What is business broadband?
Business broadband is an internet service designed specifically for companies. It uses the same core infrastructure as home broadband but adds extra features tailored to work environments, such as:
- Guaranteed uptime with Service-Level Agreements (SLAs)
- Static IP addresses
- Enhanced security
- Business-grade wireless routers
These packages are especially useful for small and medium-sized businesses, but bespoke options may be available for larger companies.
Who needs business broadband?
You might benefit from business broadband if:
- You need guaranteed uptime for productivity
- You want to host servers or use VoIP digital phone lines
- You're planning to grow your business or scale soon
- You need consistent speeds, even at peak times
But it’s not necessary for everyone! If you’re simply working from home, a fast home broadband connection with the option to add a static IP address could be enough.
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What is a static IP address?
An IP address is a unique number that corresponds to your location on the internet. With consumer broadband, static IPs are uncommon (although check your add-on options on checkout), and you’re usually assigned a new, dynamic IP address every time you connect.
Most business providers will give you at least one static IP, ensuring your business has a fixed address on the internet. It’s essential if you want to run your own in-house services, and also gives your company a greater air of professionalism. However, with a fixed address, you do need to ensure you have good security.
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What is Contention Ratio?
The contention ratio is a number that describes how many users are sharing the bandwidth on a network.
Although the number tends not to be widely advertised, for consumer broadband it’s typically in the region of 20:1 to 50:1. This means that between 20 and 50 users are sharing the same bandwidth.
The contention ratio is much lower for business broadband, depending on how much you’re paying. Anything under 5:1 is regarded as being good, with 1:1 being the ideal (albeit that comes at a much higher price).
What speeds can I get?
Business broadband packages often match residential speeds – and sometimes exceed them.
Typical speeds include:
- ADSL: up to 24Mb (less common today)
- Part-Fibre (‘Fibre-to-the-cabinet’ / FTTC): 40Mb to 80Mb
- Full-Fibre (‘Fibre-to-the-premises’ / FTTP): up to 1Gb+ (if available)
- Leased lines: up to 10Gb with guaranteed speeds
Your actual speed will depend on the provider and your location.
Choosing the right speed for your business
Business broadband providers on Broadband Genie offer a similar choice of download speeds and upload speeds as for home fibre connections. This includes cheap entry-level fibre to suit individuals or small businesses, right up to ultrafast or gigabit broadband for more demanding tasks.
Business broadband may quote slightly higher maximum broadband speeds than home broadband due to the prioritised traffic. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s much faster, but that you should always have a good connection.
Speed maximums are theoretical, and the actual performance will differ. But the provider should always give an accurate estimate when signing up.
Think about the number of users and how you'll use the connection:
- Light use (email, browsing): 35Mb fibre is usually fine
- Heavy use (cloud, video, large files): 100Mb+ may be needed
Scaling up soon? Pick a package that lets you upgrade easily.
Genie tip: It’s safer to overestimate your bandwidth needs than to risk slowdowns.
Do I need a leased line?
A leased line gives you your own dedicated connection to the internet – no sharing and no slowdowns. To get a leased line, contact your preferred provider’s business sales team to discuss availability and pricing.
Consider one if:
- You need ultra-reliable performance
- You have many employees online 24/7
- You rely heavily on cloud services or large data transfers
- You need a very high level of support and a service-level guarantee (SLA)
They’re pricier but come with dedicated support and fixed speeds.
You don't need a leased line if:
- You're just searching for home broadband and Wi-Fi
- Your business is small, or you run it from home
Do I need a phone line?
Business broadband usually requires a line, but that doesn't always mean paying for a landline phone.
Options include:
- Openreach line (most common)
- Virgin Media cable (no traditional phone line needed)
- Full fibre (FTTP) – no traditional landline required
Bundle tip: If your business takes phone calls, it might be cheaper to bundle your broadband and phone together.
What should I look for when comparing deals?
Use our postcode tool to check:
- Availability: Only broadband services available at your address will show.
- Monthly price: Prices listed may exclude VAT but should include line rental.
- Contract length: Can vary from 12 to 36 months. You will need to commit to this time, although it should be possible to move offices and take your service with you.
- Extras: Static IPs, routers, VoIP, free setup. Think of all your business needs before committing. Bundles extras could save you more money in the long term.
- Data policy: Most are unlimited, but ‘restrictions apply’ could mean there’s a traffic management policy.
How do I switch business broadband packages?
Already on a business broadband service? No problem! As long as your contract is complete, switching is just as simple as with home broadband. One Touch Switch is in place for business providers. This means your new provider will arrange the transfer for you.
Frequently asked questions
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Can I get business broadband at home?
Yes, but you might not need it unless you require a static IP or business-grade support.
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What's the difference between business and home broadband?
Business broadband includes extras like static IPs, Service-Level Agreements (SLAs), and dedicated support. It’s designed for reliability and scalability.
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Is business broadband faster?
Sometimes. But only if you’re signed up to a fast package. Leased lines can technically offer speeds up to 10Gb. Having said that, even on superfast fibre packages with speeds up to 70Mb, business traffic often gets priority and avoids peak-time slowdowns.
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Is business broadband unlimited?
Most are. Always check the small print for traffic management policies.
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Why is business broadband so expensive?
As well as internet access, with a fibre business broadband deal you’re benefitting from dedicated customer support (often UK-based), speed guarantees, guaranteed uptime and fault resolution time for your internet connection. Extras such as static IPs, business phone calls or better Wi-Fi routers are also common.
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