If your enterprise relies on a fast and continuous internet connection, you will likely be searching for the best business broadband deals in the UK. The best business broadband deals offer priority support, uptime guarantees, and cybersecurity benefits essential for cloud-based services, e-shops, and SaaS companies. If you fit the description, read on for the best broadband deals for UK businesses below.
Best business broadband deals
Business broadband explained
A broadband internet connection in the UK must reach at least 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload speeds. However, most businesses with an online presence need much more. Full Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband business deals offer up to 1Gbps download speed, a hundred times faster than some residential connections.
But speed is not the only factor. Choosing broadband deals for business with a Service Level Agreement (SLA) will guarantee you priority technical support in case of downtime or a refund if the provider fails to fulfil its obligations. For example, “unbreakable” or Hybrid Connect BT business broadband deals offer a 4G network backup that maintains internet access whenever the primary connection fails.
Why do you need a business broadband?
1. Enhanced Security
As cybercrime against UK businesses increases, security-oriented business broadband deals offer essential protection with additional benefits like:
- VPN for encrypted, secure remote access
- Network-wide email scanning to protect against threats
- Robust antivirus and firewall to defend against malware and unauthorised access
- Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) protection to prevent targeted attacks from overwhelming your network
When choosing a business broadband deal, prioritise providers that offer appropriate security features to keep your company's data and network safe.
2. Minimising Downtime and Ensuring Reliable Connectivity
Business broadband deals help avoid and mitigate the damage caused by internet downtime on your sales and reputation by providing:
- Network backups to keep your operations running smoothly during outages
- Bandwidth priority to maintain excellent connection speeds during peak hours, ensuring consistent productivity
- 24/7 customer support to quickly sort any issues as they arise
Look for business broadband deals that guarantee high uptime percentages and include redundancy measures to minimise the risk of costly downtime.
3. Business-Specific Benefits
Business broadband deals offer unique advantages tailored to your company's needs, such as:
- Web hosting to establish your online presence and host your website
- Business email addresses to project a professional image and avoid the casual impression of free email providers like Gmail or Yahoo
The ability to request a static IP address, which is crucial for hosting your website and other online services
What types of business internet are available?
In the UK, businesses have several internet connectivity options, each with advantages and considerations.
The most common types include:
1. Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC)
- Widely available across the UK
- Fibre connection to the cabinet – the typically green metal cabinets next to the street – and copper wires to your premises
- Speeds depend on network congestion and distance from the street cabinet
- Suitable for most small to medium-sized businesses
2. Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
- Also known as full-fibre or ultrafast fibre broadband
- Fibre connection directly to your business premises
- Faster speeds and more consistent reliability than FTTC
- Available to over 62% of UK properties
- Ideal for businesses with heavy data usage or high bandwidth needs
3. Gigabit Broadband
- Includes both full-fibre and Virgin Media's hybrid fibre-coax (HFC) networks using DOCSIS 3.1 technology
- Lightning-fast speeds up to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) or more
- Supported by government investment to expand availability
- Currently accessible to more than 79% of the UK
- Perfect for data-intensive operations and large businesses
4. 5G Mobile Broadband
- Wireless internet connection via the 5G mobile network
- Lower latency with faster speeds than earlier generations of mobile technology
- Useful for businesses in areas without fixed-line broadband access
- Provides flexibility for remote work and mobile operations
When selecting your business internet service, consider your speed requirements, connection reliability, and budget. Aim to choose a connection to support your business's current and future needs to ensure you remain productive and competitive in the digital landscape.
Factors to consider when choosing broadband for business
What is the best business broadband deal for you depends on your business demands. Here's what you should consider before committing:
- Static vs. dynamic IP address. A static business IP lets your employees securely connect to the workplace network via a VPN. Simultaneously, a static IP is necessary for such use cases as website hosting, IoT device connections, and location-specific services.
- Technical support. Businesses need prompt technical assistance to mitigate network downtime. The best business broadband deals offer 24/7 customer support, compared to fixed working hours on regular internet plans.
- Web hosting and email addresses. Business broadband internet connections ensure that your website loads quickly and has a backup in case of downtime. Simultaneously, some providers like BT and TalkTalk offer a set number of business emails.
- Business voice services. Voice over internet Protocol (VoIP) lets your customers and clients reach you without a landline connection. Simultaneously, it streamlines communication between offices to organise real-time meetings.
- Security services. Business broadband plans offer firewalls, encrypted VPN connection, network-wide email scanning, connection backups, and DDoS protection to protect your office network from external threats.
Why do I need a business phone line?
Skipping a landline support contact can reduce your consumer pool because many people in the UK still use a landline. Bundling business phone and broadband deals lets more people contact you, whichever method they prefer.
Simultaneously, you can get business landline and broadband deals with exclusive discounts. You should also be aware that fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) broadband deals usually require a landline connection because they use copper landline cables to reach from the street cabinet to your business premises.
Business internet for working from home
Consider upgrading your home internet plan to business broadband if you prioritise working from home. You can even consider cheap business broadband deals without costly cybersecurity benefits and bandwidth reserves best suited to large offices.
Like businesses, you will benefit from a more stable and faster internet connection, priority support, and downtime mitigation guarantees. Furthermore, you can claim business broadband costs as a business expense, which may lower your yearly taxes.
Which business internet providers should I choose?
Vodafone business broadband
- Among the biggest of the mobile and broadband providers
- Offers FTTC (38-67 Mbps) and FTTP (200-900 Mbps)
- 4G mobile backup, wall-to-wall Wi-Fi coverage, and the option to bundle with mobile plans
- Extras include a free F-Secure security software trial and fixed IP
- Won 'Best for Business' at Mobile Industry Awards 2023
TalkTalk business broadband
- Over 180,000 business customers
- Offers ADSL (up to 17 Mbps), FTTC (up to 76 Mbps), FTTP (up to 900 Mbps), and leased lines (up to 10 Gbps)
- 24/7 UK-based customer support, rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot
- Option to add private network (MPLS IPVPN) for multi-site businesses
Sky business broadband
- Offers a range of purpose-built broadband and voice tariffs
- Speeds up to 76 Mbps on superfast fibre and up to 500 Mbps on full fibre
- Dedicated customer service team focused on business needs
- 4G backup hub included with Pro and Plus plans to maintain connectivity during outages
- Sky Business digital phone service ensures businesses stay connected to clients and colleagues
BT business broadband
- Market leader with over 9 million customers
- Offers ADSL (up to 17 Mbps), FTTC (up to 76 Mbps), and FTTP (up to 900 Mbps)
- 'Unbreakable' Hybrid Connect broadband with 4G backup and dedicated business support
- Extras include static IP, online backup, and cybersecurity tools
- Highest customer satisfaction rating among major UK providers (Ofcom 2022)
Virgin Media O2 broadband
- Over 1 million broadband subscribers
- Offers FTTC (up to 516 Mbps) and Gig1 Fibre (up to 1.13 Gbps) on proprietary cable network
- 4G mobile backup and dedicated business support team
- Extras include static IP, VoIP phone lines, and online security tools
Hyperoptic business broadband
- Over 170,000 residential and business customers
- Offers FTTP (up to 1 Gbps) and leased lines (up to 10 Gbps) on its proprietary network
- Dedicated business support and option for static IP and uncontended leased lines
- Available to over 1 million UK premises, focused on major cities
How can I find the right phone or business broadband deals for my company?
First, assess your company's requirements, considering factors such as the size of your business, the level of internet usage you need, the importance of a reliable connection, and your budget.
Next, research providers that offer packages specifically designed for businesses, as these often come with additional features and support compared to residential plans. Compare these offerings based on the types of broadband connections available, the range of speeds, service reliability, customer support quality, and additional features like static IP addresses or VoIP services.
To check availability in your area, use our user-friendly postcode checker to find the best broadband deals. Just enter your business postcode, and our tool will display a list of the best deals from top providers that serve your location, saving you time and effort.
Compare the available packages, paying close attention to monthly prices, contract lengths, speeds, data caps, and customer service quality. Contact providers directly for more information or to discuss customisation options.
Once you've found the perfect deal, finalise a contract with your chosen provider. Then, follow your new provider’s instructions to arrange the installation process and obtain ongoing support.
By following these steps and leveraging our postcode checker, you can find the ideal phone and business broadband deal for your company, ensuring you have the right tools to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital world.
Business broadband deals - FAQ's
What is the difference between business broadband and home broadband?
Business broadband deals provide additional benefits unavailable on home broadband plans. They include business emails, priority support, faster download and upload speeds, business routers, cybersecurity software (VPN, firewall, DDoS protection, and more.) Some business broadband plans offer Service Level Agreements with refunds if the provider’s services do not meet agreed standards.
Do small businesses need business broadband?
Yes, a fast internet connection speed is paramount for any business with an online presence. Generally, any business with over ten employees should upgrade an internet plan to a speedy business broadband. However, even smaller companies require business broadband if they rely on internet operations.
What is the best internet for my business?
The best overall business internet connection technology for most UK businesses is Full-Fibre Broadband. Depending on your location, there are several excellent providers, but BT Business Broadband is a popular choice. BT has reliable service, competitive pricing, and good customer support. BT uses the Openreach network and provides packages up to 900Mbps (full-fibre) speeds.For larger businesses with heavy bandwidth needs, the best internet choice will be Leased Line Broadband from providers like BT, Virgin Media, TalkTalk, Vodafone, and Hyperoptic. This technology offers dedicated internet connections with unparalleled speeds (up to 10Gbps) and security.That depends. You should opt for business broadband and phone deals if you aim to benefit from fiber-to-the-cabinet broadband plans. Simultaneously, these Internet bundles with landlines let your customer contact you via phone or VoIP services, expanding their options.
Is business wifi cheaper?
No, a business broadband connection is generally more expensive than consumer or residential/home internet service. However, business broadband offers better performance, coverage, security, management tools, and technical support.
What is the difference between consumer and business broadband?
Business broadband offers faster speeds, higher bandwidth, better reliability/uptime guarantees, static IPs, enhanced security, dedicated support, longer contracts, and more scalability than consumer broadband.