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The Top 3 Internet Mistakes Local Businesses Make (And How to Avoid Them)

In our area, businesses run on strong connections. Whether processing payments, streaming training sessions, or running cloud-based systems, your Internet isn’t just infrastructure. It’s the heartbeat of your operations.

But even the most successful businesses make costly mistakes with their Internet. If things are running slower than they should – or if you’ve had one too many “Can you hear me now?” moments – one of these common traps might be the reason.

Want more control? Here are the top three Internet mistakes we see – and how to stay ahead of them.

Relying on Basic Internet for Business Operations

Signing up for a lower-tiered plan might seem harmless, especially for a small or home-based business. But lower speed tiers aren’t built for business-critical tasks. They often lack the speed, priority, and dependability you need to keep things running smoothly.

Imagine your credit card terminal freezing mid-sale. Or your team dropping off a video call with a client. When your business is riding on a connection that wasn’t designed for it, you’re gambling with your reputation and revenue.

Tip #1

Choose a plan built specifically for business. At CLtel, we offer business-grade Internet with symmetrical speeds (upload = download), static IP options, and priority support so you get the bandwidth and service your business deserves.

Ignoring Upload Speeds (Until It’s Too Late)

Most people know about download speeds. But for modern businesses, upload speed matters just as much, if not more.

Do you host video meetings? Upload large files? Back up your systems to the cloud? All of that depends on fast, consistent upload speeds. Too often, businesses choose providers that advertise flashy download numbers but quietly skimp on upload capacity.

The result? Lag, glitches, and delays when it matters most.

Tip #2

Look for a provider (like CL Tel) that offers symmetrical speeds. That means your uploads are just as fast as your downloads. It’s the gold standard for business connectivity and built into our all-fiber network right here in north central Iowa.

Choosing a Provider That Treats You Like a Ticket Number

Big-name providers may have brand recognition, but they often lack something far more critical: accountability. When you call for help, you wait. When service drops, you get rerouted. If you get an answer, it’s a generic script.

Your business can’t afford to wait hours for a resolution or settle for support that doesn’t understand your needs.

Tip #3

Choose a provider that’s part of your community. CLtel has been serving North Iowa for over a century, and we’re just down the road. Our team lives in the same neighborhoods you do. We understand what it means to run a business, and we treat your uptime like it’s our own.

You Deserve an Internet Partner, Not Just a Provider

We know how much you rely on technology and what it feels like when it lets you down. That’s why we offer more than Internet. We offer peace of mind.

Our business solutions are fast, flexible, and fully supported by local technicians who care. And our plans are designed to scale with you, whether you’re a one-person shop or an Amazon-like operation.

When you’re ready to stop gambling with your connection and start building with confidence, we’re ready to help.

Let’s make sure your Internet is an advantage.

Talk to our business team today or call 641-357-2111 to get started.

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