In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, small businesses need reliable, high-speed internet and robust phone services to stay competitive. Cox Business offers a range of phone and internet bundles designed to meet the diverse needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. By combining high-speed internet with advanced voice solutions, Cox Business provides cost-effective, scalable, and dependable services to keep your operations running smoothly. This comprehensive guide explores the benefits, features, pricing, and frequently asked questions about Cox Business phone and internet bundles, helping you make an informed decision for your business.
Why Choose Cox Business Phone and Internet Bundles?
Cox Communications, a leading provider of business telecommunications services, operates in 17 states across the U.S., offering solutions tailored for businesses of all sizes. Their phone and internet bundles are particularly appealing for small businesses looking to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance connectivity. Here’s why Cox Business stands out:
1. Cost Savings Through Bundling
Bundling internet and phone services with Cox Business can lead to significant savings. For example, standalone plans like Cox Business Internet 25 ($90/month with a 12-month contract) and VoiceManager Essential phone plan ($25/month) cost $115/month combined. However, bundling these services can reduce the total to around $99/month, saving approximately $15/month. The more services you bundle, the greater the savings, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious businesses.
2. Reliable and High-Speed Internet
Cox Business offers internet speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 10 Gbps, catering to businesses with varying connectivity needs. Whether you’re a small startup handling basic tasks like email and browsing or a larger organization requiring high-bandwidth activities like video conferencing and cloud services, Cox has a plan for you. Their cable internet provides fast download speeds, and in select areas, fiber-optic connections offer symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbps for enhanced performance.
3. Advanced Phone Features
Cox Business VoiceManager includes features like auto attendant, call waiting, caller ID, voicemail, and unlimited calling to the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. These tools enhance communication efficiency, allowing businesses to manage calls professionally and improve customer experience.
4. Flexibility and Scalability
Cox Business plans are designed with flexibility in mind. Month-to-month options are available for businesses that prefer not to commit to long-term contracts, though signing a 12- or 24-month agreement can significantly lower costs. This flexibility allows businesses to scale services as their needs evolve.
5. Robust Add-Ons and Features
Cox Business bundles come with value-added features like:
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Cellular Internet Backup: Ensures connectivity during outages, included in Essentials Bundles for plans like Business Internet 300, 500, and 1 Gbps.
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Static IP Addresses: Ideal for businesses hosting websites or managing remote connections.
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Online Backup: 25 GB of cloud storage through Mozy by EMC for secure data backups.
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Security Suite: 25 McAfee security licenses to protect against viruses and cyber threats.
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Cox Complete Care: 24/7 premium tech support for all connected devices.
6. Industry-Leading Uptime
Cox Business guarantees 99.5% uptime with a service level agreement (SLA) that promises to restore service within four hours of an outage. For businesses relying on constant connectivity, this reliability is critical. Fiber-optic plans offer even higher reliability with 99.9% uptime.
Cox Business Internet Plans: An Overview
Cox Business offers a variety of internet plans tailored to different business sizes and needs. Here’s a breakdown of their small business internet plans:
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Cox Business Internet 25: 25 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload. Ideal for small businesses with basic needs like email and browsing. ($90/month with a 12-month contract)
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Cox Business Internet 50: 50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload. Suitable for small teams using cloud-based tools. ($120/month with a 12-month contract)
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Cox Business Internet 100: 100 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload. Good for businesses with moderate internet usage. ($199/month with a 12-month contract, $280/month without)
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Cox Business Internet 200: 200 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload. Supports video conferencing and multiple devices. ($250/month with a 12-month contract)
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Cox Business Internet 300: 300 Mbps download, 30 Mbps upload. Includes Cellular Internet Backup in the Essentials Bundle. ($300/month with a 24-month contract)
Higher-tier plans, including 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps, are available for businesses with intensive needs, and fiber-optic options up to 10 Gbps are offered in select areas. Pricing varies by location, and promotional rates often require a contract.
Cox Business Phone Plans: VoiceManager Features
Cox Business VoiceManager is a versatile phone solution that can be bundled with internet services. Key features include:
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Auto Attendant: Directs calls to the appropriate department or employee, enhancing professionalism.
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Unlimited Calling: Covers the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the EU, reducing long-distance costs.
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Advanced Call Management: Includes call waiting, caller ID, voicemail, and Do Not Disturb settings.
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Scalability: Add lines as your business grows, with plans starting at $25/month for VoiceManager Essential.
VoiceManager Unlimited is ideal for businesses with high call volumes, while VoiceManager Essential suits smaller operations with basic needs. Bundling a phone plan with internet can save up to $20/month compared to standalone pricing.
Benefits of Bundling Cox Business Phone and Internet
Cost Efficiency
Bundling reduces monthly costs compared to purchasing services separately. For example, combining Cox Business Internet 100 with VoiceManager Essential saves approximately $16/month. These savings can be reinvested into other areas of your business.
Streamlined Billing and Support
A single provider for internet and phone services simplifies billing and customer support. Cox Business offers 24/7 support, and Cox Complete Care provides premium assistance for all connected devices, reducing downtime and technical hassles.
Enhanced Productivity
High-speed internet supports cloud-based applications, video conferencing, and large file transfers, while advanced phone features ensure seamless communication. Together, these services keep your team productive and your customers satisfied.
Business Continuity
With Cellular Internet Backup included in higher-tier bundles, your business stays online during outages. This feature is crucial for industries like retail, healthcare, and finance, where downtime can impact revenue and customer trust.
Customization
Cox Business allows you to tailor bundles to your specific needs. Add-ons like managed Wi-Fi, static IPs, and advanced security tools ensure your package aligns with your operational requirements.
Cox Business Fiber: The Future of Connectivity
In select areas, Cox Business offers fiber-optic internet with symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbps. Fiber is more reliable than coaxial cable, with fewer outages and faster upload speeds, making it ideal for businesses with high-bandwidth needs like server hosting or large data transfers. Cox’s fiber plans include:
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Symmetrical Speeds: Equal download and upload speeds for efficient data handling.
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99.9% Uptime: Backed by an enterprise-grade SLA for minimal downtime.
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No Installation Fees: In some cases, Cox waives basic installation and construction fees for fiber upgrades.
However, fiber availability is limited, and businesses using older coaxial technology may face higher maintenance costs and occasional speed deprioritization. If fiber is available at your location, it’s worth considering for its reliability and performance.
Pricing and Contract Considerations
Cox Business pricing depends on location, plan, and contract terms. Here’s what to know:
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Promotional Rates: Available with 12- or 24-month contracts. For example, Business Internet 100 costs $199/month with a 12-month contract but $280/month without.
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Month-to-Month Options: Available but significantly more expensive, sometimes double the promotional rate.
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Equipment Fees: Standard modem ($7/month), gateway modem/router ($13/month). Self-installation is free, while professional installation costs $99.
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Activation Fees: $25 for standard modems, $99 for gateways.
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Prepaid Mastercard Offer: New subscribers to Business Internet 300 ($100 card) or 500+ ($300 card) may qualify for a prepaid Mastercard with online redemption.
Always check the fine print, as standard rates apply after promotional periods, and early termination fees may apply for contract plans.
Comparing Cox Business to Competitors
Cox Business competes with providers like AT&T, Frontier, and Google Fiber. Here’s how it stacks up:
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AT&T Business: Offers fiber plans starting at $70/month for 300 Mbps, often cheaper than Cox’s equivalent plans. However, Cox’s Cellular Internet Backup and bundled savings are unique advantages.
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Frontier Business: Known for no-contract options and straightforward pricing, but availability is limited compared to Cox’s 17-state coverage.
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Google Fiber Business: Provides ultra-fast fiber speeds but is available in fewer markets. Cox’s cable internet is more widely accessible.
Cox’s pricing may be higher than some competitors, but its robust features, reliability, and bundling options make it a strong choice for small businesses.
Is Cox Business Right for Your Business?
Cox Business phone and internet bundles are ideal for:
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Small businesses needing affordable, reliable connectivity.
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Companies with moderate to high internet usage (e.g., video conferencing, cloud services).
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Businesses seeking advanced phone features and cost savings through bundling.
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Organizations in Cox’s service areas (e.g., Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada).
However, businesses requiring symmetrical fiber speeds or operating outside Cox’s coverage may need to explore alternatives. Always enter your zip code on Cox’s website to confirm availability and pricing.
How to Get Started with Cox Business
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Check Availability: Visit www.cox.com or call 866-446-7777 to confirm services in your area.
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Choose a Plan: Select an internet speed and phone plan that suits your business needs.
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Customize Your Bundle: Add services like Cellular Internet Backup, managed Wi-Fi, or security tools.
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Sign Up: Opt for a month-to-month plan or a 12- or 24-month contract for savings.
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Installation: Choose self-installation (free) or professional installation ($99) for a seamless setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the benefits of bundling Cox Business phone and internet services?
Bundling saves money, simplifies billing, and enhances productivity with reliable internet and advanced phone features. For example, combining Business Internet 100 with VoiceManager Essential can save up to $16/month.
2. What internet speeds are available with Cox Business?
Cox offers speeds from 25 Mbps to 10 Gbps, including cable plans (25–300 Mbps) and fiber options (up to 1 Gbps) in select areas. The Essentials Bundle for 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 Gbps includes Cellular Internet Backup.
3. Can I get Cox Business services without a contract?
Yes, month-to-month plans are available, but they are more expensive. A 12- or 24-month contract offers lower promotional rates.
4. What phone features are included in Cox Business VoiceManager?
VoiceManager includes auto attendant, unlimited calling to the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the EU, call waiting, caller ID, voicemail, and Do Not Disturb settings.
5. Is Cox Business fiber available in my area?
Fiber availability is limited. Check your address on www.cox.com or call 866-446-7777. Fiber plans offer symmetrical speeds and 99.9% uptime.
6. What is Cellular Internet Backup?
This service uses LTE to keep your business online during internet outages. It’s included in Essentials Bundles for Business Internet 300, 500, and 1 Gbps.
7. Are there any additional fees for Cox Business services?
Yes, equipment fees ($7–$13/month), activation fees ($25–$99), and professional installation ($99) may apply. Self-installation is free.
8. Can I add mobile phone service to my Cox Business bundle?
Cox Mobile is available for Cox Internet customers, offering plans starting at $15/month (Pay As You Gig) or $45/month (Gig Unlimited). However, it’s primarily for residential customers, not business bundles.
9. How reliable is Cox Business internet?
Cox guarantees 99.5% uptime for cable plans and 99.9% for fiber, with an SLA ensuring service restoration within four hours.
10. How does Cox Business compare to other providers?
Cox offers robust features and bundled savings but may be pricier than AT&T or Frontier. Its wide coverage and Cellular Internet Backup are key differentiators.
Conclusion
Cox Business phone and internet bundles provide small businesses with a powerful combination of high-speed connectivity, advanced phone features, and cost-saving opportunities. With flexible plans, reliable service, and valuable add-ons like Cellular Internet Backup and security suites, Cox is a strong choice for businesses in its service areas. By carefully evaluating your needs and comparing plans, you can find a bundle that enhances productivity and supports growth. Visit www.cox.com or call 866-446-7777 to explore Cox Business solutions today.
