A Guide to Business Phone and Internet Bundles

How bundling phone and internet helps you save

One of the biggest perks of bundling your business phone and internet services is cost savings. Service providers have long offered discounts to encourage you to sign up for more services. If you’re strategic and find the right bundle, you can save hundreds or thousands, all while getting the services your business needs.

Most every internet or mobile provider that offers multiple types of services will offer a bundle. Typically you’ll get a deep discount on one service by signing up for another. For example, you’ll often see promotions for a free or half-priced mobile business line when you sign up for business internet service.

Other bundles and promotions include waived equipment rental fees, gift cards, billing credits, and free tech products, such as security cameras.

No matter what services you have now, you’re almost certain to save money by bundling. That said, do your math, and don’t be wooed by bundles that seem like a good deal but pile on extras that don’t actually lower your bill. Bundles can also change throughout the year, so if you see a deal you like, take advantage of it before it disappears.

The types of business that get the most value from bundles

From a sole proprietor all the way to a large corporation, any business can benefit from internet and phone bundles.

However, larger businesses can sometimes snag better deals than smaller ones. For example, many providers will offer steeper discounts or billing credits if you sign up for more than five, 10, or  even 20 mobile lines, or if you choose a higher-performing internet package that’s designed for larger offices.

It’s worth noting that as businesses scale to multiple locations or a larger number of phone lines, standard bundles may become limiting. At that stage, working directly with a provider or technology consultant can help you assess your needs and identify a more tailored solution.

Companies like Clearlink Consulting offer free, one-on-one advisory services to help businesses evaluate enterprise-level plans. And many providers including Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon offer enterprise-level service for companies with growing or complex business internet and phone needs.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, bundles are often most valuable for small businesses when they simplify billing and combine essential services at a predictable monthly cost. They can be especially helpful for startups or single-location teams that want straightforward connectivity without managing multiple providers.

How to compare business internet and phone bundles

There are plenty of bundle options available, from simple, inexpensive plans, to ones with maxed-out performance. Many of them also come with freebies and extras to entice customers, giving you more reason to sign up.

Take stock of your business’ internet and phone needs to determine which service provider and bundle is the best match.

Are you an individual or small business who needs a connection out in the world? Then a plan with a mobile hotspot and a cell phone line will be useful.

Perhaps you’re planning to expand in the near future, which means you’ll need a robust fiber and mobile plan bundle that can handle more employees online at once as well as multiple phone lines.

Though it might be tempting to pick the lowest-cost option, think about where your business is now and where it’s heading before making your pick. Sometimes the least expensive option just doesn’t meet your day-to-day needs or scale with your business. Let’s get into the details.

The first place to start when shopping around for a business internet and phone bundle is to define what you need.

Business phone service can mean two different things:

• Mobile phone and data service
• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

VoIP can be useful for businesses that want a public, customer-facing phone number where calls can be routed to different devices. Businesses that don’t deal with incoming public calls, and instead need to keep employees connected while they are away from a desk, might be better off with a mobile plan.

Next, determine your internet connection needs

Business internet generally comes in two forms:

• Mobile hotspot
• Stationary gateway or router

For individual business owners who are always on the go or sell physical goods at markets, a mobile hotspot is the best way to get online. Mobile hotspots work anywhere you can get a cell signal, and they can be used in an office with multiple employees. Keep in mind, many of these hotspots max out at 10 devices, so if you need to support more connections, you’ll want to consider something more robust.

For getting online at a physical office, you’ll be using a stationary router or gateway that provides wired and wireless connections. Fiber is the new standard for high-speed internet, but it’s not available everywhere. Companies like Spectrum and Comcast Business, offer cable internet for customers who aren’t able to access fiber. Otherwise, providers like Verizon and T-Mobile offer routers with SIM cards that connect to a mobile data signal and deliver speeds up to 5G.

Consider availability in your area

Business phone and internet bundles can vary significantly by location. Pricing, available speeds, contract terms, and even the type of connection offered often depend on what providers support in your market.

For example, fiber may be available in one area but not another, while mobile coverage and 5G performance can vary widely by region. Before comparing bundles side by side, it helps to narrow your options to providers and plans that are actually available where your business operates.

Evaluate bundles based on key factors

Once you’ve defined your phone and internet needs, you can begin comparing bundles across a few important considerations.

Price, service availability, and contracts are the biggest factors to compare when shopping around for business phone and internet bundles because these can vary by market. You’ll want the best internet speeds and mobile coverage, but at the right price for your business.

Here’s what to consider when choosing a business phone and internet bundle.

Cost

Performance

Service

Perks and extras worth looking for in bundles

The extra features included in business internet and phone bundles span from plan add-ons such as international calling or unlimited data, to free equipment and gift cards. Many providers, including T-Mobile, Comcast, and AT&T, include internet security features in their bundles, which could be worthwhile if your business deals with sensitive data.

For teams working beyond the limits of cell coverage, T-Mobile joined forces with Starlink to create its satellite service T-Satellite. This extra allows people in the field to stay connected, even in places where a mobile signal doesn’t reach.

Other perks include cloud storage and backup internet service in case of a power outage.

Top questions to ask any provider offering business phone and internet bundles

Whether you’re shopping around on your own or speaking with a representative, there are a few details you’ll want to know before making the final decision.

Here are the questions to ask before signing up for a business internet and phone bundle:

How consultants can help you bundle your services

HighSpeedInternet.com has partnered with Clearlink Consulting to help businesses find the best internet and phone bundles for their needs, for free.

Clearlink Consulting is an independent technology consulting firm, not a service provider. With them, you can get connected to local, expert advisors who will take the time to understand your needs and match you with the right provider and the right bundle.

Internet and phone service are crucial for businesses of any size, and a bundle can help you save on these essentials. Whether you’re a small shop or managing multiple locations, our consultants can help you find the provider and bundles that meet your daily demands.

Get free, expert advice about your business connectivity at +1-833-923-6262.

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