What to ask before signing a business internet contract

Term, renewal and leaving early

• How long is the term? Longer terms often mean a lower monthly price. Match the term to your lease.
• Does it renew automatically? Many contracts renew for another term unless you give notice in a window before the end. Put that date on the calendar.
• What happens to the price at renewal? Promotional prices often end with the first term.
• What does leaving early cost? Get the early termination terms in writing.
• What if you move? Ask whether the contract can move to a new address, and what happens if the provider doesn't serve it.

What the install really costs

• Is there an install fee? Ask whether it is waived for the term and charged back if you leave early.
• Is construction needed? If the provider has to bring fiber to the building, there may be a separate construction charge, and the install date can be months away. Get both in writing before you sign.
• Who does the inside wiring? The provider's line often ends at the building's utility room. Getting it to your suite is sometimes on you.

Speed, reliability and repair

• What is the upload speed? Cloud phones, video calls, backups and cameras all upload. Many plans are much slower up than down.
• Is the speed guaranteed or "up to"? Dedicated internet access gives you the same speed up and down, reserved for you. Business broadband is shared and listed as "up to".
• What is the repair commitment? Ask how fast they promise to fix an outage, and what you get if they miss it. Dedicated service usually comes with a written commitment; broadband often doesn't.
• Do you need a static IP? Remote access, cameras, some phone systems and VPNs need one. It is often an add-on.

Equipment and support

• Is the modem or router rented monthly, and do you have to return it when you leave?
• Can you use your own firewall, or must traffic go through the provider's router?
• Who do you call when it's down, and is that line answered around the clock?

How we help

We check which providers serve your address, compare price, term and install costs, and handle the pricing back-and-forth. When something breaks, we open the ticket with the provider and chase it, and we compare again before the contract renews. See business internet.