Starting a Remote Software Firm? Fix the Internet First

Introduction: The Not-So-Obvious Secret to Remote Success

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and start a remote software firm. Congratulations! You’re diving into a flexible, dynamic, and potentially very rewarding world. There’s no shortage of benefits: working from anywhere, hiring talented developers from all over the world, and the freedom to set your own hours.

But here’s the thing that many first-time entrepreneurs overlook — internet connectivity.

Yes, that’s right. The internet. Before you jump into coding sprints, project management tools, and client onboarding, you need to take care of this one foundational element. Without a stable, fast, and reliable internet connection, your entire business can collapse. It’s the backbone of your operations. It’s what connects your team, clients, and projects, all in real-time.

When you start a remote software firm, fixing your internet first isn’t just important; it’s essential. Let me explain why.

“If your internet sucks, your business suffers — it’s that simple.”

This post explores why reliable internet is a top priority for your firm, how to find fast and cheap internet plans that suit your needs, and why considering Aussie broadband plans could be the smartest move you make for your remote software firm.

Why Internet Reliability is a Big Deal for Remote Software Firms

1. Time Is Literally Money

In the world of remote software firms, time is one of your most valuable assets. It’s not just about making great software — it’s about delivering it quickly. Every minute spent waiting for a page to load, for a call to connect, or for a file to upload is a minute you could have spent building the next feature or solving the next bug.

According to a study by Atlassian, the average employee loses up to 22 minutes per day due to poor internet connectivity. That might not sound like a lot, but it adds up. For a team of 10 developers, that’s over 80 hours per month of lost time [Atlassian, 2022]. Multiply that by your hourly rates or the value of your work, and you start to see how costly it can become. It’s not just frustrating — it’s expensive.

2. Your Team is Scattered

If you’re running a remote team, your developers, designers, and project managers are likely scattered across different regions and time zones. With such a setup, communication is key, and a solid internet connection is what keeps everything flowing smoothly.

When someone’s internet goes down, it can stall the entire workflow. Whether it’s a developer trying to push code to GitHub, a designer presenting a new prototype via Zoom, or a project manager updating the team during a sprint, slow or unreliable internet can throw a wrench in everything.

Imagine trying to fix a critical bug or meeting a client deadline with half of your team offline because of a dropped connection. This isn’t just inconvenient — it’s unprofessional.

3. Video Calls and Git Commits Need Speed

You can’t have a remote software firm without effective communication tools. Video calls, messaging apps, GitHub commits — these tools need high-speed, reliable connections to function correctly. You don’t want to spend 10 minutes on a Zoom call just to see your colleague freeze on screen every few seconds. Nor do you want to watch your files slowly upload to GitHub, only to have a timeout error ruin your day.

For real-time collaboration, everything from high-quality video calls to live debugging sessions and code deployments requires speed and stability. If your internet is unreliable, you’ll face slow uploads, missed messages, and connection issues that can lead to serious delays.

4. Customers Expect Instant Gratification

It’s not just your team that depends on fast internet. Your customers also expect things to happen quickly. Whether it’s a support query, bug fix, or a product update, your response time matters. A delay due to slow internet could tarnish your company’s reputation and cause frustration for your clients.

Imagine a scenario where you need to roll out a patch for a critical bug, but your team’s slow internet makes the deployment take hours longer than necessary. Your customers won’t care about the reason — they just want the fix. And in the competitive software market, delays cost you clients.

Fix It First: What to Look for in a Business Internet Plan

Now that you understand why internet reliability is crucial, let’s talk about what to look for in a good internet plan for your remote firm. When setting up your internet, don’t just opt for the cheapest or the most convenient option. You need a plan that supports your team’s work, especially if you have multiple people working on large files, heavy coding, or high-bandwidth applications.

Here’s what to look for in a business internet plan:

✅ High Speeds (Minimum 100 Mbps)

A plan with a minimum of 100 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload should be your starting point. This ensures that your team can handle high-definition video calls, quick file uploads, and multiple devices connected simultaneously without lags. Faster speeds will future-proof your internet as your team grows.

✅ Unlimited Data

Remote teams use a lot of data. Video calls, file uploads, and constant software updates can eat up data quickly. That’s why unlimited data is a must for remote software firms. You don’t want to be caught paying extra fees every month for exceeding your data cap.

✅ Low Latency

Low latency is vital for real-time communication tools like Slack, Zoom, or Git. You want latency under 30ms for smooth and fast communication. High latency can cause frustrating delays, dropped calls, and errors that disrupt workflows.

✅ 24/7 Support

When you’re running a business remotely, things can go wrong at any hour of the day. Having an internet plan with 24/7 customer support ensures that if something breaks, you’ll have help whenever you need it. You can’t afford to wait for business hours when your team’s productivity is on the line.

✅ Scalable Packages

Your team might be small at first, but as you grow, your internet needs will expand too. Choose an internet plan that can scale easily as your business grows, so you don’t have to switch providers as your team increases.

✅ Static IP Address

A static IP address is essential for remote access to servers, secure VPNs, and improved security. If your business involves hosting your own servers or offering cloud services, you’ll need a static IP to ensure consistent, secure connections.

✅ Business-Level SLA (Service Level Agreement)

A Service Level Agreement (SLA) ensures that your internet provider guarantees certain levels of uptime, speed, and support response times. This is critical for business operations. You don’t want to find out that your service provider doesn’t offer the support you need when you experience downtime during a critical product launch.

Top Aussie Broadband Plans to Consider in 2025

When looking for the right broadband plan for your software firm, you’ll want to explore Australian providers who offer fast and reliable connections. Here are some top Aussie broadband plans to consider in 2025:

1. Aussie Broadband – Business NBN 100/40

• Speed: 100 Mbps download / 40 Mbps upload
• Data: Unlimited
• Static IP: Yes
• Price: Around $95/month
• Why it’s great: Aussie Broadband is a locally operated provider with excellent customer service and reliable NBN performance.

2. Telstra Business Internet

• Speed: NBN 100 available
• Support: 24/7 tech support
• Bonus: Free modem with setup
• Downside: Slightly pricier than competitors

3. TPG Business Broadband

• Price: Starting at $69/month
• Best for: Budget-conscious startups
• Extras: Static IP, business support, flexible contracts

4. Superloop Business NBN

• Known for offering high-speed tiers and low contention rates, Superloop is ideal for businesses needing maximum performance.

For a full breakdown of plans, visit trusted comparison websites like WhistleOut and Finder to compare prices and features.

Real Talk: Internet Issues That Can Ruin Your Workflow

Let’s not sugarcoat it: internet issues can be the downfall of a remote software firm. Here are some common issues that can break your workflow:

• Dropped calls during client presentations
• Slow uploads to GitHub or project management tools
• Broken VPN connections during critical deployments
• Messages going undelivered in Slack
• Lag during pair programming sessions

Pro Tips for Setting Up Your Remote Firm’s Internet Right

Here are some tips to ensure your internet setup is optimal:

• Run a Speed Test: Use tools like Speedtest.net to check your current speeds before upgrading.
• Use Wired Connections: For stability, consider wiring up important workstations.
• Invest in a Quality Router: Don’t rely on the ISP’s modem; get a router that suits your needs, like the Asus RT-AX88U.
• Set Up Backup Internet: A mobile hotspot (4G/5G) can be a lifesaver in case of a broadband failure.
• Use QoS: Prioritize bandwidth for video calls and file uploads to keep your team productive.

How Internet Impacts Remote Culture

Strong internet is essential for remote culture. Here’s why:

• Smooth communication creates stronger team bonds.
• Fewer interruptions lead to better morale.
• Real-time collaboration fosters trust.
• High-speed internet means no one feels left behind due to slow connections.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Internet Hold You Back

Fixing your internet is the first step in setting up your remote software firm for success. Whether you’re in Melbourne, Sydney, or a regional town, investing in fast and reliable Aussie broadband plans is an investment in your team’s productivity and your firm’s future.

FAQs

1. What internet speed is ideal for a remote software team?
   A minimum of 100 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload is recommended. Faster speeds will support larger teams and high-bandwidth activities.
2. Are business broadband plans better than residential ones?
   Yes, business plans offer higher speeds, better support, and guaranteed service levels that residential plans may lack.
3. Can I work remotely from regional areas in Australia?
   Absolutely. Ensure the provider covers your region and consider a 4G/5G backup plan.
4. How do I compare different Aussie broadband plans?
   Use comparison tools like WhistleOut or Finder to compare prices and features of broadband plans.
5. What’s the benefit of a static IP for remote teams?
   A static IP is important for secure server access, consistent connections, and setting up VPNs.