Buying bandwidth refers to purchasing data transmission capacity from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or wholesaler. For businesses, this typically involves choosing between shared connections (like cable or fiber) and , which provides guaranteed speeds and performance. Key Considerations When Buying Bandwidth

: Buying from wholesalers or specialized ISP-only providers can significantly reduce costs.

: A 1 Gbps connection is generally sufficient, even with multiple simultaneous video calls.

: Uses light signals for high-speed, reliable data; often the best value in metro areas.

: Best for remote areas, with download speeds between 25 and 350 Mbps. Maximizing Value

: If your building is "off the beaten path," construction costs for fiber can be high. A common strategy is to start with low-bandwidth service (50–100 Mbps) to get the carrier to mark the building as "on-net," which can lower the eventual price of a 1 Gbps upgrade by $300–$400. Types of Connections

: Uses existing TV wiring; download speeds typically range from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps.

: Often purchase 10G links, which can support over 1,000 customers assuming an average instantaneous traffic of 1–5 Mbps per user.