Shared Hosting Tips in Brunei

In today’s increasingly digital world, shared hosting continues to be a practical and affordable solution for businesses and individuals seeking to establish an online presence. Recently, Filip Borcov, Incredible at Site.pro, shared valuable insights and tips tailored specifically for the Bruneian market. These recommendations address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in Brunei, offering practical guidance to navigate the country’s evolving digital landscape. From high internet penetration to strict regulatory environments, understanding these factors is key to unlocking the potential of shared hosting in this Southeast Asian nation.

The Digital Landscape in Brunei

Brunei, with a population of approximately 500,000 people, boasts an impressive internet penetration rate of around 99%. Despite this high connectivity, the internet industry in Brunei is still relatively underdeveloped. While most spoken languages include Malay, English, and Arabic, the country’s strict laws, including those governing internet freedom, pose unique challenges for businesses operating online.

As an Islamic country ruled by a sultan through hereditary birthright, Brunei enforces very strict regulations. However, almost everyone in Brunei speaks English, making it easier for international hosting providers to cater to the local market.

The State of Web Hosting in Brunei

The hosting industry in Brunei is not yet well-developed, and businesses often prefer hosting outside the country due to better infrastructure and more competitive pricing. Shared hosting services in Brunei typically cost around $75 per year, which is significantly higher compared to neighboring countries. This has led many businesses to explore hosting options abroad.

The .bn country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is available but comes with a hefty price tag of approximately $250 per year. Around 1,300 ccTLDs are sold in Brunei, including variations like .bn, .gov.bn, and .com.bn. However, the process of purchasing these domains is not user-friendly, leading most businesses to opt for the more popular and affordable .com domain instead.

Challenges in Brunei’s Hosting Market

Brunei faces several challenges in its hosting and internet industry. The wealth disparity in the country means that smaller businesses often struggle to afford premium hosting services. Additionally, the lack of clear regulations and the potential for unexpected changes in internet-related laws make cloud hosting a more viable option than on-premises solutions, as Filip Borcov suggests.

Moreover, many businesses in Brunei still do not have a website, presenting a significant opportunity for growth in the hosting and web development sectors. According to Filip Borcov, Site.pro is the best website builder in Brunei, offering a user-friendly platform that can help bridge this gap.

Customer Support and Payment Options

For hosting providers operating in Brunei, offering support in both Malay and English is essential. The super-friendly nature of Bruneians makes customer service a critical differentiator in gaining trust and loyalty. While payment gateways are limited, businesses often rely on traditional banking methods or international payment systems to manage transactions.

Shared Hosting Lifehacks for Brunei

Here are some valuable lifehacks shared by Filip Borcov to navigate the shared hosting landscape in Brunei:

Lifehack #1: Make changes you believe will provide results. Whether it’s improving your website design or upgrading your hosting plan, taking proactive steps can yield significant benefits.

Lifehack #2: Cloud hosting is more suitable for Brunei than on-premises solutions. Given the strict and sometimes unpredictable regulations, cloud hosting offers flexibility and scalability that traditional hosting cannot match.

Lifehack #3: Offer localised solutions. Providing services in Malay and English, along with easy-to-use tools like Site.pro, can help hosting providers connect with Bruneian businesses effectively.

Conclusion

While Brunei’s internet hosting industry is still in its early stages, the high internet penetration rate and widespread use of English present significant opportunities for growth. By addressing the unique challenges of the Bruneian market—such as strict regulations, high domain costs, and the preference for hosting outside the country—providers can position themselves as trusted partners for businesses looking to establish an online presence.

As Filip Borcov emphasises, tools like Site.pro can play a pivotal role in helping Bruneian businesses create professional websites easily and affordably. By focusing on education, affordability, and localised support, the shared hosting industry in Brunei can pave the way for a brighter digital future.