With a greater necessity to work from home, your Internet connection and home phone are vital to communicate effectively with your team. The need goes beyond being able to check emails and send a few files – to stay productive, you may require bandwidth that can accommodate functions such as:
- Video chats and conferences
- VPN access
- Transferring large files
- Accessing several cloud-based applications at once
- Quickly editing and sending new information, and much more
Internet Requirements for Telecommuting
So how much bandwidth do you need? The pandemic has really changed the way we work from home to stay productive. Because we’re all operating in a new environment, there may be additional people in the home every day, including spouses and partners who are also forced to work remotely – along with children of all ages who would normally be at school. Taking into consideration these new demands on your home network, you need the right connection to satisfy everyone’s needs.
Bandwidth Checklist:
- Consider how many people and how many connected devices
- Understand the type of work/activity each person is required to complete online
- Set and stick to a reasonable budget
- Ask your provider about specials and bundled pricing to save money
- Go with a dependable provider that can provide a reliable connection and consistent speed
Pro tip: Also look for a provider that will not cap your data based on usage
How Much Internet Speed Do You Need?
Good for:
- Email
- Basic computer / office programs
- Downloading files
- Some video services
- Few connected devices
Good for:
- Working with and sending large files
- Video conferencing
- Video chat
- Several connected devices
Good for:
- Frequently downloading/uploading large files
- Streaming video needs
- Group video conferencing
- Many connected devices
Ultimately it comes down to what type of work you’re doing and how much you want to pay, so make sure you run the checklist provided above.
Phone Requirements for Telecommuting
If you’ve ever had a tough time calling into a conference call or web meeting on your mobile phone, you know how useful it would be to have home phone service. And in times like this, a home phone can be particularly beneficial when working remotely. Home phone service over a traditional landline provides a crystal clear connection, and landlines are reliable, especially when cell demand is high or in an emergency. Most landlines offer features similar to cell service at little additional cost.
Consolidated also offers Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, solutions in some areas. This technology allows you to make voice calls using an Internet connection rather than over a phone line. You can still use a regular phone and make local and long-distance calls with VoIP service, but you also gain access to unique features that may not be available with a traditional landline.
Whether you want a dedicated landline, use the Internet, or stick with your mobile, you should know the benefits and limitations of each so you can make the most informed decision on what’s right for you.