How Much Bandwidth Does Your Business Really Need?
One of the most common pain points we hear from business leaders is frustration with slow internet. Employees complain about choppy video calls, files take forever to upload, and cloud applications lag just when you need them most. The natural instinct is to “buy more speed”—but that’s not always the smartest move.
At Caisson Technologies, we believe the right approach is not just buying the biggest internet package available, but choosing the right-sized bandwidth based on how your business actually works today—and how you expect it to grow tomorrow.
Why Bandwidth Matters More Than Ever
Ten years ago, businesses could get by with modest internet connections. Email, web browsing, and the occasional file download didn’t demand much. Today, the workplace has changed dramatically:
Cloud applications like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Teams are central to daily operations.
Video conferencing has replaced many in-person meetings.
VoIP phones rely entirely on internet stability.
File sharing and backups now happen over the cloud instead of local servers.
What this means is that bandwidth isn’t just a “utility bill”—it’s the foundation of your company’s productivity. Undersized bandwidth can quietly chip away at efficiency every single day.
How to Think About Bandwidth the Right Way
When we work with clients on bandwidth planning, we look at three big factors:
Current Usage: What applications are you running, and how many employees are online at the same time?
Upload vs. Download: Most businesses focus only on download speeds, but if you rely on video calls, cloud backups, or file sharing, your upload speed is equally critical.
Future Growth: Internet needs rarely shrink. If you’re hiring, adding new software, or expanding offices, your bandwidth must scale with you.
A Smarter Way to Calculate
A good rule of thumb is to map out the bandwidth-heavy activities your team uses and multiply by the number of simultaneous users. Here are a few reference points (per user):
Web browsing & email: 1–2 Mbps
Cloud-based applications: 3–5 Mbps
HD video conferencing: 4 Mbps
VoIP phone line: 0.5–1 Mbps
Large file sharing / cloud backup: 5–10 Mbps
From there, add everything up and include a 20–30% buffer for peak demand. This ensures you won’t hit a wall when multiple employees are uploading, conferencing, and collaborating at once.
Example: A Small Marketing Firm
10 employees browsing/email = 20 Mbps
5 employees on HD video = 20 Mbps
2 uploading large files = 20 Mbps
Core usage = 60 Mbps
With buffer = ~72 Mbps
For this firm, a 100 Mbps plan would provide the reliability and flexibility they need without overpaying for bandwidth they won’t use.
Beyond the Numbers
Even after you crunch the numbers, there are other important questions to ask:
Are you paying for speed you can’t fully use because of outdated equipment?
Do you need symmetrical speeds (equal upload/download) for cloud-heavy workflows?
How do guest Wi-Fi, POS systems, and security cameras factor in?
What’s your plan for scaling as your team grows?
This is where having a trusted advisor makes all the difference.
Caisson’s Role: Helping You Make the Right Call
At Caisson Technologies, we don’t just resell internet service—we help businesses choose wisely, plan for growth, and avoid overpaying. We know the strengths and weaknesses of the major carriers, and we understand how your business operations translate into bandwidth needs.
When you work with us, we’ll:
Assess your current and future bandwidth requirements.
Compare plans across providers to ensure you get the best fit.
Help you avoid both overspending and underinvesting.
Provide ongoing support so your internet always supports your business goals.
Ready to Right-Size Your Bandwidth?
Bandwidth is not a guessing game—it’s a critical piece of your technology strategy. With the right plan, you avoid downtime, keep your team productive, and set your business up for future growth.
👉 Schedule a free consultation with Caisson Technologies today. Let’s make sure your internet is working for your business—not against it.