broadconnect-authorHow Much Internet Speed Does a Business Really Need?
Many businesses either under-buy or overpay for internet speed. Some teams struggle every day with slow systems and dropped calls, while others pay for capacity they never fully use.
The right speed is not about choosing the biggest number on a plan. It is about understanding how your team actually works, how your systems are used during peak hours, and where performance issues really come from. If you are still comparing options, our guide to business NBN plans explains how different tiers are structured.
What Actually Uses Bandwidth in a Business
Internet speed is often blamed when performance drops, but the real issue is usually how bandwidth is being consumed across the business.
Common bandwidth users include:
- Cloud-based applications such as accounting, CRM, and project management tools
- Video conferencing platforms used for meetings and client calls
- VoIP phone systems running alongside other traffic
- File syncing and cloud storage activity happening in the background
- Remote access for staff working offsite
Each of these tasks probably wouldn’t seem demanding in isolation. But if they are combined, especially during hectic times, they could very quickly stretch a relationship. Microsoft and Zoom, for example, publish recommended bandwidth requirements for business calls on their official support documentation, explaining how usage accumulates as more users participate in the calls.
Speed Needs by Business Type
Businesses in different industries require widely diverse internet connection services. Understanding your situation will help you to be more accurate in your choice and keep costs down when you get the right connection.
Small Offices and Retail
The main functions used by some businesses are sending/receiving emails, browsing the web, point, of, sale systems, and using light cloud, based tools, so they hardly need a powerful connection. Most of the time, a few lower to medium, tier business NBN speed plans are adequate to cover such scenarios if the usage pattern is predictable and if there are limited numbers of staff.
Typical range: Entry to mid-level business NBN tiers
Professional Services
Accounting firms, consultants, legal practices, and similar businesses are very dependent on video calls, document sharing, and cloud platforms. There are performance problems when many employees are online at the same time.
Typical range: Mid to higher business NBN tiers with stronger upload capacity
Creative and Technical Teams
Design studios, engineering companies and technical teams are performing large files, backing up, and uploading quite often. These kinds of work put a lot of pressure on the speeds of both downloads and uploads.
Typical range: High-tier NBN or fibre-based services depending on scale
Why Upload Speed Matters More Than You Think
Many businesses focus almost entirely on download speed. In reality, upload performance often causes the biggest issues.
Upload speed affects:
- Cloud-based workflows and file sharing
- Offsite backups and data syncing
- Video conferencing quality
- Remote staff accessing internal systems
When upload capacity is limited, everything from calls to cloud tools can feel slow, even if download speeds look adequate.
When “More Speed” Is Not the Real Fix
Upgrading speed does not always solve performance problems. In many cases, the issue lies elsewhere.
Common bottlenecks include:
- Poor Wi-Fi coverage or outdated access points
- Old routers or network hardware
- Inefficient internal network design
- Contention limits on shared connections
In these situations, simply increasing your tier may not help, which is why many businesses explore business fibre vs NBN as a more structural solution.
A Practical Way to Size Your Connection
Rather than guessing, businesses should size their connection based on real usage.
A simple framework includes:
- Number of staff connected at peak times
- How heavily cloud systems are used
- Frequency of video calls and uploads
- Expected growth over the next 12–24 months
- Tolerance for slowdowns or downtime
If your current service is already under pressure, it may be time to upgrade your NBN speed rather than continue working around the problem.
How Broadconnect Helps Businesses Right-Size Connectivity
Choosing the right speed is not about buying the biggest plan available. It is about matching connectivity to how the business actually operates.
Broadconnect works with Australian businesses to assess real usage, identify bottlenecks, and recommend internet setups that support productivity today while allowing room to grow tomorrow.
We would love to help you find the right business internet and phone solutions. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram or reach us at hello@broadconnect.com.au | Call: 1300 880 330