A leased line is the gold standard for fast, reliable internet, but it doesn’t come cheap and for many UK SMEs, start-ups, and budget-conscious companies, a full leased line might feel out of reach. Fortunately, you can find great leased line alternatives that can deliver strong performance without the premium price tag.
Join us as we explore the best leased line alternatives UK businesses can consider, focusing on affordable business internet options like FTTP (Fibre to the Premises), EoFTTC (Ethernet over FTTC), and DIA (Dedicated Internet Access).
Why Businesses Look for Leased Line Alternatives
- Cost: Full leased lines can cost between £500-£800+ per month.
- Installation Times: Standard leased line installs can take 60-90 working days.
- Flexibility: Smaller businesses often don’t need full 1Gbps speeds initially.
Affordable alternatives can deliver excellent reliability and speed, scaled appropriately to your needs.
The Top Leased Line Alternatives in the UK (2025)
| Option | Typical Speed | Best For | Cost Range (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) | Up to 1Gbps (contended) | SMEs, remote teams, growing start-ups | £45-£60+ |
| Ethernet over FTTC (EoFTTC) | 20Mbps to 80Mbps (symmetrical) | Very small businesses, low cloud use | £150-£200 |
| Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) | 100Mbps to 1Gbps+ (uncontended) | Businesses wanting dedicated speeds | £300-£500 |
| Business FTTC | Up to 80Mbps (contended) | Microbusinesses, low data users | £30-£50 |
1. FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)
Pros:
- High speeds up to 1Gbps
- Affordable compared to leased lines
- Quick install times (2-4 weeks)
Cons:
- Contended — speeds can drop during peak hours
- Not available everywhere yet
Best for: Growing SMEs needing fast downloads/uploads but willing to tolerate minor congestion.
Providers:
- BT Full Fibre
- Virgin Media Business
- TalkTalk Business
- Vodafone Gigafast
- Community Fibre (London)
2. Ethernet over FTTC (EoFTTC)
- Pros:
- Symmetrical speeds (upload as fast as download)
- Better SLA and fix times than regular broadband
- Quick to install (typically 30 working days)
Cons:
- Speeds limited to around 20-80Mbps
- Distance from the cabinet affects performance
Best for: Small offices, start-ups, businesses with basic cloud use or VoIP.
Providers:
- BT Business
- Zen Internet
- TalkTalk Business
3. Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)
Pros:
- Fully uncontended 1:1 connection
- Symmetrical speeds
- Strong SLAs
- Scalable (easy to upgrade bandwidth)
Cons:
- More expensive than FTTP or EoFTTC
- Longer lead times than FTTP
Best for: SMEs who outgrow FTTP and need reliability closer to a leased line without full leased line costs.
Providers:
- Vodafone Business DIA
- Virgin Media O2 Dedicated Internet
- BT Business DIA
- CityFibre DIA
Business Broadband Options: Quick Comparison
| Feature | FTTP | EoFTTC | DIA |
| Symmetrical Speeds? | No (mostly) | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated Bandwidth? | No | Partially | Yes |
| Installation Time | 2-4 weeks | 30-45 working days | 45-90 working days |
| Typical Cost Range | £45-£60 | £150-£200 | £300-£500 |
| Best For | Fast broadband users | VoIP, light cloud use | Reliable critical internet |
Tips for Choosing the Right Business Internet Option
- Understand your usage: Video calls? Cloud apps? Basic email? Your needs dictate your choice.
- Check availability: Not all products are available everywhere — always check your postcode.
- Plan for growth: If you expect to scale quickly, consider starting with DIA or a scalable FTTP provider.
- Assess uptime needs: Mission-critical apps (e.g., remote databases, e-commerce sites) justify higher investment.
- Budget realistically: Remember that cheap broadband may cost more long-term in lost productivity.
Leased Line Alternatives Conclusion
We think full leased line isn’t always necessary, especially for smaller or budget-conscious UK businesses in 2025 and options like FTTP, Ethernet over FTTC, and Dedicated Internet Access provide excellent, affordable alternatives that can grow with your needs.
When comparing leased line alternatives UK wide, we suggest you focus on reliability, scalability, and realistic costs. Investing wisely in affordable business internet UK options today ensures your business can grow tomorrow — without bottlenecks or painful upgrades.
Use this guide to explore the best business broadband options and find the perfect fit for your budget and business goals!!