Business internet speed, internet bandwidth for business

But how are you supposed to know how much is enough? Each business has unique speeds and bandwidth requirements, but in this article, we’ll explore how internet speeds are measured, what can impact your speeds, how to test your current speeds, and what to know before you upgrade your business internet.

How are Internet Speeds Measured?

Internet speed is generally measured in megabits per second (Mbps), which measures the amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection per second. The higher the Mbps, the faster the internet speed. Typically, traditional broadband internet offers speeds up to 50 megabits per second, while fiber can deliver up to 1 Gbps.

For example:

• 1 Kbps (kilobits per second) = 1,000 bits per second.
• 1 Mbps (megabits per second) = 1 million bits per second.
• 1 Gbps (gigabits per second) = 1 billion bits per second.

Bytes vs Bits

An important distinction when discussing internet speeds is the difference between bytes and bits. Web browser speeds are measured in bytes per second. One byte is equal to eight bits.

How are Upload and Download Speeds Measured?

Upload and download speeds are also measured in bits per second. Fiber internet generally offers much faster upload and download speeds than traditional cable or DSL. FirstDigital fiber customers enjoy synchronous speeds, meaning the upload and download speeds are the same. 

While fiber generally offers better upload and download speeds than other internet options, actual speeds can vary depending on your specific plan, and whether or not you have a dedicated or a shared fiber network. Dedicated networks have a single user, meaning you’ll have better security, bandwidth, and consistent speeds. Shared networks use a single strand of fiber for up to 32 customers, and speeds can vary based on the time of day and how many users are trying to connect. 

How Do I Test My Current Internet Speed?

The first step in determining whether your business has enough bandwidth is to check your current speed to be sure you’re getting what you’re paying for. 

First, choose a reliable speed test tool, like FirstDigital’s Internet Speed Test. Next, open the speed test website or app, start the test, and wait for your upload and download speeds to appear.

Upload speeds are how long it takes for data, like photos, videos or files, to be sent from your computer to another device. Download speeds are how long it takes for your device to receive information from another device. 

Shared networks have variable upload and download speeds, while dedicated fiber networks generally offer synchronous speeds.

What’s the Best Internet Speed for My Business?

Whether you sell flowers or software, in 2025, every business is an online business. Regardless of your industry or product, you need a consistent internet connection and determining how much speed and bandwidth you need is a critical piece of information to have when shopping for business internet. 

Before you can device how fast your internet needs to be, there are a few key pieces of information you need, including:

• The type of business you run
• How much data you need to store
• Whether you handle sensitive data regularly
• The number of customers you have regular communication with
• The number of employees who need internet access each day

Because so many businesses are reliant on an internet connection for some part of their business, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends businesses have at least 100 Mbps in download speeds and 20 Mbps in upload speeds. 

For small businesses, startups, and residential users who are doing basic tasks like checking email and browsing the internet, 100 Mbps may suffice. But if your business uses cloud-based software, sends and receives large amounts of data from customers, or plans to scale quickly, opting for a private fiber network with speeds up to 1 Gbps is a good choice. 

Why Choose FirstDigital For Fast, Reliable Business Fiber Internet 

Determining the right internet speed and bandwidth for your business isn’t just about staying connected, it’s about staying competitive in an ever-changing digital world. From daily employee communication and file sharing to cloud-based storage and video conferencing, your internet connection is the backbone of your business’s productivity. 

Taking the time to assess your current speeds, evaluate your usage, and understand your growth goals can help you make the right decision about when to upgrade and which provider to trust with your business’ growth goals. If you're ready for faster, more reliable business internet, it’s time to switch to fiber. 

FirstDigital’s Business Fiber Internet offers high-speed, dedicated connections with symmetrical upload and download speeds, perfect for businesses that rely on consistency and performance. Whether you're a growing startup or a large enterprise, FirstDigital provides scalable network solutions designed to meet your unique bandwidth needs—so you can focus on what really matters: running your business.