Your business and phone broadband allows you to get online, download and upload large files quickly and enable the day-to-day running of your business.
Business broadband is different to domestic broadband in the sense it offers faster speeds, more security and comes with dedicated customer support.
Here, we’ve highlighted just some (there are many more around) bundles which specialise in small businesses – looking specifically at price, features, reliability and customer reviews.
Business Broadband Suppliers
Switching broadband provider is trickier than switching other services as you may have to physically switch to a different network. With that in mind, we’ve asked the experts what you should be factoring in when you choose business broadband and some of the best providers in the UK market.
Speed
Speed is all-important in your broadband decision making. Broadband packages for business are much faster than home broadband solutions and also provide greater choice; you can opt for either ADSL or fibre and can even choose a leased line. Leased broadband is a business option for a faster connection where you won’t share your bandwidth with anyone else. This dedicated line will ensure your connection runs at the speed you want.
It can be tempting to opt for the highest speeds available, with some providers offering up to 900mbps (that’s megabits per second), but it is worth being mindful that coverage may be limited. Most providers have an online tool which will tell you how good coverage will be in your postcode area before you commit to anything.
Then you need to choose between fibre and standard broadband. But which one should you go for? “Small businesses should be looking to choose ultrafast, fibre broadband to meet their everyday needs,” Alasdair Wright, chief marketing officer at Broadway Partners, tells Small Business. “Fibre is capable of transmitting data much faster than traditional copper connections. Fast broadband speeds are essential for businesses who need to download large files, access cloud platforms and jump from one video call to the next.
“Fibre connections are far more secure as their optical signals are harder to intercept than traditional electric transmissions, so businesses can be reassured their data is protected and they aren’t at risk of an attack or breach.”
Stability is also key, wherever your business is based: “Whilst small businesses have differing workspaces, stability and coverage should be a strong consideration for all,” Wright explains. “Home-based businesses will want assurance that their connection won’t drop out throughout the day, whereas those in larger office spaces will also need to ensure coverage is maintained across the entire space. It’s also important to think about how the installation of broadband may affect the business.”
Wright also advises us to think about installation. Quick and easy installation is best for minimal disruption and fibre broadband only takes a couple of hours to install, for example.
The level of broadband comes into play too. “Just as mobile broadband is working its way through to 5G, home/office WiFi is also progressing with greater speeds than ever before, also supporting more devices than ever before and with a signal power beaming directly to devices for maximum efficiency. Most new routers on fibre networks come with 6.0 as standard for ultimate reliability,” he says.
What broadband options are available for my business? – Here, we look at what types of internet connection you can choose for your company
How you connect
Take how you connect into consideration. Basic broadband connects through the asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) and uses the existing phone line infrastructure known as the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to connect to the internet. But BT, who owns and runs the PSTN, is switching off the network from December 31, 2027. “So, if you’re planning on making the switch in the next couple of years, opting for a broadband connection that connects using fibre optic cables, such as full fibre broadband, offers you a futureproofed service,” said Kristian Torode, director and co-founder of Crystaline.
Dynamic or static IP
You are likely to be familiar with dynamic IP addresses as these form the basis of home broadband services. A dynamic IP address changes frequently, meaning that you are not assigned a specific IP address. While this solution is fine for smaller, simple business operations, those which are more complex or have specific needs may find that a fixed IP address becomes a necessity. Such requirements include running CCTV systems, servers for websites, email management or the need to access a desktop remotely.
There are some disadvantages to static IP addresses though, most notably, the increased security risk from cyberattacks. Because the IP address remains constant, it is much easier to track the computer which is linked to it, making it a prime target for hackers. It is also more difficult to change a static IP address once it has been assigned. For most businesses, the pros of switching to a fixed IP address outweigh the cons, it will just require more emphasis on IT security and protection.
Customer support
Having a business continuity plan in place is essential for managing the unexpected, and this includes what to do in the event of an IT failure. Ensuring that you opt for a phone and broadband provider with a good track record of customer service is essential, so that you can rest assured that help will be on hand if you need it.
Most business packages will provide enhanced support teams, and some will provide 24/7 availability, through a combination of phone, email and live chat facilities.
If your business requires a certain level of response or you need to place a limit on downtime periods, it is worth considering implementing an SLA (Service Level Agreement) with your chosen provider. This will ensure that you are able to maintain a connection even if there is a fault with their broadband. A smart move would be to opt for a package which offers 4G as an automatic back-up, giving you continued coverage in the event of complete broadband failure.
Note when customer service hours operate. If you run a restaurant, for example, a provider which only offers customer service during standard business hours isn’t going to be able to help in a crisis.
Reviews
Customer service and support are vital components of your broadband package, but you should factor in how the whole shebang shapes up.
Torode added that it’s a good idea to look out for awards to back up providers’ claims of excellence. If they’ve got recent awards from the likes of Uswitch, Expert Reviews and Choose, that’s a positive sign.
“It’s also worth looking at customer review websites like Trustpilot, to see how each provider ranks for customer service,” he said. “It’s all very well having a broadband connection with a low price point, but if the provider doesn’t respond quickly in the event of a connectivity issue, it might be worth paying that little bit more for a better quality of service.”
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What’s the best broadband for my business?
Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for, the next step is to consider how your business type may affect your decision.
“It’s important to calculate what your usage is going to look like,” Torode adds. “If you’re a small business with just a few devices, your data needs will be significantly less than a larger office with hundreds of connected devices, which might be best suited to an unlimited data package.”
Below are some example businesses to give you an idea of what you’ll need.
Can I get a business broadband package at home?
A small home-based business is likely to need a stable internet connection, particularly if conference calls are a frequent occurrence. If usage is fairly low and limited to browsing and emailing, then an ADSL line is likely to be sufficient. For more frequent conference calling or if there are multiple devices used in the household, a fibre optic solution will provide a faster, more stable connection.
Can I get rural business broadband?
Your ability to get broadband as a rural business will rely on how available broadband is in your area, and you may need to make some concessions in order to get a decent connection. While rural broadband is much more widely available than it was a few years ago (thanks to the national fibre rollout), some areas are still not very well served. However, if you’re able to get a fibre connection to your home, you should be able to do so at your place of business too (it might even be the same place!).
Can I get 5G business broadband? (mention mobile)
In recent years, 5G broadband has become more and more popular as 5G service has increased. While 5G is still primarily used for mobile devices on the go, some providers do offer 5G hubs which can connect you to 5G Wi-Fi. This can be especially useful if you live in an area where you can’t necessarily access fibre broadband (like aforementioned rural areas), to unlock faster speeds.
Can I claim business broadband as an expense?
Broadband and phone services are part of the utilities you’re allowed to claim for as a sole trader or business owner, but you have to be careful when filing tax returns that you’re correctly differentiating between your home and business services. Having a dedicated business broadband and phone package will help with this.
Business broadband for small retailers
For small retailers, salons and shops who are only using the internet to process card transactions and send emails, an ADSL line is likely to be the most cost-effective option. If music is likely to be streamed into the shop, it is worth opting for unlimited downloads to avoid any additional charges.
Business broadband for cafes and restaurants
For cafes and restaurants, fibre optic broadband with unlimited downloads is a must have to ensure customers can enjoy hassle-free usage of the WiFi; this is now an essential selling-point as many more freelancers and remote employees opt to work from coffee shops and similar venues. This will ensure multiple people can use the internet at any time, providing both customers and staff with a reliable and fit for purpose solution.
Business broadband for offices
Small offices would also be wise to opt for fibre optic broadband with unlimited downloads and for those with multiple employees, additional phone lines and a static IP address. Where growth is expected, it is also important to opt for solutions which can easily be scaled up and down as business dictates.
Larger offices are likely to need a leased line or ethernet solution to help service the needs of multiple users, maintain a high-speed service and support remote servers, conference calls and other essential business functions.
What’s the fastest business broadband?
These are the fastest business broadband and phone bundles currently available. These are ideal if you’re looking for speed and efficiency and have got a decent budget to put towards your broadband service.
Fibre or broadband: Fibre
Upload/download speeds:</strong Up to 1000mbps download speed; up to 100mbps upload speed
Dynamic or static IP: Either
Customer service: Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Trustpilot score: 1.1
Pricing:
Voom 200: £29 – up to 200mbps download speed and up to 20mbps upload speed
Voom 400: £35 – up to 400mbps download speed and up to 40mbps upload speed
Voom 600: £41 – up to 600mbps download speed and up to 60mbps upload speed
Voom Gig1: £53 – up to 1000mbps download speed and up to 100mbps upload speed
All contracts are 24 months and exclude VAT.
Virgin Media Business claims that its broadband offering is 99.9 per cent reliable and 13 times faster than BT and Sky’s widely available offerings. While the technician sets up you up, you can get online straight away with Instant Connect, powered by a 4G start-up dongle.
Fibre or broadband: Either
Upload/download speeds: Up to 900mbps downloads; up to 104mbps uploads
Dynamic or static IP: Static
Customer service: Telephone support Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Trustpilot score: 1.7
Pricing:
Essential – From £29.95 – Up to 900mbps of downloads, 19mbps of upload.
Enhanced – From £39.95 – Up to 900mbps of downloads, 19mbps of upload.
Pro – From £49.95 – up to 900mbps upload and 104mbps upload.
All contracts are 24 months and prices exclude VAT.
BT has teamed up with phone provider EE to give customers wider access to services. Some hardware is available in the packages above, but you can also purchase the BT Business Hub, Complete Wi-Fi, Hybrid and Digital phone line separately.
All the packages come with minimum speed guarantee, guest WiFi, content controls and web protect.
Fibre or broadband: Either
Upload/download speeds: Download speeds of up to 500mbps; upload speeds of up to 60mbps
Dynamic or static IP: Static
Customer service: 24/7 support
Trustpilot score: 1.6
Pricing:
Essential – £27.95 – 76mbps download, 19mbps upload
Pro – £37.95 – 150mbps download, 28mbps upload
Plus – £47.95 – 500mbps download, 60mbps upload
All of the above are 24-month contracts. There’s also a £79 4G installation fee on Pro and Max packages. Full fibre is available to 9 per cent of all UK businesses.
Sky offers a fixed price package during your contract plus a 30-day money back guarantee. It comes with a 4G automatic back-up as standard.
As for your phone, Sky has a VoiceEdge service which diverts calls to another number or passes calls to someone else if you can’t pick up on the Pro package and has two lines and three-way calls with Plus.
Fibre/normal broadband: Either
Download and upload speeds: Dedicated leased lines have scalable speeds up to 10mbps or up to 900mbps on full-fibre
Dynamic or static IP: Either
Customer service: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 6pm
Trustpilot score: 4.8
Pricing:
Simply Business Broadband – £16.95 a month – up to 17mb/s download and 1 mb/s upload
Complete Business Broadband – £22.95 a month – up to 17mb/s download and 1 mb/s upload
Simply Business Fibre – £23.95 a month – 76mb/s download and 18mb/s upload
Complete Business Fibre – £29.95 a month – 76mb/s download and 18mb/s upload
All contracts are 24 months and prices exclude VAT.
TalkTalk has a ‘market-leading’ service level agreement as well as offering 12 or 18-month contracts with free static or dynamic IP.
TalkTalk runs a business referral scheme where you’ll both get up to in £200 Amazon vouchers for a referral.
Fibre/normal broadband: Fibre
Upload/download speeds:
Dynamic or static IP: Static
Customer service:
Trustpilot score: 4.3
Pricing:
EssentialBiz – Targeted at small businesses working from home. 150mbps upload and download speed. One static IP address with chance to upgrade to five. Unlimited data. £37.49 a month.
ExtraBiz – Ideal for SMEs transferring files regularly. 500mbps upload and 500mbps download speed. Upload and download large files in seconds. One static IP address with chance to upgrade to five. £45.83 a month.
SuperiorBiz – Ideal for businesses who want to maximise efficiency. Everything on other packages but with fastest speeds available. 1000mbps upload and download speed. One static IP address with chance to do up to five. Free Wi-Fi booster £54.16 a month.
ProBiz – Trooli’s fastest bundle and one of the fastest business broadband deals available. Ideal for businesses that need ultimate speed and reliability. Up to 2000Mbps download and upload speed. Free Wi-Fi Booster included. £62.49 per month.
All prices shown exclude VAT.
Trooli is a business provider that has been around for 20 years. It offers fast file transfers, unlimited data and a network that’s reliable 99.9 per cent of the time.
What’s the cheapest business broadband?
Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest business broadband bundles available in the UK.
Bear in mind that prices will exclude VAT and contract lengths will be 12, 18 or 24 months. Plus, the Trustpilot score for the larger companies may also cover their broader offering such as TV and phone.
Fibre or broadband: Fibre broadband
Upload/download speed: Download speed up to 900mbps; 100mbps upload speed
Dynamic or static IP: Static
Customer service: Phone – Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm; live chat – Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Trustpilot score: 4
Pricing: 24-month plans from £23 a month – plus VAT.
The phone network has made something of a name for itself in the broadband world. It has a minimum speed guarantee and if that speed isn’t satisfied, you can leave your contract early with no termination fee. The service offers 14-day returns with no cancellation fee. A hub will be sent to you that you can plug in and use straight away.
Fibre or broadband: Either
Upload/download speeds: Average 67mbps download; average upload speed of 18mbps
Dynamic or static IP: Static
Customer service: Telephone support 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday; 9am to 5pm at weekends
Trustpilot score: 4.2
Pricing:
Business Full Fibre 100 – £35 plus £25 activation fee
Business Full Fibre 300 – £40 plus £25 activation fee
Business Full Fibre 500 – £45 plus £25 activation fee
Business Full Fibre 900 – £50 plus £25 activation fee
All contacts are 24 months and prices exclude VAT.
Zen’s packages are specifically made for small businesses. It comes with a free Fritz!Box router and it’s a Which? Recommended Provider for 2022.
Fibre/broadband: Either
Upload/download speeds: Up to 76mbps for downloads; up to 19mbps for uploads
Dynamic or static IP: Static
Customer service: Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm; Saturday 10am to 2pm
Trustpilot score: 4.6
Pricing:
Unlimited business broadband – £21.95 a month, speed up to 24mbps, unlimited downloads and a wireless router.
Unlimited Business Fibre 76mbps – £26.95 a month (reverts to £29.95 after six months) – speed up to 76mbps, line rental and unlimited downloads.
Supersaver bundle – £32.90 a month (price reverts to £36.90 after 12 months) – unlimited downloads, digital phone line with features including voicemail to email.
All the above are 12-month contracts and exclude VAT.
Small business specialists bOnline have a price match guarantee and you get a free wireless router. It uses the BT Openreach network but charges customers less. Line rental included is also included in the above prices.
If standard packages don’t suit, you can create a bespoke solution from 50+ features to fit your business needs.
Fibre or broadband: Either
Upload/download speeds: Up to 80mbps
Dynamic or static IP: Static
Customer service: 8:30am to 6pm Monday to Thursday; 8:30am to 7pm Friday; 10am to 2pm Saturday
Trustpilot score: 4.2
Pricing:
Broadband and phone – £27.95 per month – 18-month contract
Superfast broadband and phone from £32.95 per month – 18-month contract
Free public WiFi service – from £15 per month 18-month contract – lets customers surf for free, no set-up cost, no password sharing, simple guest registration
Prices above exclude VAT.
XLN works exclusively with small businesses and also uses BT Openreach as well as TalkTalk business networks to provide its services. Line rental, unlimited UK calls and a free plug and play router (£9.99 P&P) is included in both packages.
Obtain several quotes for your business broadband
In summary, while there are a variety of different business phone and broadband packages on offer, understanding your business and your usage needs will help to cut through the clutter and identify the best solutions for your individual requirements. Remember to obtain several quotes from different providers before deciding and reach out to your networks to see if others have had positive or negative experiences with your preferred providers prior to signing on the dotted line.
Nathan Hill-Haimes is founder of Amvia, a privately-owned, voice, data and cloud application provider based in Sheffield, which supplies services to companies of all sizes.
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