Blog

See the latest Swoop blogs & updates

Fast internet

By Marshall Thurlow | 2024-11-12
fast internet

What fast internet means to small business

For small businesses in 2026, fast internet is a non-negotiable. Across all industries, an online presence and customer connectivity are critical, and fast internet is necessary for the running of a business.

Hear from few small-business owners about what fast internet means to them.

Slow Internet Connection?

Let Swoop get you connected FAST! Check if your address can get fast and reliable internet.

Enter your address

Efficiency

Internet speed is a key driver of efficiency. 

One of the primary advantages of high-speed internet, such as fibre or Enterprise Ethernet, is increased efficiency. With fast internet, file uploads and downloads, software updates, and cloud-based applications run smoothly, which improves overall workflow. 

For businesses with multiple staff, cloud software and online payments running at the same time, faster plans like nbn® business 250 or nbn® business 500 help avoid slowdowns during peak hours — especially when paired with a modern router that can handle high traffic.

Dr. Matthew Alch, a chiropractor at Sydney Spinal Care, gives the example of taking payments.

“Fast internet is also vital for the day-to-day running of our business. We use HICAPS (Health Industry Claims and Payment Service) at our office which runs off the net to the bank. The faster the net the quicker we can process payments.” 

Learn more about Enterprise Ethernet here >

Customer service

Fast internet also supports better customer service.

With reliable internet, businesses can quickly respond to queries, manage orders online and provide efficient support through chat and email. 

Alch adds: “Slow speed internet would cause disruption to our front desk. We would have clients waiting too long out the front and this in turn would cause a backlog of our clients.” 

Simon Wegman, clinical psychologist and founder of online psychology practice Deep Well Psychology, finds his internet speed an important element of therapy sessions. 

“Dropped calls or lag can be really disruptive, especially when someone’s opening up about something difficult. Fast internet also lets me manage a busy schedule and make sure that back-to-back appointments stay on track. This reliability helps build trust with clients because they know I’m fully present, without interruptions.”

Slow or unreliable internet can have a negative impact on customer service.

“There was a particular case when slow internet speeds affected our ability to file documents electronically,” says Oliver Morrisey, director of Empower Wills and Estate Lawyers. “We were in a time-sensitive situation, and the lagging internet meant we couldn’t submit necessary paperwork on time, leading to delays in our client’s case. This affected our firm’s reputation and caused stress for the client, who was counting on us for prompt service.

Content management

Internet speed affects content and data storage and transmission.

Many small businesses now rely on cloud services for data storage, project management and remote work capabilities. Fast internet ensures that cloud access is immediate, supporting collaboration, particularly if employees work remotely. It also allows small businesses to maintain secure backup systems, reducing the risk of data loss.

This is where ultra-fast plans like nbn® 1000 can make a real difference, allowing teams to upload, download and sync large files without delay.

“Reliable internet speeds are essential for ensuring that documents and case files are uploaded and downloaded without delay,” adds Morrisey. “Which is vital in our line of work where every minute counts.”

​​For e-commerce platforms, the speed of internet connection can directly affect page load times – and therefore sales. Slow pages can drive potential clients away, especially as consumer expectations for quick online service increase.

“Fast internet is a must,” says Peter Harback at online retailer CoolThings Australia. “Imagine a customer excited to grab that last limited-edition gadget, only for the site to lag at checkout. We’re here to give people cool stuff fast, so if our internet isn’t keeping up, it’s like a slow-motion train wreck. Fast internet (and fast websites) means smooth transactions, quicker replies, and a happy team (plus fewer instances of us yelling at screens).”

Marketing

Contemporary marketing is almost all done online, which is best enabled by fast internet.

Running ads, uploading video content and analysing campaign data all benefit from faster upload speeds — something higher-tier plans like nbn® 1000 are designed for.

Another one of the advantages of high-speed internet is that it further enables small businesses to compete with larger companies by providing equal access to digital marketing and online advertising. A quick connection helps businesses stay active on social media, analyse data trends and run targeted marketing campaigns effectively.

“We use the internet to reach new clients by having our website come up on specific keyword searches,” says Alch. “Google and the internet is the way people find service these days and the easier you are to find, the more business you get.”

Wegman echoes that need: “On the outreach side, I use social media and my website to help new clients find me. Without decent internet, I’d struggle to offer the same level of accessibility.”

Check out our internet plans

Hear from happy customers!

Fast internet FAQs

What is considered fast internet for small business?

Fast internet for small business usually means 100 Mbps or higher, depending on usage. Businesses with multiple staff, cloud systems, or video calls often benefit from nbn® 500 or nbn® 1000.

What is the fastest nbn® plan for business?

The fastest widely available plan is nbn® 1000, offering download speeds close to 1 Gbps. It’s ideal for businesses that rely on cloud software, large file transfers, and real-time communication.

Can fast internet improve business productivity?

Yes. Fast internet reduces delays, improves collaboration, supports cloud tools, and helps teams work efficiently — especially when multiple users are online at the same time.

Why is my internet slow even on a fast plan?

Slow speeds can be caused by outdated routers, poor Wi‑Fi coverage, or too many connected devices. Using a modern router designed for high-speed plans helps avoid bottlenecks.

Do small businesses need a special router for fast internet?

Yes. To get the most from plans like nbn® 500 or nbn® 1000, businesses should use a router that supports high speeds and multiple devices, such as a modern mesh or enterprise-grade router.

Is nbn® 1000 worth it for small business?

nbn® 1000 is worth it for businesses that rely on video calls, cloud platforms, online payments, or e‑commerce. It provides consistent performance even during busy periods.

What affects internet speed for small businesses?

Internet speed depends on your plan, connection type, router quality, number of users, and how the internet is used. Upgrading both your plan and equipment delivers the best results.

So, why choose swoop?

  • Awesome value internet, 30 day money back and no lock-in contract!
  • The best internet performance with one of Australia’s fastest growing, Fixed Wireless networks
  • Reliability and peace of mind with high capacity, exclusive Swoop networks and locally-hosted content 
  • Seamless nbn® performance with no data caps and no overcrowding

Slow Internet Connection?

Let Swoop get you connected FAST! Check if your address can get fast and reliable internet.

Enter your address

You might also like

What is Wi-Fi 7?
What is Wi-Fi 7?

WiFi 7 is here — faster, smoother and made for high-speed nbn®. Learn how WiFi 7 works, how it compares to WiFi 6, and how to upgrade with Swoop’s Eero 7 router.

Find answers instantly.

Support Center