AT&T highlights the $24,000-per-hour problem that small businesses can't ignore

Running a small business isn't easy, and 2026 probably won't make it any simpler. Owners are juggling customers, staff shortages, rising costs, and a constant stream of new tech. Even small problems – like a slow internet connection or a security hiccup – can quickly turn into big headaches.

That's why AT&T has five tips for keeping things running smoothly this year, from security to making sure your systems don't leave you hanging when you need them most.

The essentials

The first advice is, naturally, about cybersecurity. Small businesses are frequent targets for attacks, often because they rely on basic setups and limited internal IT support. AT&T is pushing the idea that security can no longer be an afterthought and is promoting network-level defenses alongside common practices like employee training and multi-factor authentication.

Next, AT&T once again reminds us about AI, though Ma Bell is careful to frame it as a practical tool rather than a transformation buzzword. The focus here is on automating repetitive tasks such as customer management, accounting, and inventory tracking. The company argues that AI only becomes useful when it delivers clear outcomes, like saving time or reducing errors, rather than adding complexity.

Third: connectivity. This one sits at the center of AT&T's message. As more businesses depend on cloud software, mobile payments, and online sales channels, internet reliability has become mission-critical. AT&T highlights examples of retailers and restaurants that rely on always-on connections to handle orders, reservations, and customer engagement across digital platforms.

Fourth, to address reliability concerns, AT&T is also leaning into convergence, combining wired internet and wireless service as a backup. The idea is simple: if a primary connection fails, another takes over automatically. This approach is aimed at businesses that cannot afford to go offline, even briefly, during peak hours. AT&T highlights that downtime can be costly and according to IDC data, "small businesses can lose $12,000 to $24,000 per hour" if they're not operating.

The final area is cloud technology. AT&T is encouraging small businesses to think beyond basic storage and consider cloud-based tools for communication, collaboration, and security. The pitch is that these services offer flexibility without the cost or complexity of running on-premise systems.

Addressing the pain points

AT&T's messaging for 2026 is not flashy and bombastic, but more aligned with the down-to-earth realities small businesses face.

For small businesses, the value proposition is simple: staying online, staying secure, and avoiding the kind of interruptions that turn a normal day into a costly one.