Verizon Ups Internet Speed for Small Business Networking

Small business owners who want to improve productivity for themselves and their employees might want to start by getting a faster Internet connection, and Verizon is happy to oblige. The company now offers Verizon FiOS Internet for Business service at speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) or 35Mbps, depending on the service plan.


 And unlike other Internet connections, those speeds are symmetrical, meaning outbound traffic (such as for Web surfing and files uploads) and inbound traffic (e.g., downloading files) have the same top throughput rating.


The new rated speeds compare well to the 6Mbps or 12Mbps throughput rate many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer. “The new symmetrical speeds make for a much faster Internet experience for file downloads, Web hosting and the like,” said David Frendo, director of small business products and services at Verizon.


For businesses that don’t need the speed of FiOS (or in areas where FiOS is unavailable), Verizon also announced new small business bundles that include Verizon’s High Speed Internet DSL service, which offers download speeds of up to 7.1 Mbps and provides enough bandwidth to download most shared data and multimedia files used daily by small businesses, according to the company.


The FiOS offerings allow companies that rely on transmitting huge files — such as medical practices and architectural and engineering firms — to perform those necessary functions much more efficiently. For companies that host their own Web servers, the higher throughput also means a faster surfing experience for Web site visitors.


Businesses that switch from a dial-up system for their credit-card transaction processing to the new broadband offerings could see processing times that can typically take from 45 to 60 seconds per transaction cut to just four or five seconds, estimates Frendo, which makes all the difference when customers are waiting in line to pay.


Verizon is also offering new bundles that add TV to the mix. “More small business customers require video, either to stay up to date on the news for themselves or to offer TV to customers in a waiting room,” explained Frendo. The FIOS bundles include an expanded TV channel lineup, while the High Speed Internet option can be bundled with DirecTV for Business.


All FIOS and High Speed Internet for Business customers with qualifying bundles also have access to thousands of Wi-Fi hot spots nationwide at no additional charge.


For “triple-play” Internet/TV/phone subscribers that sign up for the Verizon Freedom for Business unlimited local and long-distance calling plan, Verizon is sweetening the pot with your choice of an 800-number with no monthly recurring charges (you’ll have to pay for usage, plus applicable taxes and fees); or the Verizon Internet Security Suite, which delivers antivirus, anti-spam, anti-phishing and firewall protection, 25GB of online data backup storage and a free wireless router.


For customers and potential customers alike, Verizon makes available the Verizon Small Business Center, an online portal for entrepreneurs that offers free resources including Webinars, articles, blogs and more. The site also offers a link to the Verizon Discount Programs area, which features discounts with select partners for Verizon customers on small business essentials such as shipping, credit card processing and more.


Verizon FiOS Internet for Business bundles, which include more than 100 channels of FiOS TV plus Verizon Freedom for Business unlimited local and long-distance calling, start at $129.99 per month. High Speed Internet for Business bundles with Verizon Freedom for Business calling and more than 35 channels of DirecTV for Business service start at $119.98 per month.


Jamie Bsales is an award-winning technology writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience covering the latest hardware, software and Internet products and services.





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