Customized broadband providers have realized what business owners have known all along — that one size certainly does not fit all. Different businesses have different Internet requirements and don't want to pay for something they don't need. The reverse was also true and, not so long ago, business owners were stuck paying for a service that did not fully meet their needs.

Today customized broadband is available to all individuals and businesses regardless of size. When gathering customized broadband information to determine what best meets your business needs, consider the following:

1. Choose a customized broadband speed that meets your business requirements.

2. Choose a customized broadband provider that will bundle other services along with your Internet package.

3. Look for customized broadband companies that offer specialized services in addition to Internet connectivity.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a customized broadband speed that you require for your business

It used to be that consumers had to pick between dial-up and broadband. Today additional choices are available and broadband pricing plans vary according to connectivity speed. Generally speaking the faster the connectivity the larger the price tag.

I recommend: Verizon's small business solutions offers broadband Internet connection speeds ranging from 768K to 7.1 Mbps. AT&T's FastAccess Business DSL service offers a more narrow range of downstream speeds from 1.5 - 6 Mbps.

Find customized broadband providers that will bundle your services

When gathering customized broadband information it is clear that consumers have many options in terms of one-stop shopping and saving money. Customized broadband companies also sell phone and television service and offer discounts if you purchase them in a bundled package. For added convenience, these purchased utilities are generally all on one bill so you can pay all at once.

I recommend: Comcast's Business Class offers bundled package deals on digital phone, Internet and cable television. Time Warner Cable Business Class also offers bundled packages on Internet, phone and television and customizes their service based on the size of your business.

Consider a customized broadband company that offers additional specialized services

When putting together your customized broadband list consider adding providers that offer additional web-related services at minimal or no charge. Web hosting, multiple e-mail addresses and even domain names are all available for your business to use along with Internet access.

I recommend: Windstream Communications offers web services that include providing domain names, web hosting and e-mail addresses. They have tiered these services for businesses of all sizes. Embarq offers web packs that include services such as music downloads, online education services and popular online subscription services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Broaden your customized broadband experience by purchasing wireless broadband cards for your company's laptops and mobile broadband connection plans for your PDAs.