A small business can depend on internet access for phone calls, email, customer communication, websites, and cloud applications. When the main connection becomes unavailable, several parts of the business can be affected at once.
At SolveForce, we use Spectrum Internet for our main connection and Starlink for backup and when we need additional connectivity.
Our main connection supports everyday operations. Having another connection gives us an additional option when circumstances require it.
How We Connect Our Small Business
Our business uses several services for different operational needs:
- Spectrum InternetOur main internet connection.
- StarlinkBackup and additional connectivity.
- RingCentralOur cloud phone service.
- AT&T and T-MobileMobility.
- WordPressOur website platform.
- WP EngineOur website hosting.
- Gmail and Google’s business servicesEmail and some web services.
These services illustrate how connectivity supports a small business. Phone service, email, and access to online systems depend on the connections available to the devices using them.
Each business should evaluate its own applications, locations, and operating requirements when planning backup internet.
Why Have a Second Internet Connection?
An internet service can meet your everyday needs and still experience interruptions.
A damaged cable, equipment failure, maintenance event, or provider outage can temporarily affect access. A second connection provides another way online if it remains operational during that interruption.
For a small business, backup connectivity may help employees regain access to:
- Business email and messaging.
- Customer relationship management software.
- Online scheduling and order systems.
- Cloud-based phone applications.
- Video meetings.
- Website administration.
- Documents and other online resources.
The applications that work through the backup connection depend on its performance, network configuration, and any application-specific requirements.
A Different Connection Path Can Be Useful
When evaluating backup internet, consider how the service reaches your location.
Two connections may share physical infrastructure or other points of failure. Understanding those dependencies helps you assess whether the second connection provides the alternative you need.
Satellite internet uses a different access method from the cable or fiber entering a property. That can make it worth evaluating alongside cellular and other available backup options.
Satellite equipment still needs suitable placement, electrical power, and available service. Weather, obstructions, equipment problems, and network conditions can affect connectivity.
Backup Internet and Cloud Phone Service
We use RingCentral for our cloud phone service.
For businesses using internet-based calling, a connection interruption can affect the devices and applications relying on that connection.
A backup internet arrangement may provide another path for supported calling applications and equipment. However, an active call may disconnect when the connection changes.
Check your phone service requirements and test calling through the backup connection. Confirm incoming calls, outgoing calls, audio quality, and any network settings your provider requires.
Manual Switching or Automatic Failover
There are different ways to make a backup connection available to employees.
Manual Switching
With separate networks, employees can connect supported devices to the backup network when needed.
This may suit a small team that can tolerate a transition and knows which devices and applications to reconnect.
Keep clear instructions available so employees can use the backup connection without having to troubleshoot the entire setup during an outage.
Automatic Failover
Automatic failover uses a compatible router to detect a connection problem and direct traffic through another internet service.
This requires suitable equipment and configuration. Adding a second internet subscription does not automatically configure the network to switch between services.
Test how the network responds when the main connection fails and when it returns. Some applications may require users to reconnect or sign in again.
Additional Connectivity During Normal Operations
A second connection can also serve a purpose while the main connection is working.
Depending on the network design, a business might assign selected devices, users, or activities to another connection.
For example, a separately configured connection could support a temporary workspace or selected activities without placing that traffic on the main service.
Two connections do not automatically combine into one faster connection. How traffic uses each service depends on the equipment and configuration.
Plan for Electrical Power
Backup internet and backup power address different needs.
If the business loses electricity, the internet equipment and necessary network devices need a suitable power source. Depending on your setup, that may include the satellite equipment, router, network switches, wireless access points, and phones.
Evaluate the equipment’s power requirements and the runtime your business needs. Test the complete arrangement under realistic conditions.
Check These Requirements Before Ordering
Start with the work your business needs to continue.
- Identify essential applications and devices.
- Decide how much interruption your business can tolerate.
- Compare the services available at your location.
- Confirm that the selected plan permits your intended business use.
- Check equipment and application compatibility.
- Choose manual switching or configured automatic failover.
- Include installation, recurring service, network equipment, and power in the budget.
- Test the arrangement and document how employees should use it.
Businesses with multiple locations, specialized applications, or contractual service requirements may need a more detailed network assessment.
Review Starlink Availability and Eligible Referral Offers
If Starlink fits your requirements, use our referral link to review available service and any qualifying offer.
Eligible new U.S. customers may receive $100 in cash or Starlink service credit through the referral program, subject to the applicable offer and requirements. Terms apply.
Referral eligibility is separate from whether a plan suits your business. Do not assume that business, Priority, or other service plans qualify. Confirm both permitted use and referral eligibility directly with Starlink before ordering.
Referral disclosure: The owner of this link may receive a reward if you complete a qualifying signup.
Review Availability and Eligible Referral Offers
Qualifying referrals require a new customer, a direct purchase through the referral link, an eligible subscription, and satisfaction of the required service period and other program conditions. Reward availability, amount, method, and timing are subject to Starlink’s terms and verification.
Orders, payments, account information, and reward selections are handled directly through Starlink’s authorized channels. Sharing this referral link does not establish a reseller or agency relationship with Starlink or SpaceX.
Read the Referral Program Terms
Build Backup Connectivity Around Your Business
Our use of Spectrum for primary internet and Starlink for backup reflects our own operating needs.
Your business may need a different combination of wired, cellular, or satellite connectivity. Begin with the applications you depend on, then choose and test an arrangement that supports them.
A useful backup connection is one your business can actually access and operate when it is needed.
Key terms in plain language
Open a term for a concise explanation of language used on this page.
Fiber Internet
Internet delivered through strands of glass using light. Fiber commonly supports high capacity, low latency, and strong upload performance, but availability must be confirmed for the exact address.
Cloud Computing
Computing resources—such as applications, servers, storage, or databases—delivered from remote infrastructure and scaled as requirements change.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Cloud-based servers, storage, and networking that customers configure and manage without owning the underlying data-center hardware.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software accessed as an online service instead of being installed and maintained entirely on the customer’s own computers or servers.
Disaster Recovery (DRaaS)
A plan and service for restoring applications, data, and operations after an outage or disruption. DRaaS provides recovery infrastructure through a managed cloud service.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
The systems and policies that determine who a user is, what resources they may access, and how that access is authenticated and reviewed.