When it comes to internet service, small business owners often find themselves overpaying for underwhelming performance. Between confusing contracts, generic packages, and unreliable connections, it’s easy to fall into traps that cost more than they deliver.
In this article, we’ll break down common small business internet mistakes and show you how to avoid them—so you can cut costs, improve performance, and finally get service that works as hard as you do.
Mistake #1: Overpaying for Speed You Don’t Use
“Why am I paying for high-speed internet but still dealing with slow connections?”
Many small businesses are upsold on gigabit-level speeds they simply don’t need. If your team only uses basic cloud tools, video calls, or POS systems, you likely don’t need a 1Gbps plan.
What to do instead:
Use a speed calculator or speak to an Internet Specialist to assess your actual needs. You might be able to cut your internet bill by 30% or more without sacrificing performance.
Check out our article How to Assess Your Business Internet Needs
Then, check your speed here: CIRA’s Canadian Internet Speed Test
Mistake #2: Signing Contracts Without Reading the Fine Print
Auto-renewals, hidden support fees, or inflated equipment rentals can sneak up on you. Many providers bury terms that lock you into long-term contracts or charge extra for services you assumed were included.
Avoid it by:
Always reviewing the full contract (not just the quote!) and asking about:
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Setup or install fees
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Modem/router rentals
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Service-level agreements (SLAs)
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Early termination penalties
✅ Bonus tip: Consider working with an Internet Specialist who can help you compare plans apples-to-apples without the small print surprises.
Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Plan for Your Business
💡 “Why is it so hard to find a business internet plan that actually fits my needs?”
Most providers offer generic packages that don’t consider your specific operations. Whether you’re running a café with customer Wi-Fi or a remote marketing team with cloud access needs, one-size-fits-all isn’t good enough.
The fix?
Choose a provider—or better yet, an Internet Specialist—who understands the differences between industries and business models.
Check out Compare: Business Internet Providers in Canada – Who’s the Best for You?
Mistake #4: Ignoring Reliability and Downtime Risks
💡 “My business can’t afford downtime—why don’t providers talk about reliability, not just speed?”
Speed is important, but uptime matters more. A fast connection that cuts out during peak hours is worse than a stable, slightly slower one.
What to look for:
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Uptime guarantees in writing
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Local or priority support
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Redundancy options (like LTE backup or dual-line failover)
Mistake #5: Sticking With a Provider Out of Habit
If your business has grown, moved, or changed how it operates, your current plan might no longer make sense.
Ask yourself:
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Are you paying for static IPs or phone lines you don’t use?
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Could another provider offer better coverage or rates in your area?
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Has your provider increased your rate after the promo period?
💡 Pro Tip: It costs nothing to review your plan—but it could save you hundreds per year.
Final Thought: Avoid Costly Internet Mistakes
Most small business internet mistakes boil down to one thing: not having the time or expertise to evaluate what you really need.
At LAL Group, we’re here to change that.
We help small business owners across Canada: ✅ Cut unnecessary costs
✅ Choose the right plan for their operations
✅ Get fast, reliable service—without the confusion
👉 [Book a Free Consultation Today] (insert link)
