Upgrading to faster internet can sometimes improve the performance of your business devices, but it's important to understand when and why this matters. Internet speed affects how quickly your computers, tablets, or other devices can send and receive data online. If your team regularly uses cloud applications, video calls, or large file transfers, slow internet can cause delays that feel like your devices are underperforming.
However, device performance issues aren't always related to internet speed. Sometimes hardware problems, software issues, or network setup can cause slowdowns. Investing in faster internet without addressing these underlying issues may not deliver the improvements you expect. On the other hand, slow or unreliable internet can hurt staff productivity, increase downtime, and even risk data loss if cloud backups or communications fail.
Why this matters for Australian small businesses
For a typical Australian business with 20 to 100 employees, many daily tasks now depend on stable, fast internet. For example, if your team uses cloud-based accounting software or customer relationship management (CRM) tools, slow internet can delay data syncing, causing frustration and errors. Video meetings with clients or suppliers may freeze or drop out, affecting customer trust and professional image.
Imagine a mid-sized marketing agency in Melbourne with 50 staff. They rely on cloud storage to share large design files and conduct frequent video calls. Their existing internet plan struggles during peak hours, causing slow uploads and dropped calls. A managed IT provider assesses their usage, identifies bottlenecks, and recommends a faster, more reliable connection combined with network optimisations. This reduces downtime and improves overall device responsiveness, helping the team meet deadlines and maintain client satisfaction.
Checklist: What to consider before upgrading your internet
- Assess current internet usage: Monitor peak usage times and identify slowdowns or frequent disconnects.
- Evaluate device and network health: Check if devices are running updates, have sufficient hardware specs, and if your internal network (Wi-Fi, switches) is optimised.
- Ask your IT provider: "Is slow internet the main cause of device performance issues?" and "What internet speed and plan best match our business activities?"
- Compare proposals: Look at upload/download speeds, data caps, reliability guarantees, and support services.
- Test your current connection: Use speed test tools during different times of day to identify patterns.
- Review cloud service requirements: Confirm the bandwidth needs of your critical applications and backups.
- Plan for future growth: Consider if your internet plan can scale as your business adds users or new services.
Before committing to faster internet, it's wise to consult with a trusted managed IT provider who can diagnose your specific issues and tailor recommendations. They can help balance internet speed with device support, network configuration, and security to improve overall performance without unnecessary expense. Taking a measured approach ensures your investment supports your business goals effectively.