Dial-up packages

Some businesses manage with a basic dial-up package to connect to the Internet. While this can work for businesses that only use the web for occasional browsing, you may find that if you use it for more than a few hours a month, you could be better off with a different payment option. It is also worth noting that reductions in the cost of broadband are making these dial-up packages less attractive.

Pay-as-you-go:Many Internet service providers offer pay-as-you-go deals. These deals can be useful for businesses that only use the Internet occasionally. There are no monthly subscription charges and you can only pay for the time you are online, which can be as little as one pence per minute plus connect charge.

Package deals:Most Internet service providers offer packages where you get free unmetered Internet access for a fixed fee every month. This is suitable if you anticipate using the Internet for longer periods.Advantages of package deals:Cheaper than pay-as-you-go for heavier users of the Internet.You can choose a package tailored to your requirements, such as all-day or off-peak only.


Disadvantages of package deals:Download times for larger files and emails are still slow - such packages still use the standard 56k modem.Some Internet service providers have more users than they can cope with, leading to difficulties in signing on at peak times and connections may be cut if there is a period of inactivity.You must consider security, such as a firewall, if you leave the connection open all the time.Some packages are not designed to meet normal business needs, for example they may prevent you from sending bulk emails.