With advancements in technology, education is no longer confined to a physical classroom. The rise of remote education, or e-learning, has given students around the world far more learning opportunities.
The only drawback is that these digital classrooms and online resources all require fast and reliable Internet. And in most cases, a standard home broadband package just won’t cut it. It’s reserved for casual browsing and streaming, whereas watching online lessons or downloading assignments can only be supported by business broadband.
Business Broadband Features To Look For
Before you commit to a business broadband package – and provider – you need to know what to look for. For remote education specifically, there are certain features that can improve your overall experience.
High upload speeds: This is probably the most essential feature for online teachers and tutors. When a live lesson takes place, their video feed gets uploaded and if the speed is too slow, the video will appear blurry or freeze.
Static IP address: This is a digital address which is needed to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A lot of online teachers use a VPN to access certain educational software and it helps with digital security too.
Service Level Agreement (SLA): Any kind of downtime can disrupt a lesson but if your provider has an SLA, it’s a guarantee that they will fix it as fast as possible to get you back up and running.
Top Business Broadband Providers For Remote Education
Once you know what features you need, the next step is to find a service provider. Here are some of the top companies whose packages can cater for remote educators in particular.
1. bOnline
If you’re a solo tutor or just launched an educational startup, bOnline is known for their affordable plans aimed at small to medium size enterprises (SMEs). This makes their packages more flexible and affordable compared to the providers who are more corporate-focused.
Key Features:
- VoIP phone systems are included with a cloud-based phone number.
- Superfast Fibre options available.
- Easy to set up with minimal tech knowledge needed.
2. Vodafone Business
Vodafone is known for their high-speed Fibre plans which can reach up to 900 Mbps and extensive coverage across the UK. These speeds are suited to educators who stream multiple HD videos at once or use cloud tools for teaching.
Key Features:
- 4G/5G backup options for failover connectivity to minimise downtime.
- Some plans include advanced Wi-Fi routers for strong wireless signals.
- Dedicated security and cloud solutions for the education sector.
3. BT Business
BT has a long-standing reputation in the UK, known for both its reliability and coverage. For digital educators who need peace of mind that they will always be connected, BT remains one of the top contenders.
Key Features:
- Dedicated business-grade SLA for fast repair times, usually within hours.
- Static IP address included.
- Hybrid connect with 4G/5G backup in case the main line drops.
4. Zen Internet
Zen Internet is consistently praised for their award-winning customer support and rated highly by their customers their reliability. Some of their plans also have a lifetime price guarantee meaning if you’re an educator on a budget, you won’t get a price jump in the middle of your contract.
Key Features:
- No traffic shaping which means the connection doesn’t intentionally slow down during peak times.
- Static IP address is standard in their business fibre plans.
- Price promise guarantee.
5. TalkTalk Business
TalkTalk offers highly competitive prices on their business-grade connectivity, tailored for those who want a professional service without breaking the bank. They have also invested heavily into their own infrastructure, giving customers the added reliability of speed from wherever they are.
Key Features:
- Reliable connectivity with high uptime, especially for live classes.
- Flexible contract terms ranging from 12 to 36 months.
- Static IP address for security and remote access.
6. Hyperoptic Business
Hyperoptic is an independent network builder, bringing Full Fibre (FTTP) to major cities. Their plans are known for their symmetrical speeds and the capacity for up to 1 Gbps so if you fall within their coverage, you can host live video lessons with lightning-fast speeds and no lagging.
Key Features:
- Independent Full Fibre network which means faster, more consistent speeds.
- Flexible contracts from 12 months fixed to rolling contracts.
- SLA for guaranteed uptime and dedicated support.
7. Virgin Media Business
Virgin Media has some of the fastest download speeds in the UK, often up to 1 Gbps. This is highly beneficial for students who regularly need to download files and assignments. While their network is technically Cable Fibre as opposed to Full Fibre, their performance is exceptional.
Key Features:
- Business-grade routers to manage higher bandwidth and more connected devices.
- Shorter, more flexible contracts for those with seasonal needs.
- Ultra-fast speeds due to using their own cable infrastructure.
