Compare connection types
A product described as business broadband does not automatically include a guaranteed repair time. Read the service commitment for the exact package.
| Option | Potential fit | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Business fibre broadband | Cloud software, general office work and video calls | Address availability, uploads, contention and repair commitment |
| Leased line | Sites needing a dedicated connection and defined service commitments | Bandwidth, installation survey, lead time and service-level agreement |
| Mobile broadband | Temporary sites or an alternative connection | Indoor coverage, congestion, data limits and router support |
| Backup connection | Businesses that cannot wait for the main line to recover | Independent network, automatic failover and real-world capacity |
Build an address-specific requirement
List users, cloud applications, video meetings, VoIP calls, file uploads, card terminals and guest Wi-Fi. Include simultaneous use at the busiest time rather than adding up advertised device speeds.
Give providers the full installation address and check availability for that location. Record whether you need static IP addresses, a managed router, separate guest access or an on-site engineer.
Compare the whole contract cost
Ask for the monthly charge, installation, router cost, any construction work and all scheduled price changes. Compare the total over the same contract period and check whether VAT is included.
Understand early termination, business relocation and renewal arrangements. A cheap connection that cannot move with your business may become expensive during a premises change.
Switching, support and downtime
Ofcom provides specific protections for business communications customers, with some depending on customer size and circumstances. Do not assume a residential switching or compensation scheme applies to your contract.
Agree who arranges the switch and any number transfer, and confirm the expected interruption. Keep a contingency for taking payments and handling customer calls during migration.
- Ask for response and restoration targets separately.
- Check out-of-hours support for your trading times.
- Test backup with the main line disconnected.
- Confirm who owns and administers the router.
Test the connection before closing the project
Test wired download and upload performance, call quality and the applications the team uses. A Wi-Fi coverage problem can remain after a faster internet circuit is installed.
Record the support number, account reference and escalation process somewhere accessible during an outage. Give the responsible person permission to act on the account.
Frequently asked questions
Does every small business need a leased line?
No. Compare the operational cost of an outage with the cost and commitments of each connection.
A suitable fibre service with tested backup may meet the requirements of some businesses.
Should I choose the highest advertised speed?
Only if it solves a demonstrated capacity need. Check upload performance, the local network, support and recovery before paying for unused download capacity.