We know that having a fast and reliable internet connection is crucial for UK businesses, and choosing the right type of internet service can significantly impact productivity, communication, and your overall customer experience. Two of the most common options available
are leased lines and business broadband. But which one is right for your business?
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Our guide is going to compare leased lines and business broadband, covering costs, speeds, reliability, and suitability to help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Leased Line?
A leased line is a dedicated internet connection that provides symmetrical speeds (equal upload and download speeds) exclusively for your business. Unlike standard broadband, a leased line is not shared with other users, ensuring a stable and high-performance connection.
What are some of the top benefits of leased lines?
- Guaranteed speed & performance – you get uncontended bandwidth means no slowdowns during peak hours!
- 99.99% uptime SLAÂ which ensures maximum reliability with quick fault resolution.
- High upload & download speeds.
- Better security which reduces risks of cyber threats and unauthorised access.
- Can scale up (or down) to match your business growth.
The downsides? For starters, leased lines are more expensive than business broadband and typically require a longer installation period.
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What Is Business Broadband?
On the other hand, business broadband is a shared internet connection designed for commercial use, and it can often provide faster speeds and better customer support than your standard residential broadband.
What are some of the top benefits of business broadband?:
- It’s more affordable, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- It can typically be activated within days, unlike leased lines that require weeks.
- You have a variety of options that include FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet), FTTP (Fibre to the Premises), and ADSL services.
- It’s suitable for web browsing, emails, and cloud applications with moderate bandwidth needs.
The downsides? Business broadband is a shared connection, meaning speeds can fluctuate during peak hours, and SLAs may not be as robust as those for leased lines.
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Differences Between Leased Lines and Business Broadband
| Feature | Leased Line | Business Broadband |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | Dedicated, private line | Shared connection |
| Speed | Symmetrical, ultra-fast | Asymmetrical, can be slower |
| Reliability | 99.99% uptime guarantee | May experience downtime |
| Cost | Higher monthly fees | More budget-friendly |
| Installation Time | Typically 30-90 days | Usually within a few days |
| Best For | Large businesses, remote teams, VoIP, cloud computing | Small to medium businesses, general internet use |
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Which One Is Right for Your Business?
- Your business relies heavily on cloud applications, VoIP, or video conferencing.
- You require a guaranteed high-speed and low-latency connection.
- Security and reliability are your absolute top priorities.
- You need symmetrical upload and download speeds.
- Your business has basic internet usage needs.
- You have a smaller budget and don’t require a dedicated line.
- You need fast installation without long wait times.
- Your business can handle speed fluctuations during peak hours.
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Our final words
When choosing between leased lines and business broadband, we think that it ultimately comes down to your business’s size, budget, and connectivity needs.
So, if you require a high-performance, always-on connection, leased lines are the superior option. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable, quick-to-install solution, then we think business broadband is the way to go!
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Get a Quote
Looking for the best leased line or business broadband deals in the UK? Compare providers today to find the most cost-effective solution for your business needs!
- The Difference Between Broadband and Leased Line Internet Connectivity
- The Difference Between Leased Line and Broadband Internet Connections
- What Are Leased Lines? A Buyer’s Guide
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Read more about leased lines from our articles below:
| Leased Lines vs Business Broadband |
| Leased Line Costs |
| Leased Lines for SMES |
| Leased Line Providers |