What Your Internet Speed Says About Your Business

Internet speed isn’t just about ‘surfing the net’. When it comes to small businesses, your connection can reveal a lot about how you operate, the type of business you run and whether you're the old school stalwart or the innovative, risk-taking trailblazer.

In this feature, we break down the different levels of internet speed available in the UK, what they’re best for and the stereotypical business you might see with each connection. Grab a cuppa and find out how your bandwidth could be your company's unsung hero (or villain).

Speed Categorisations

1. The No-Frills Purist (2-10 Mbps)

What It Says About You:

You’re the charming village butcher or the family-run chippy on the corner, where emails and business energy bills are perused over a cup of tea and a bourbon or two. You’re not in a rush and value a business broadband service that does the basics well. Your internet is as laid-back as your business - salt-of-the-earth and steady.

What It’s Good For:

Sending and receiving emails, light web-browsing and the occasional spot of streaming.

2. The Steady Performer (10-30 Mbps)

What It Says About You:

You’re the trusted local solicitor or the respected accountant with a penchant for paperless paperwork. Your business is reliable and no-nonsense, just like your internet connection. It’s fast enough for quick-fire emails and a few virtual face-to-faces, but you don’t like to get too flashy.

What It’s Good For:

Efficient document exchanges, online banking and some video conference calls. You can even stream your favourite podcast without much buffering.

3. The Full-Fibre Trailblazer (30-100 Mbps)

What It Says About You:

You’re the gastropub of the 21st century or the vegan coffee shop that’s embraced the digital age without losing its classic charm. Your business is now about efficiency and keeping up with the competition. You’ve swapped that dusty old filing cabinet in the back office for the cloud, and your online presence is as vibrant as some of your customers’ conversations.

What It’s Good For:

Smooth video calling, hosting connected customers and maintaining your social media activity without a hint of buffering.

4. The Lightning-Fast Leader (100+ Mbps)

What It Says About You:

You’re the super-cool digital-first agency or the tech-savvy consultancy startup that’s always one step ahead. Think quirky co-working spaces in the part of town with more small plate spots than you can shake an oat milk flat white at. Your business is as nimble as it is innovative, and you have no patience for buffering.

What It’s Good For:

Seamless multitasking, streaming HD video content and running data-heavy processes without a hitch.

Pros and Cons of Each Internet Speed

Below is a handy table summarising each category, including the typical businesses that might have it, along with some pros and cons:

Speed	Suitable For	Pros ✔	Cons ✖
2-10 Mbps	Emails, browsing, light streaming	Budget-friendly, easy to manage	Can struggle with video calls, not ideal for modern digital operations
10-30 Mbps	Sending documents, online banking, video calling	Affordable upgrade, handles everyday tasks reliably	May experience lag, not future-proof for data-heavy uses
30-100 Mbps	Smooth conference calling, hosting multiple devices	Fast and reliable, supports multiple users	Higher cost, may require infrastructure upgrades
100+ Mbps	Seamless collaboration, streaming HD video, transferring data	Ultra-fast, ideal for heavy-duty digital processes	Expensive, potential for overkill

In Summary

Choosing the right internet speed for your small business is about balancing your current needs with your plans for future growth. Are you the cosy little café where a couple of quick emails suffice, or are you the buzzing digital agency that can’t afford downtime? Whatever your speed, ensure it’s aligned with your goals and budget.

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