Switching leased line providers doesn’t need to cause a digital disaster. With careful planning and the right strategy, your business can transition from one provider to another without a second of lost connectivity.
We’ve carefully constructed a straightforward step-by-step process to switch leased line providers UK businesses can follow in 2025.
Why Switch Leased Line Providers?
Many UK businesses often consider switching providers for the following reasons:
- High monthly costs
- Poor customer support
- Network reliability issues
- Need for higher bandwidth
- Expired contract with no incentives to stay
Whatever your reason, switching leased line suppliers can deliver better performance, value, or service — as long as you plan correctly!
Step-by-Step Leased Line Migration Guide
1. Review Your Current Contract
Before doing anything else, confirm the following:
- Contract end date
- Notice period (often 30-90 days)
- Early termination fees
- Hardware ownership (e.g., routers or firewalls)
Tip: Some contracts auto-renew. Give notice in writing as early as possible to avoid penalties.
2. Identify Your Business Needs
Determine what your new provider must deliver:
- Required bandwidth (100Mbps, 1Gbps, 10Gbps)
- Budget (monthly rental + install fees)
- SLA expectations (fix times, uptime guarantees)
- Network resilience (backup/failover options)
Create a checklist to use when comparing providers.
3. Get Quotes from Multiple Providers
Ask for custom quotes based on your:
- Business size and sector
- Site location(s)
- Speed and service requirements
Here are some of our favourite providers to consider in 2025:
| Provider | Key Strengths | SLA Fix Times | Contract Lengths | Prices From* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong UK coverage, reliable support | 5 hours | 12, 24, 36 months | £399/month |
 | Urban installs, SD-WAN options | 5 hours | 12, 36 months | £450/month |
| High-security focus, flexible upgrades | 4 hours | Flexible | £400/month |
| Budget-friendly, great for SMEs | 7 hours | 12, 24, 36 months | £300/month |
| Fast installs in London | 4 hours | 12, 24 months | £349/month |
*Pricing varies by speed and location.
4. Plan an Overlap Period
To avoid downtime:
- Install the new leased line before cancelling the old one
- Run both connections in parallel for 7-14 days
- Test the new connection thoroughly
Tip: Use the overlap to test VoIP, VPNs, backups, and cloud tools.
5. Update DNS, Static IPs, and Routing
Coordinate with your new provider or IT team to:
- Assign and route new IPs
- Update firewall and router configurations
- Test external access to hosted systems and websites
Important: Some downtime can occur if DNS changes aren’t properly managed.
6. Schedule a Cutover During Low-Traffic Hours
Choose a quiet time (e.g., evening or weekend) to entirely switch your network to the new leased line.
Ensure all key services are tested:
- VoIP and phones
- VPN and remote access
- Cloud application performance
7. Cancel the Old Connection (After Testing)
Once you’re satisfied with the new connection:
- Give formal cancellation notice to your old provider
- Return any rented equipment
- Request final billing and service confirmation
How to Minimise Risk During the Switch
| Risk | Mitigation Strategy |
| Unexpected downtime | Run dual connections temporarily |
| Faulty new service setup | Perform full pre-cutover testing |
| DNS/IP misconfiguration | Work with IT/network engineers |
| Contractual penalties | Give early written notice and confirm timelines |
Bonus Tips for Seamless Migration
- Ask for a project manager: Most reputable providers will assign one to coordinate the transition.
- Use a change window: Alert your team and schedule the change during a maintenance window.
- Have a rollback plan: Know how to revert if the new connection fails.
- Document everything: Keep records of IP changes, configs, and timelines.
FAQs About How to Switch Leased Line Providers
Q: Can I switch leased line providers without a break in service? A: Yes. With proper planning and an overlap between providers, switching can be seamless.
Q: What happens to my IP addresses when I change providers? A: You’ll usually get new IPs. Some providers may support IP porting, but this is rare.
Q: Can I keep my current router/firewall? A: Yes, as long as it’s compatible. Check with your new provider during the pre-sales stage.
Conclusion About How to Switch Leased Line Providers
We think that switching leased line providers in the UK is straightforward andeasy enough if you prepare correctly. This leased line migration guide shows that changing business internet providers is possible without downtime, disruption, or stress.
A smooth migration requires the right approach, from planning your overlap period to handling IP transitions and testing cutovers, so always compare multiple quotes, review contracts thoroughly, and work with a provider that supports you at every stage.