The Leased Line Installation Journey: What UK Businesses Can Expect from Order to Go-Live

For any UK business, the decision to invest in a leased line is a strategic move towards unparalleled internet performance.. however, unlike standard broadband, the installation of a dedicated fibre optic leased line involves a more intricate, multi-stage process.
Understanding this journey from the initial order to the moment your business goes live is crucial for managing expectations and ensuring a smooth transition.
We believe in transparency, so our comprehensive guide outlines every essential phase of the leased line installation journey, equipping UK businesses with the knowledge to navigate the process confidently. From site surveys and potential excess construction charges to the final testing and handover, we’ll demystify what to expect, helping you plan effectively and minimise disruption!

Phase 1: The Initial Enquiry & Quotation

Your leased line journey begins with an enquiry, and you’ll typically provide your business postcode and desired speed requirements (think 100Mbps, 1Gbps, 10Gbps).

• Provider’s action: Based on your location, the provider will check the nearest points of presence (PoPs) on the major UK fibre networks, and then they’ll then generate an initial quote, which is often an estimate based on existing network data.
• Your action: Review the quote carefully and pay attention to the quoted speed (is it symmetrical?), contract length, monthly cost, and any stated upfront installation fees.

Phase 2: The Site Survey

Once you’ve accepted the initial quote and placed an order (often with a provisional contract), the most critical investigative phase begins: the site survey.

• Purpose: An engineer will visit your premises to conduct a thorough assessment. Remember, this isn’t just a quick look; it’s a detailed investigation into the feasibility of running the fibre optic cable from the nearest network point to your comms room.
• What they look for:
  • Existing infrastructure – Are there existing ducts or pathways into your building that can be used?
  • Obstacles – Are there any physical barriers like roads, rivers, or private land that the cable needs to cross?
  • Internal Routing – How will the cable be run internally to your designated termination point (often an Optical Network Terminal or ONT)?
  • Power and space: Is there adequate power supply and space in your comms room for the equipment?
• Potential Outcomes:
  • “Standard” install: The survey confirms a straightforward installation, and the quoted price stands.
  • Excess Construction Charges (ECCs): This is where unexpected costs can arise – if the survey identifies significant civil engineering work (digging up roads, trenching across land, complex internal routing), the provider will issue an ECC. These charges can range from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands, depending on complexity. Crucially, you’ll be informed of any ECCs before work proceeds, giving you the option to accept, negotiate, or cancel the order.
  • Wayleave agreement: If the fibre needs to cross land or property not owned by your business (a shared building, adjacent private land), a wayleave agreement will be required. This is a legal document granting permission for the fibre to be installed and maintained. Obtaining a wayleave can cause significant delays, sometimes months, as it requires negotiation and sign-off from landlords or landowners but your provider should assist in this process, but proactive communication with your landlord is highly recommended.
• Your action: Be prepared for the site survey and ensure easy access to your comms room and be ready to discuss potential cable routes. If ECCs are proposed, understand exactly what they cover and evaluate their impact on your budget and initiate discussions with landlords about wayleaves early if applicable.

Phase 3: Planning & Permitting

Once the site survey is complete and any ECCs or wayleaves are approved, the provider enters the planning and permitting phase.

• Provider’s action: This involves detailed route planning, obtaining necessary permits from local councils for road closures or pavement works (Traffic Management Orders), and scheduling engineers.
• Your action: Maintain open communication with your provider for updates and while you can’t directly influence council permit timings, staying informed helps with your internal planning.

Phase 4: External Works & Cable Installation

This is the most visible part of the installation process.

• Provider’s action: Engineers will begin laying the physical fibre optic cable from the nearest network point to your premises, which might involve:
  • Digging/trenching: If new ducts are needed, this can involve excavation.
  • Using existing ducts: Fibre may be ‘blown’ or ‘pulled’ through existing underground ducting.
  • Overhead cabling: Less common for leased lines but possible in some areas.
• Your actions: Be aware of any planned disruptions, especially if road or pavement works are involved and ensure your premises remain accessible for the engineers.

Phase 5: Internal Installation & Equipment Setup

Once the external fibre reaches your building, the internal work commences.

• Provider’s action:
  • Entry point: The fibre will be brought into your building, typically through a small drilled hole, and terminated in your designated comms room.
  • Optical Network Terminal (ONT) installation: An ONT is installed (this is the key piece of equipment that converts the optical signal from the fibre into an electrical signal your network equipment can understand).
  • Router/CPE provisioning: your provider will typically supply and install a managed router or Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) that connects to the ONT and facilitates your network’s connection to the internet.
• Your action: Ensure your comms room is tidy, accessible, and has adequate power outlets.

Phase 6: Testing & Go-Live

The final, and most exciting, phase.

• Provider’s action: Extensive testing is carried out to ensure the connection is stable, meets the promised speeds (symmetrical upload and download), and adheres to the Service Level Agreement (SLA) for latency and uptime.
• Your action: Work with your IT team to perform your own tests and integrate the new leased line into your existing network infrastructure, so ensure all your critical applications and services are functioning optimally over the new connection.

Typical Leased Line Installation Lead Times in the UK

It’s vital to set realistic expectations for leased line installation. Unlike standard broadband that uses existing copper lines, a leased line often requires new fibre to be laid, meaning the process takes longer.

• Average lead time: Typically 60-90 working days (approximately 3-4.5 months)from order to go-live.
• Factors influencing time:
  • Location
  • Complexity
  • Permitting
  • Provider efficiency

UK Leased Line Providers and Installation Insights

While the physical installation is often carried out by network infrastructure providers like Openreach or CityFibre, your chosen ISP manages the end-to-end process and provides the service.

Here’s a look at some key players and considerations: