In today’s digital-first world, reliable internet access and telephone service are no longer optional for businesses—they’re mission critical. From enabling communication and collaboration to powering cloud applications, infrastructure and VoIP systems, these services are the backbone of daily operations for companies across all industries. Yet, many organizations are unknowingly overpaying or missing out on better solutions simply because they haven’t taken a closer look at their existing connectivity contracts.
Here’s why your business should consider a review—and potentially a refresh—of your connectivity services.
Long-Term Contracts and Auto-Renewals: The Hidden Trap
Most business connectivity contracts run for 36 months and often include auto-renewals, commonly set to renew for another 12-month term or month-to-month. Once the initial contract term ends, services typically continue—at the same or even higher rates—without triggering a formal renegotiation.
The reality? Most businesses do not have a regular process in place to review these agreements, and as a result, they remain committed to outdated pricing and services that no longer meet their evolving needs.
If your organization hasn’t reviewed your telecom invoices in the past 36 months, there’s a good chance you’re leaving money on the table. An audit of your connectivity can reveal opportunities and whether your current provider and plan still align with your business goals.
Understanding the Technology: Fiber Optics vs. Coax
Business internet services in Pennsylvania—and across the U.S.—are largely delivered through two primary technologies:
- Fiber Optics
- Coaxial Cable (Coax)
Coax internet is widely available throughout Pennsylvania, offered by both national providers like Comcast and regional carriers such as Blue Ridge Communications. Coax is often the default choice for smaller businesses due to its accessibility and relatively low upfront cost.
However, fiber optic internet is increasingly becoming the go-to for businesses demanding higher performance. With speeds ranging from 1 to 10+ Gbps, fiber is significantly faster, more stable, and comes with a better Service Level Agreement (SLA) than coax. It’s the preferred solution for companies that rely on high-speed data transfer, video conferencing, and cloud-delivered services.
Fiber is Becoming More Accessible and Affordable
Previously, one of the main barriers to fiber adoption was cost—particularly the one-time fees associated with construction to bring fiber into a building. Today, however, this has changed. If a business location is within 500 feet of a carrier’s existing fiber network, many providers will absorb any installation costs as part of the service agreement.
Additionally, the cost of fiber service has dropped substantially over the past 12 months, making it more budget-friendly for small and medium-sized businesses. This reduction in pricing, combined with increasing bandwidth capabilities, makes fiber a smart long-term investment.
The Wireless Wildcard
While not as fast or stable as terrestrial connections, wireless internet services offer another option for connectivity—particularly in rural or hard-to-reach areas. Wireless connections generally deliver less performance and bandwidth, but they can be a suitable backup or secondary connection for businesses. Providers across Pennsylvania offer wireless broadband as a stop-gap or complementary solution.
The Case for Redundancy: N+1 Network Design
With more employees returning to physical office spaces, internet downtime is no longer just an inconvenience—it’s a business risk. No internet means no production.
That’s why many organizations are turning to an N+1 network design strategy, which involves adding redundancy by having an additional (backup) connection. Whether through a second fiber line, coax, or wireless span, having multiple internet paths enhances business continuity and minimizes the risk of outages disrupting operations.
This added layer of resilience is especially important for businesses that rely on cloud applications, infrastructure, VoIP, video conferencing, IOT, or remote access tools. In these cases, even a few minutes of downtime can translate into lost revenue or reduced customer satisfaction.
Key Takeaways for Business Leaders
- Conduct Regular Reviews: If you haven’t reviewed your connectivity invoices and services in the past 36 months, it’s time. You could discover opportunities for cost savings or improved service.
- Know Your Technology: Coax is widely available and cost-effective, but fiber delivers superior performance and reliability. Understanding your options helps you make better decisions.
- Explore Redundancy: Protect your business from downtime with a backup internet connection. N+1 design is a strategic investment in uptime and productivity.
- Look Beyond the Sticker Price: The value service isn’t always the best fit. Evaluate internet providers based on speed, uptime, service guarantees, and total cost of ownership.
Final Thoughts
Connectivity is one of the most essential—and yet often overlooked—areas of business infrastructure. In an era where digital agility can define success, ensuring your internet and phone services are optimized for cost, performance, and reliability is not just smart, it’s necessary.
Whether you’re in the heart of Central Pennsylvania or anywhere across the State, now is the perfect time to review your contracts, assess your needs, and upgrade your connectivity to support future growth.