When it comes to business internet, most providers will proudly promote their “uptime guarantees”—but what does that really mean for your business?
If you’re relying on cloud-based tools, VoIP calls, remote access, or customer-facing platforms, even a short outage can disrupt operations and cost you money. Understanding business internet uptime is the first step toward protecting your productivity and profitability.
What Is Business Internet Uptime?
Business internet uptime refers to the percentage of time your internet connection is guaranteed to be available and working. It’s often expressed in Service Level Agreements (SLAs) using percentages like 99.9% or 99.99%.
But here’s the catch:
Even 99% uptime sounds great—until you realize that means over 7 hours of downtime per month.
Uptime vs. Downtime Breakdown:
| Uptime % | Downtime per Month | Downtime per Year |
|---|---|---|
| 99% | ~7 hours, 18 mins | ~3.65 days |
| 99.9% | ~43 mins | ~8 hours, 45 mins |
| 99.99% | ~4.3 mins | ~52 minutes |
Source: TechTarget
Why Business Internet Uptime Matters
Downtime isn’t just an inconvenience—it has real costs. You lose access to payment systems, cloud tools, customer communications, and staff productivity.
If you’ve ever asked:
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“Why am I paying so much for business internet?”
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“Why am I paying for high-speed internet but still dealing with slow connections?”
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“How do I know if I’m getting the speed my business actually needs?”
…you might be dealing with more than just speed issues—you may be experiencing reliability issues that better uptime could prevent.
What to Ask Your Internet Provider About Uptime
Before you sign a contract or renew your plan, ask these questions:
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What’s your guaranteed uptime?
Look for 99.9% or better. Anything less may be risky. -
Is the uptime part of a formal SLA?
If it’s not in writing, it’s not guaranteed. -
What happens if uptime isn’t met?
Will you receive service credits or penalties? Many providers won’t volunteer this info unless you ask. -
Do you offer backup connections or failover solutions?
This is especially important if you rely on constant access to tools or payment systems. -
What’s your average response time for outages?
For some businesses, waiting 24–48 hours for support is not acceptable.
Don’t Just Compare Speeds—Compare Reliability
Most small businesses don’t have a full IT team to monitor and evaluate internet infrastructure. That’s why it’s easy to fall for a plan that sounds fast on paper but doesn’t actually deliver when you need it most.
Want to be sure you’re choosing a provider who understands your operations—not just selling a generic plan?
- Use this Business Internet Checklist
- Assess Your Business Internet Needs
- Compare Providers Across Canada
Final Word: Ask for More Than Speed
Your business internet should support your success—not threaten it with unexpected downtime. Uptime matters, especially if your business can’t afford interruptions.
If you’re not sure your current provider is delivering on their uptime promise, or if you’ve never been offered a formal SLA, it might be time for a second opinion.
→ Book your free consultation with LAL Group today.
We’ll review your current setup, evaluate your uptime requirements, and connect you with a provider that actually delivers what your business needs.
