Updated November 2026
The short version
- Start with what is available at your address, then compare connection types, not just speeds.
- Ask whether bandwidth is dedicated or shared, and what the SLA actually commits to.
- Check install time, backup options and how support works before you compare prices.
Find out what your building can get
Options vary from building to building. The FCC National Broadband Map lets you search an address and see which providers report service there. A provider can also confirm service at your building when it prepares a quote.
Compare connection types
- Fiber
- How it reaches you: A cable into the building
- Good to know: A strong choice where it already reaches you; a new build can take time
- Fixed wireless
- How it reaches you: A radio link to an antenna on the building
- Good to know: Needs a clear line of sight; no new cable in the street
- Cable or broadband
- How it reaches you: Shared lines into the building
- Good to know: Widely available; bandwidth is usually shared
- 5G and 4G LTE
- How it reaches you: A cellular signal
- Good to know: Fast to set up; useful as a primary, backup or temporary connection
Decide between dedicated and shared
Shared business internet splits capacity with other customers in the area, so speeds can vary at busy times. Dedicated internet access gives you a connection that is not shared with other users, for consistent performance. Businesses that rely on calls, video meetings and cloud apps all day often choose dedicated.
Read the SLA, not just the ad
A service level agreement (SLA) puts a provider's reliability promise in writing. When you compare SLAs, look for:
- The availability commitment, and which services it covers.
- How availability is measured and what is excluded.
- What service credits you get if the provider misses it.
At 5x5, for SLA-backed services, we commit to at least 99.999% network availability, subject to the SLA. Our fixed wireless carries the same SLA as our fiber service.
Ask how long installation takes
Ask for the time from signed contract to working service, not just a speed. A connection that needs new construction can take much longer than one that does not. Our standard install at 5x5 takes days, not weeks or months.
Plan for a second connection
Any single line can be cut by construction or damaged by weather. A second connection on a different physical path, such as fixed wireless beside fiber, keeps you online, and SD-WAN can move traffic between the two automatically.
Test how support works
- Is support available 24/7, or only in business hours?
- Who answers: a team that can fix the problem, or a call center that passes it on?
- Is there a committed response time?
At 5x5, our 24/7 US-based team answers every ticket within 60 minutes.
Consider what else the provider can run
Internet is the base for phones, Wi-Fi, cybersecurity and cloud apps. A provider that also runs those services can solve problems end to end, with no finger-pointing between your IT company and your carrier.
How 5x5 Telecom can help
5x5 Telecom offers business internet access, dedicated internet access and dedicated fiber, plus fixed wireless with the same SLA as our fiber service. 5G and 4G LTE are available as a permanent primary connection, a backup or service for temporary sites.
You get local service where you are. Send your address and we will confirm what your building can get and recommend the right connection, with a free custom quote.