps to obtain a business broadband are quite easy, however, some due diligence and planning have to be performed first. Freelancers should follow these steps in order to obtain business broadband for freelancers:
Assess Your Workload
Starting off, you need to evaluate your workload. Determine how many devices are used concurrently, what sort of tasks are carried out, for instance, video calls or a large upload of files, and how secure the connection needs to be. The volume of work that you need to carry out will assist you in selecting a suitable plan.
Research Broadband Providers
Freelancers should conduct a search for business broadband providers in their regions. Businesses often have specific packages which can be compared on a number of factors such as speed and dependability, customer service, and other extras.
Check Availability
Business broadband is not offered everywhere, particularly in the rural areas. To check if business broadband is available in your region, the only way to go about this, is checking on the providers website, or directly contacting them.
Budget Accordingly
While business broadband is typically more expensive than residential plans, the additional cost is justified by the improved performance and features. Freelancers should view this as an investment in their productivity and professional reputation.
Set an Install Date
Once a provider and plan have been selected, set an install date. Some providers will require the installation of a router, setting network configurations, and also securing your devices according to their requirements.
Work Environment Optimisation
After installation, ensure your workspace is optimised for connectivity. Position your router in a central location, use wired connections for critical devices when possible, and regularly update your equipment to maintain peak performance.
