If you’ve started shopping around for a business leased line, you may know that most UK providers will show you a neat monthly price—often starting from £180 to £300 per month. Sounds straightforward, right?
Actually, many businesses are shocked to discover that the actual cost can be significantly higher once hidden charges start appearing.
Read on as we break down the most common hidden costs of a business leased line, and we’ll explain where these fees come from, and show you how to avoid nasty surprises by securing a transparent, all-inclusive quote!
⚠️ Why Are There Hidden Charges with Leased Lines?
Leased lines are bespoke connections—engineers often need to build or extend the fibre network to your premises which means costs can vary based on:
- Your building’s proximity to existing fibre infrastructure
- Access requirements and local council permissions
- Site surveys and technical setup
- Hardware and service preferences
Because of these variables, it’s easy to be misled by “from £X/month” quotes that don’t tell the full story.
💸 1. Excess Construction Charges (ECCs)
This is the biggest and most common hidden cost for UK businesses ordering leased lines.
What are ECCs?
Excess Construction Charges (ECCs) are one-off fees when significant civil works are needed to deliver fibre to your premises. This could include:
- Digging up roads or pavements
- Laying new ducting or cabling
- Installing new Openreach chambers or poles
How much can ECCs cost?
ECCs can range from £200 to £3,000+, depending on the complexity of the installation. In rural or difficult-to-access areas, they may be even higher.
🔍 Remember: Some providers will cover a portion of ECCs, especially if you sign a longer contract.
💷 2. Router rental or hardware fees
Not all leased line quotes include the router or firewall needed to manage your internet connection and some providers may:
- Charge an additional monthly fee for router rental (usually £10–£30/month)
- Require you to purchase a compatible router separately
- Offer “free” routers with limited features, pushing you to upgrade
📌always ask your provider: Is the router included in the monthly price? Is it business-grade and pre-configured?
📈 3. Installation/activation charges
While some providers offer free installation (especially if you choose to use the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme), others will include activation or setup charges which can be in the form of:
- Engineer callout fees
- Configuration or testing costs
- Admin fees
Depending on the provider, these can add up to £100–£500.
✅ Always ask for a breakdown of all one-off costs before signing a contract.
📃 4. Premium support & SLA Charges
Most leased lines come with a SLA guaranteeing you with:
- A fixed time (e.g. 4 or 5 hours)
- Guaranteed uptime (typically 99.9%+)
- 24/7 support
However, some providers offer this as a paid extra, meaning the “base price” only includes standard response times and limited support.
If uptime is crucial for your business, ensure your SLA is included in the base package—not a hidden upgrade.
🧾 5. IP Address and bandwidth add-ons
Need multiple static IPs or bandwidth upgrades later on? If this is your case, you just might find yourself facing unexpected charges such as:
- Static IP blocks (e.g. £10–£50/month depending on size)
- Bandwidth upgrades (mid-contract changes can trigger admin fees)
- Contention-free bandwidth guarantees at premium rates
🎯 Get a quote that reflects your current and future needs—not just the lowest headline price.
✅ How to Avoid Hidden Leased Line Costs
To protect your budget and make sure you’re comparing apples to apples, follow these steps:
✔ Ask for an All-Inclusive Quote
Insist on a quote that includes all of the following:
- Monthly rental
- ECCs or confirmation they’re covered
- Hardware/router fees
- SLA and support details
- Setup or installation charges
- Contract terms and upgrade fees
✔ Choose a Provider That Offers Transparent Pricing
Some UK leased line providers are known for clear, honest pricing. Look for:
- Full quotes issued after a site survey
- Fixed-cost or capped ECC options
- Router and SLA included as standard
📌 Use a leased line comparison tool to find providers who offer fully transparent, no-obligation quotes.
✔ Check If You Qualify for a Government Voucher
Through the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, you may be eligible for:
- Up to £2,500 off installation
- Ideal for rural and hard-to-reach areas
- Available until funds are exhausted in 2025
Ask your provider if they participate in the scheme and help with the application process.
💬 Remember the Price Isn’t Just the Monthly Fee
Leased lines are one of your business’s best internet upgrades—but only if you know the true cost. Don’t get caught up in hidden charges like ECCs, router fees, or sneaky SLAs.