As businesses expand their global footprint, reliable internet connectivity becomes the lifeline that keeps teams connected and operations running smoothly. But with multiple business internet providers offering various solutions, how do you choose the one that best fits your organisation’s needs?
From dedicated IPLC connections to managed SD-WAN services, the options can seem overwhelming. To help you navigate this critical decision, we have identified key factors to consider when evaluating business internet providers for your global operations.
Evaluating Global Network Coverage and Availability
The first step in selecting a business internet provider is assessing its network footprint. Does the provider have a presence in all the countries where your offices, data centers, and remote teams are located? Airtel is known for its extensive global reach and offers connectivity solutions tailored for enterprises.
When comparing providers, look for those with redundant networks and multiple connectivity options in each region. This ensures high availability and minimises the risk of outages.
Comparing Reliability and Performance Metrics
Once you have shortlisted providers with adequate coverage, check their service level agreements (SLAs). An SLA outlines the provider’s commitments for uptime, latency, packet loss, and mean time to repair (MTTR). These metrics are crucial for global businesses running real-time applications or handling financial transactions.
Here is a quick comparison of SLA parameters for leased line and IPLC connections:
| Metric | Leased Line | IPLC |
| Uptime | 99.9% | 99.99% |
| Latency | <10ms | <5ms |
| Packet Loss | <0.1% | <0.01% |
| MTTR | 4 hours | 1 hour |
As evident, IPLC connections offer superior performance and stricter SLAs than domestic leased lines. This makes them suitable for enterprises with demanding global connectivity requirements.
Assessing Security and Compliance Features
With cyber threats growing, your business internet provider must have robust security measures. Look for features like:
- End-to-end data encryption
- DDoS mitigation
- Firewalls and intrusion detection
- Regular vulnerability scanning
Additionally, ensure that the provider complies with data privacy regulations in the countries where you operate. For example, if you have a presence in the European Union, your provider should be GDPR compliant.
Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows and evolves, your connectivity needs will change. Your business internet provider should offer the flexibility to scale bandwidth up or down based on demand. This is particularly important for organisations with seasonal spikes in traffic or those undergoing digital transformation.
IPLC connections are highly scalable, allowing you to increase capacity from a few Mbps to multiple Gbps. Airtel offers IPLC solutions with bandwidth options ranging from 2 Mbps to 100 Gbps, giving enterprises ample room for growth.
Customer Support and Managed Services
Given the critical nature of internet connectivity for global businesses, responsive customer support is a must-have. Your business internet provider should offer 24/7 technical assistance, ideally with a dedicated account manager who understands your network architecture.
Airtel is known for its superior customer service, ensuring that enterprises receive prompt troubleshooting support and resolution. Some providers also offer managed services to handle end-to-end network monitoring, maintenance, and optimisation on your behalf. This can help businesses that lack in-house IT expertise or want to focus on their core competencies.
Pricing and Total Cost of Ownership
Evaluate the pricing models of different business internet providers. While cost is important, avoid making decisions based solely on the monthly recurring charges. Instead, consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), which includes:
- Installation and setup fees
- Hardware and equipment costs
- Maintenance and upgrade expenses
- Service level credits for downtime
Airtel offers affordable high-speed internet plans for small to medium-sized businesses.
The Role of IPLC in Global Connectivity
An IPLC connection is a dedicated point-to-point link between two sites, generally in different countries. It offers several advantages over public internet connectivity, making it ideal for businesses with international operations:
- Guaranteed Bandwidth: Unlike broadband internet, where bandwidth is shared among multiple users, an IPLC provides committed data rates and consistent performance.
- Low Latency: IPLC connections have minimal latency, enabling real-time applications like video conferencing and VoIP for smooth functioning.
- High Security: As a private link, an IPLC is inherently more secure than the public internet. Data transmitted over an IPLC is not accessible to third parties, reducing the risk of breaches.
- Scalability: IPLC bandwidth can be easily upgraded as your business requirements evolve, without the need for additional infrastructure.
When choosing a provider for IPLC services, consider network reach, redundancy, SLAs, and post-sales support. Airtel, for instance, operates a global network with IPLC coverage in 50+ countries, making it a strong contender for businesses with a wide geographic footprint.
Conclusion
Choosing the best business internet provider for your global operations requires careful evaluation of multiple factors, from network reach and reliability to security and support. Focus on your organisation’s needs and compare providers based on key criteria. This helps you choose a partner that ensures seamless connectivity and supports global growth.
For global businesses, IPLC connections offer a compelling proposition, delivering guaranteed performance, low latency, and high security. Airtel’s IPLC services, underpinned by a robust global network and 24/7 support, are a strong fit for enterprises seeking a reliable and scalable connectivity solution. Additionally, Airtel’s AOI (Office Internet) provides high-speed, dependable connectivity with flexible packages for businesses in India and international markets.
The right provider aligns with your business goals and growth strategy. With thorough research and due diligence, you can make a choice that supports long-term success in the global arena.
