Switching to a leased line is a major step towards faster, more reliable business internet, and a leased line provides a dedicated, uncontended connection, ensuring consistent speeds, low latency, and a 99.99% uptime guarantee.
But how does the installation process work, and what should UK businesses expect before making the switch?
Our guide covers everything you need to know about leased line installation, costs, timelines, and potential challenges.
What Is a Leased Line & Why Install One?
A leased line is a private, high-speed internet connection exclusively for your business, and they offer:
✔ Symmetrical speeds (equal upload & download speeds).
✔ Uncontended bandwidth (no slowdowns at peak times).
✔ Guaranteed uptime (backed by a Service Level Agreement – SLA).
✔ Scalability (easily upgrade from 100Mbps to 10Gbps as needed).
What to Expect During Leased Line Installation
The installation process involves several steps, typically taking 30 to 90 days. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: a site survey
📌 The provider assesses your location to check fibre availability and any potential installation challenges.
📌 If your premises already have fibre access, installation is faster. Otherwise, additional groundwork may be required.
Step 2: Planning & infrastructure setup
📌 If new fibre needs to be installed, the provider works with Openreach or another infrastructure partner to lay the necessary cabling.
📌 External work (digging, trenching) may be required, especially for premises without existing fibre access.
Step 3: Router & network configuration
📌 Your provider supplies and installs a leased line router and configures it for optimal security and performance.
📌 you may need to adjust your firewall settings, VPNs, or internal networks to integrate with the new connection.
Step 4: Testing & activation
📌 Engineers test the leased line for speed, latency, and stability before activation.
📌 Once confirmed, your business switches from broadband to the leased line.
How Long Does Leased Line Installation Take?
| Installation Factor | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Site survey & planning | 1-3 weeks |
| Infrastructure setup | 2-8 weeks (varies by location) |
| Router configuration & activation | 1-2 days |
| Total installation time | 30-90 days |
Costs Involved in Leased Line Installation
While leased lines are a premium service, many providers offer free or subsidised installation – and you can expect (or certainly at least ask about the following):
✔ Standard installation (fibre-ready sites): Often free with a 36+ month contract.
✔ New fibre installation: £500 – £2,000+ (may vary by provider)
Excess construction charges: If additional groundwork (digging, trenching) is needed, costs can exceed £5,000+.
📌 our top tip: Always ask about installation fees, hidden costs, and available discounts before signing a contract.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Challenge 1: Long installation times
✔ Solution: Choose a provider with existing infrastructure in your area to speed up deployment.
Challenge 2: Unexpected costs
✔ Solution: Request a full site survey upfront to identify any potential excess construction charges.
Challenge 3: Network downtime during switch
✔ Solution: Work with your IT team to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption – keep in mind that some businesses keep their old broadband as a backup during the switch.
Choosing the Right Leased Line Provider
When selecting a provider, compare speed, pricing, SLAs, and customer service. Here’s a quick overview of top UK leased line providers:
| Provider | Starting Price (100Mbps) | Installation Time | Uptime SLA |
| £350+ per month | 60-90 days | 99.995% |
| £300+ per month | 30-60 days | 99.99% |
| £250+ per month | 30-90 days | 99.99% |
 TalkTalk Business | £200+ per month | 30-60 days | 99.95% |
| £400+ per month | 45-90 days | 99.999% |
Is a Leased Line Worth the Installation Process?
✔ YES, if your business relies on:
- Cloud-based services, VoIP, and remote work.
- High-security data transfers and uptime guarantees.
- Future scalability with speeds up to 10Gbps.
🚀 A leased line is an investment in faster, more stable, and more secure internet connectivity.
Our final thoughts about leased line installation times…
So, we know that installing a leased line requires planning, but we think that the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial setup time. By understanding the process, costs, and potential challenges, you can ensure a smooth transition to high-speed, dedicated connectivity.
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