10 Questions Your Business Should Ask Before Signing with an ISP

Choosing an internet provider isn’t just about who can get you online the fastest—it’s about who keeps you connected when it matters most.

The stakes are even higher in a region like Acadiana, where small businesses drive growth and community is everything. Whether you run a law office in Lafayette, a Broussard hotel, or a Youngsville startup, the wrong internet provider can cost you customers, time, and peace of mind.

So, before signing that next contract, hit “Order Now,” or let a national rep talk you into a bundle that doesn’t fit. Ask these 10 questions. Your business—and your sanity—will thank you.

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1. Are Your Upload and Download Speeds the Same?

Most providers advertise their download speeds—but leave upload speeds buried in the fine print. That’s a problem.

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If your business relies on:

·        Cloud-based platforms like Microsoft 365 or QuickBooks

·        Videoconferencing through Zoom or Google Meet

·        Uploading files to clients or shared drives

…then slow upload speeds will bottleneck your entire operation.

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What to look for: A provider that offers symmetrical speeds—like LFT Fiber—so uploads are just as fast as downloads.

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2. Is the Connection 100% Fiber, or a Mix of Technologies?

Many national ISPs call their service “fiber” when it’s a hybrid: fiber-to-the-neighborhood, then coax or copper to your building. That’s where speeds drop, latency rises, and reliability starts to fade.

What to look for: A provider like LFT Fiber with a 100% fiber-optic network all the way to your business, not just nearby.

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3. What Happens When There’s an Outage?

Internet downtime isn’t just annoying—it’s expensive.

According to ITIC, just one hour of downtime can cost small to mid-sized businesses thousands in lost revenue, missed opportunities, and damaged trust.

Ask providers:

·        What’s their average uptime percentage?

·        How long does it take to resolve service issues?

·        Is support local—or a national call center?

What to look for: A provider with proven reliability, 24/7 local support, and a dedicated business response team. LFT Fiber scores high on all three.

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4. Can You Scale as Your Business Grows?

Your internet needs today might not be your needs in six months. Adding new locations, more staff, or heavier cloud usage? You’ll want a plan that grows with you—without breaking the bank.

What to look for: Flexible, scalable solutions with symmetrical speeds ranging from 500 Mbps to 25 Gbps. Ask about upgrade paths and turnaround time.

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5. What’s Included—and What’s Extra?

Sneaky fees can turn a budget-friendly plan into a billing nightmare. Look out for:

·        Equipment rental costs

·        Installation fees

·        Charges for static IPs or security tools

·        Long-term contracts with stiff cancellation penalties

What to look for: Transparent pricing. Bundled features. No surprises. LFT Fiber includes critical tools like static IP options, business security, and local service with no nickel-and-diming.

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6. Who Will I Be Talking to If There’s a Problem?

If your internet goes down, do you really want to call a 1-800 number and wait on hold for someone in another time zone?

What to look for: Local support. Real people. Fast resolution. LFT Fiber’s customer care team is based right here in Acadiana—so you’re always talking to someone who knows your community and your needs.

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7. Do You Offer Service Level Agreements (SLAs)?

A Service Level Agreement is a written promise about things like uptime, response time, and issue resolution. It protects your business and holds your provider accountable.

What to look for: Business-focused ISPs like LFT Fiber offer SLAs as part of their enterprise packages, ensuring your connection is a true business asset—not a gamble.

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8. What Do Other Local Businesses Say?

You wouldn’t hire a new employee without checking references. Same goes for your ISP.

Ask:

·        Do they serve other businesses like yours?

·        Can they provide testimonials or case studies?

·        What’s their reputation in Lafayette and surrounding parishes?

What to look for: Look for companies like LFT Fiber with a proven track record in Acadiana. Many local firms have already made the switch—because it works.

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9. How Secure Is the Network?

Security isn’t optional. Your ISP should help protect your data, not leave you exposed.

Ask:

·        Is DDoS protection included?

·        Do they offer static IPs for secure connections?

·        Are there enterprise security options like firewalls or VPN support?

What to look for: LFT Fiber’s business solutions come with robust security tools and options to layer on additional protection as your needs evolve.

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10. Are You Supporting My Local Economy?

When you buy from a national ISP, your dollars leave Acadiana. With LFT Fiber, every dollar gets reinvested into the community—creating jobs, expanding infrastructure, and keeping our region competitive.

What to look for: A local, community-owned provider, and deeply invested in Lafayette’s future.

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Bonus Tip: Don’t Just Buy Speed. Buy Value.

Sure, 2 Gbps sounds impressive. But if you’re not getting local support, predictable performance, and room to grow—it’s just a number.

Before you sign, ask yourself:

·        Will this provider treat me like a customer or a number?

·        Will this connection help me grow, or get in my way?

·        Is this truly a partner in my success?

If the answer isn’t clear, it’s time to call someone who makes it simple.

Why Businesses Across Acadiana Choose LFT Fiber

LFT Fiber is Louisiana’s only community-owned, 100% fiber-optic network—and it shows.

·        Symmetrical speeds up to 25 Gbps

·        Local support, available 24/7

·        Scalable business solutions tailored to your needs

·        No hidden fees or cookie-cutter bundles

·        Trusted by businesses across Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, Carencro, and beyond

Whether you’re a tech startup, a healthcare provider, or a hospitality group—we’ve got the infrastructure to keep you moving and the people to back you up.

Your internet provider isn’t just a utility. It’s a partner in your growth.

So ask the tough questions now—before you’re stuck in a contract that doesn’t serve your business.

Because when your internet works like it should, your team can do the same.

Ready to Find the Right Fit?

LFT Fiber: Business • Connect is here to help.

·        Custom quotes

·        Reliable service

·        Real conversations

·        Local commitment

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Visit LFTFiber.com/business to learn more, or get started by speaking with an LFT Fiber business specialist.

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LFT Fiber is Louisiana’s only community-owned fiber-optic network, delivering 100% fiber-based connectivity with unmatched reliability, speed, and local customer support. Founded as LUS Fiber in Lafayette in 2004 and expanding throughout Acadiana, LFT Fiber continues to reinvest in the communities it serves—powering homes, businesses, and the region’s future.