The ultimate guide to
business broadband
Everything you need to know to navigate all the options out
there and make the right choice for your organisation
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Introduction
Broadband has long been an essential requirement for businesses of all sizes. It plays a critical role in day-to-day operations, from communication to accessing online tools and applications.
Choosing the right business broadband is therefore crucial to ensure that your business runs smoothly and efficiently.
This guide will help you understand the different types of business broadband available in the UK, what they offer and how to select the one that’s right for you and your organisation.
We’ll cover:
- Determining your business needs. Before choosing a business broadband service provider it is essential to evaluate your business needs. How many employees will use the internet? How often will they use it? What will they use it for? And based on that, what upload and download speeds and extra features will you need?
- Understanding broadband types. From hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) to single order generic ethernet access (SOGEA) and fibre to the premises (FTTP), we can help you make sense of the acronyms and work out which option is best for your business based on your specific need and budget.
- Comparing broadband providers. Once you have determined your business needs and the broadband options available, it’s time to compare the different broadband providers in your area. Look at everything from pricing to service-level agreements, minimum speed guarantees, extra features and benefits and customer support.
- Checking availability and coverage. Before signing up for a business broadband package, check the availability and coverage in your area. Some providers may not offer services in some locations. Or the speeds may vary.
- Reviewing contract terms. Before signing up for a business broadband package, carefully review the contract terms, including the minimum term, the termination fee and any penalties for exceeding usage limits.
Contents
Introduction
Broadband has long been an essential requirement for businesses of all sizes. It plays a critical role in day-to-day operations, from communication to accessing online tools and applications.
Choosing the right business broadband is therefore crucial to ensure that your business runs smoothly and efficiently.
This guide will help you understand the different types of business broadband available in the UK, what they offer and how to select the one that’s right for you and your organisation.
We’ll cover:
- Determining your business needs. Before choosing a business broadband service provider it is essential to evaluate your business needs. How many employees will use the internet? How often will they use it? What will they use it for? And based on that, what upload and download speeds and extra features will you need?
- Understanding broadband types. From hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) to single order generic ethernet access (SOGEA) and fibre to the premises (FTTP), we can help you make sense of the acronyms and work out which option is best for your business based on your specific need and budget.
- Comparing broadband providers. Once you have determined your business needs and the broadband options available, it’s time to compare the different broadband providers in your area. Look at everything from pricing to service-level agreements, minimum speed guarantees, extra features and benefits and customer support.
- Checking availability and coverage. Before signing up for a business broadband package, check the availability and coverage in your area. Some providers may not offer services in some locations. Or the speeds may vary.
- Reviewing contract terms. Before signing up for a business broadband package, carefully review the contract terms, including the minimum term, the termination fee and any penalties for exceeding usage limits.
Contents
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Understanding different types of business broadband
There are several types of business broadband typically available in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of the main ones you need to know about.
Hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) broadband
Hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) broadband
HFC broadband combines fibre optic cables and coaxial cables to deliver high-speed internet services. The fibre optic cables are used to connect the internet service provider (ISP)'s central office to fibre or optical nodes. Coaxial cables then connect these nodes to individual businesses.
Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) broadband
Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) broadband
ADSL is a type of broadband that uses copper telephone lines to provide internet access. It’s widely available in the UK and is often a cost-effective option for small and medium-sized businesses.
Fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband
Fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband
FTTP offers the highest speed and reliability. It uses fibre optic cables that go directly into your building, giving you ultra-fast symmetric speeds for both uploads and downloads and is and is faster than ADSL broadband. FTTP is ideal for larger businesses or those with high data demands.
Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) broadband
Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) broadband
FTTC is a popular choice that delivers faster speeds compared to ADSL. It uses a combination of fibre optic cables and copper wires, with the fibre connection running up to the street cabinet and copper cables to the premises. It's suitable for small to medium-sized businesses that need faster download and upload speeds.
Single order generic ethernet access (SOGEA) broadband
Single order generic ethernet access (SOGEA) broadband
Like FTTC, SOGEA uses fibre optic cables to connect the local street cabinet to the internet service provider's network. But it gives you dedicated and uncontended bandwidth – you don’t share your internet connection with other users in the same area. This gives you more consistent and reliable speeds, which is especially useful for larger business that use data intensive apps.
The essential features of business broadband
When you’re trying to decide on a new business broadband package, what are the essential features you need to be looking for and comparing? Our handy list below has you covered.
High-speed internet
Business broadband should offer high-speed internet with fast download and upload speeds to support bandwidth-intensive applications like video conferencing, cloud storage and file sharing.
Reliability
You should get reliable internet connectivity with minimal downtime. Service level agreements (SLAs) that provide a minimum speed guarantee, uptime guarantee and fast repair times are also important.
Security
Your provider should offer robust security features like firewalls, antivirus protection and intrusion detection systems to protect your business networks from cyber threats.
Customer support
Look for reliable and responsive customer support, including technical assistance, 24/7 troubleshooting and dedicated account managers.
Scalability
The solution should be scalable, i.e. able to accommodate the changing needs of your business. You should be able to easily upgrade your broadband package to higher bandwidth and speed as your business grows.
Quality of service (QoS)
You should have quality of service (QoS) features that prioritise certain types of internet traffic, such as voice and video, over other types, such as file downloads. This ensures critical applications get the bandwidth they need and don't get slowed down by less important ones.
Static IP address
Business broadband should offer a static IP address, which allows you to host your own website along with your file transfer protocol and VPN servers.
Backup connectivity
You’ll need backup connectivity – 4G, for example – to make sure you still have internet during network outages.
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How business broadband can help save costs
In general, business broadband is more cost-effective than a lot of other business connectivity options. On this page we’ve explored some of the main reasons why that is.
Lower setup costs
Lower setup costs
Business broadband typically has lower setup costs compared to other connectivity options like leased lines or multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) networks, which need dedicated infrastructure and equipment.
Lower monthly costs
Lower monthly costs
Business broadband usually costs less each month than other connectivity options. This is because broadband providers offer shared infrastructure, which means the cost is spread across multiple users.
No minimum contract length
No minimum contract length
Some broadband providers offer no minimum contract length, which means businesses can have more flexibility in their connectivity options and only pay for the service when they need it.
No maintenance costs
No maintenance costs
Because broadband providers are responsible for maintaining their own infrastructure, you don’t have to bear the cost of maintaining your own network equipment.
Faster installation
Faster installation
Business broadband can be installed faster than other connectivity options, which can help you get up and running quickly and start using your internet connection sooner.
Why businesses shouldn’t just use
consumer broadband
You might be wondering if you can just hook a consumer broadband connection up to your business.
Sadly the answer is no. There are a whole bunch of reasons why you need to opt for specialised
business broadband, which we’ve outlined below.
Faster speeds
While a typical consumer broadband plan may offer download speeds of up to 100 Mbps, business broadband plans can offer download speeds of up to 1Gbps or even higher. And they often have higher upload speeds, which can be crucial for tasks like sharing large files or video conferencing.
Higher bandwidth
You’ll generally get higher bandwidth with business broadband. So your organisation can handle more data and use more applications, like video conferencing and file-sharing, without experiencing slow speeds or dropped connections – especially helpful during peak times
Increased reliability
Business broadband is designed to be more reliable than consumer broadband, ideally with service level agreements (SLAs) that ensure guaranteed uptime, guaranteed minimum speeds and fast repair times. This is particularly important for sectors like ecommerce, online banking or cloud-based services that rely on the internet for critical operations.
Better security
Business broadband providers typically offer better security features, such as firewalls and antivirus protection, to protect you from cyber threats. They also give you extra security options like multiple static IP addresses and virtual private networks (VPNs) to allow remote workers to connect to your company network securely.
Priority customer support
Many business broadband providers offer priority customer support, with dedicated help desks and fast response times. So you can quickly resolve any issues and minimise downtime.
Customised Packages
You can often get customised packages from your business broadband provider, offering tailored features like higher upload and download speeds, fixed IP addresses and static IP addresses. So you can choose the package that best suits your needs and budget.
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What to look for in a business broadband provider
When you’re on the lookout for a new business broadband provider it can be hard to sift through all the usual marketing fluff. We’ve broken down the things that really matter to help you cut through the noise.
What to look for
- Quality of service. Speed, reliability and a high quality connection are the hallmarks of good business broadband, so choose a provider that can reassure you on all three.
- Technical support. Reputable providers typically offer strong technical support, which is important if your business operations rely on an internet connection.
- Flexibility. Reputable providers often offer a range of packages and pricing options, allowing you to choose the service that best meets your needs and budget.
What to watch out for
- Cost. High quality providers can be more expensive than other options, which may be a consideration if you’re working with a limited budget.
- Availability. Some providers may not offer service in certain areas, reducing the options available to your business.
- Contract terms. Certain providers may require long-term contracts or have strict cancellation policies, which can be challenging if your business needs flexibility.
What to look for in a business
broadband service level agreement
Service level agreements (SLAs) are contracts that define the level of service that a business broadband service provider will deliver to its customers. Here are some of the things you should expect from your SLA and a few things to watch out for.
What to look for
- Guaranteed service levels. SLAs can – and should – give you guaranteed levels of service quality, covering things like uptime, network performance and customer support.
- Increased reliability. By holding service providers accountable for meeting agreed-upon service levels, SLAs can increase the reliability and consistency of your broadband service.
- Remediation and compensation. SLAs typically include remedies and compensation if the service provider fails to meet the agreed-upon service levels, which can help you recover from service disruptions and minimise the impact on your operations.
- Clarification of responsibilities. SLAs can help clarify the responsibilities of the service provider and the customer, reducing confusion and improving communication.
- Uptime guarantees. SLAs provide guarantees that the broadband service will be available for a certain percentage of the time, typically 99.9% or higher.
- Customer support guarantees. SLAs also provide guarantees that the service provider will give you a certain level of customer support, based on things like response times and issue resolution times.
What to watch out for
- Complexity. SLAs can be complex and difficult to understand, especially for businesses without specialised IT knowledge.
- Limited flexibility. SLAs can be inflexible, with little room for negotiation or customisation.
- Cost. Broadband services with SLAs included can be more expensive than those without, as you’re paying for the added service guarantees and remedies.
Business broadband security essentials
If you’re looking to take on a business broadband solution, here are the main things you need to think about when it comes to cybersecurity.
Encryption
The broadband connection should be encrypted to protect data that is transmitted over the business broadband. You can achieve these using protocols like secure sockets layer (SSL) or transport layer security (TLS) to protect sensitive information like login credentials, payment details and customer data. This also helps build customer trust and compliance with data protection regulations.
Firewall
A firewall is essential for business broadband security because it helps protect against threats like malware, viruses, and unauthorised access attempts. By filtering traffic and enforcing security policies, firewalls can prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in your network.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection that allows remote users to access your company's network over the internet. This helps protect data from interception and unauthorised access when users are connected from external locations like home or public WiFi networks – crucial for keeping sensitive data safe and confidential.
Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS)
IDPS are security solutions that monitor network traffic for suspicious activities or patterns that may indicate a potential cyber attack. By analysing network traffic and identifying potential threats in real-time, these systems minimise the risk of successful attacks and reduce the impact of security breaches.
Regular software updates and patch management
Hackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in software to gain unauthorised access or disrupt services. Regular software updates – from operating systems to applications and devices – are essential to address these vulnerabilities, reduce the attack surface and enhance the overall security of your business network.
Employee training
Human error is one of the leading causes of a data breach, so a strong and regular training programme is essentially. Security training involves educating employees about various security threats, best practices and the importance of adhering to security policies and procedures.
Choosing between a static IP address
or a dynamic IP address
An IP (internet protocol) address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to each device connected to the internet. And there are two main types: static and dynamic. But which one do you need? Let’s look at the difference between them.
Static IP address
As the name suggests, a static IP address stays the same over time and is assigned to a specific device or network.
Business broadband plans typically offer the option of a static IP address – here are some reasons why you might need one:
- Hosting a website or server. If you need to host a website or a server that requires external access, a static IP address can make it easier to access the website or server consistently.
- Remote access. If you need to remotely access your company's network, a static IP address can provide a consistent connection for workers.
- Security. A static IP address can be more secure than a dynamic IP address as it allows you to set up more secure remote access and firewall rules.
- Email server. If your organisation has an email server, a static IP address can help make sure emails are delivered and not flagged as spam.
Dynamic IP address
In contrast to a fixed IP address, a dynamic IP address changes over time, usually each time a device connects to the internet.
Here are some of the common reasons why you might choose a dynamic IP address over a static IP address:
- Everyday use. Dynamic IP addresses are suitable for general internet browsing, streaming and online gaming.
- Small business use. If you don’t have extensive IT requirements or budget to spend, a dynamic IP address might the best option.
- Residential properties. The majority of residential broadband connections use dynamic IP addresses.
- Cost saving. Dynamic IP addresses can be less costly than dynamic IP addresses, particularly for residential or small business users.
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Other types of business connectivity
While this guide is focussed specifically on business broadband, there are plenty other connectivity options out there. We’ve covered the ones you need to know about below.
Leased lines
A leased line (or Dedicated Internet Access) is an internet connection that goes all the way into your building, generally providing faster speeds. And because it’s a dedicated line that you don’t share with anyone else, you get guaranteed speeds, even during peak times, with symmetrical upload and download speeds as well.
Smart Internet Access (SIA)
Smart Internet Access (SIA) is our own co-managed solution with up to two fibre ethernet, cable, FTTP or SOGEA connections, giving you secure, fast and instant access to the internet with upload and download speeds of up to 2Gbps. And with a Meraki box included, you get extra benefits like an integrated firewall and the ability to manage your wireless network with the Cisco Meraki dashboard.
Bonded broadband
Bonded broadband combines two or more broadband connections to create a single, faster connection. This can provide higher speeds and increased reliability, making it suitable for businesses that require high bandwidth and dependable connectivity.
4G/5G mobile broadband
4G/5G mobile broadband uses mobile networks to provide internet access. It can be a useful backup option for businesses that require a reliable connection or for those in areas with poor fixed line connectivity.
Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) networks
MPLS networks are a type of private network that connect multiple business sites. They provide secure and reliable connectivity between sites and can be customised to meet your specific business needs.
Virtual private networks (VPNs)
VPNs create a secure, encrypted connection over the internet, allowing remote workers or branch offices to access your organisation’s network. VPNs are often used for remote working or for businesses with multiple locations.
Dark fibre
Dark fibre is a type of fibre optic cable that is leased to businesses without any active equipment. This allows you to control your own network and install your own equipment, providing greater flexibility and scalability.
Wireless broadband
Wireless broadband uses radio signals to provide internet access. It can be useful for businesses in rural or remote areas where other broadband options are not available.
Point-to-point (PtP) connectivity
PtP connectivity provides a direct, dedicated connection between two locations. It can be used to connect multiple business sites or provide high-speed connectivity to a remote location.
Hybrid broadband
Hybrid broadband combines different types of broadband technologies, such as ADSL and 4G, to create a more resilient and flexible connection. Hybrid broadband can be useful if you need high-speed connectivity but don’t have access to a single reliable technology.
Need support with
business broadband?
Our expert team can help you make the right choice for your organisation
We help UK organisations realise their digital potential by connecting them to new opportunities through the unique power of our two networks combined, with the industry’s best people on our team and yours, every step of the way.
We carry over 35% of the country’s broadband traffic. So we have the expertise to give you the broadband service your business needs to succeed.
And with 99.9% uptime, you can rest easy knowing our network won’t let you down when it matters.
In the event there is an issue, however, our Business Broadband Gig1 service comes with a 12 working hours issue resolve time, providing you with the peace of mind that we’ll fix that issue before it becomes a problem.
We have 190,000km of fibre cable across the UK and we’re committed to extending our fibre to 21 million premises by 2026, as well upgrading our fixed network to full fibre (FTTP) by 2028.
So, if you choose to partner with us you’ll benefit from even higher bandwidth speeds, lower latency and more reliable internet connectivity in future.
