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The Ultimate Business Broadband Guide
Whatever the size of your business, chances are you need an internet connection. Here's how to get the best deal...
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The Ultimate Business Broadband Guide
Whatever the size of your business, chances are you need an internet connection. Here's how to get the best deal...
No matter the size of your business or the industry you operate in, chances are you need an internet connection. While consumer broadband is fine for personal use, dedicated business broadband packages come with various extra features from which you can benefit.
But what’s the difference between the two, and how exactly can they help your business? Well, that’s exactly what we’re talking about today in this ultimate guide to business broadband!
What is Business Broadband?
Business broadband is broadband…but for businesses. There’s not much we can really say about broadband; you’re on the internet reading this right now, so you know what it is. And that covers our extensive lowdown on business broadband; see ya next time.
Okay, so there’s a bit more to it than that. Business broadband is an internet package specifically designed for businesses. Unlike residential broadband, it comes with extra features such as higher speeds, increased reliability, and dedicated customer support.
Benefits of Business Broadband
As we mentioned, business broadband deals come with a whole host of benefits suited to meet commercial needs. Below, we’ve put together 11 reasons why you need a dedicated business broadband package.
Faster Speeds
Business broadband speeds are fast – really fast in some cases. A recent study showed that business broadband’s upload speed is 28% quicker and download speed is 23% quicker than their consumer counterparts.Â
Even smaller businesses will connect more people to their internet than the typical home. Because of this, you’ll need a lot more juice just to support the increased usage and whatever task you and your team are carrying out.
Suppliers will often prioritise their commercial customers over their residential ones, even during peak hours. This means that no matter the time of day, your speeds won’t dip, and neither will the quality of your connection.Â
You can go one step further to guarantee your connection’s reliability by opting for a dedicated network. This means your network isn’t shared with other businesses; it is just you and only you. This will come at an extra cost, but it’s worth every penny if you need to keep your connection strong and reliable.Â
Increased Reliability
Fast speeds are great, but if they constantly cut in and out, then what’s the point? It’s annoying enough when you’re trying to watch the football. Think about how much more annoying it would be if it cuts out when you’re about to close a deal.Â
Business packages will often come with Service Level Agreements (SLAs). These pledge a certain level of performance and availability, with some guaranteeing 99.9% uptime. Depending on your contract, you will be due compensation if your service does cut out with one of these in place.Â
Static IP Addresses
You rarely hear the word ‘static’, and it means something positive, but it very much is when you’re talking about an IP address. Static IP addresses are perfect for businesses because they allow you to do the following:Â
- Host websitesÂ
- Host your own serverÂ
- Access your company network from anywhereÂ
- Set up more secure access and firewall rules for increased security
- Host an email server to make sure your outgoing emails aren’t flagged as spamÂ
- Remotely connect to on-site CCTV
Enhanced Security Features
Your computers will contain a lot of sensitive information about both your business and your customers. A leak of your own information is bad enough, but even worse if it’s your customers.Â
Under GDPR laws, you have a duty of care to keep your customers’ information safe and confidential. If there’s a security issue within your systems and this is leaked, then you’re in for a world of pain.
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Potentially irreversible reputation damage, drawn-out legal proceedings and fines of up to £17.5 million (or 4% of your annual worldwide turnover, whichever is higher) are all consequences you could face.
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Luckily, business broadband providers will offer advanced security measures that are not found in residential deals. These include:
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- Built-in firewalls to protect against unauthorised access
- Antivirus protection to guard against malware and other cyber threats
- Spam filters to reduce the risk of phishing attempts
- Intrusion prevention systems to detect and block potential attacks
- Content filtering to control access to potentially harmful websites
- Static IP addresses for improved security and more straightforward remote access setup
- Data encryption to ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information
- Two-factor authentication for added access control
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Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Support
If you still use landline phones to conduct business, switch to a VoIP system now. Not just because of all of their great benefits but because later this year (2025), BT will carry out ‘the great switch off.’ This will end the old, outdated phone and broadband lines and replace them with updated infrastructure.Â
If you’re not aware, VoIP systems are digital phone systems that use the internet to communicate. They come with the added benefit of video conferencing and are substantially cheaper than regular phones. Because of this, they’ve become increasingly popular with UK businesses.Â
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With their faster speeds and increased reliability, business broadband packages are fully equipped to handle VoIP systems. This means you’ll benefit from clear and reliable calls whether you dial Tamworth, Tokyo, or Toronto.Â
4G Back Up
4G backup, sometimes known as a failover, provides a secondary internet connection that automatically switches on when your primary connection fails. It uses cellular data and keeps your connection secure and uninterrupted during network outages.Â
Cloud services, VoIP calls, processing transactions, whatever you rely on the internet for can continue without disruption.
Dedicated Customer Support
If your internet goes down at home for an extended period, what do you do? You sit on the phone for hours, trying to get through to someone who might be able to help.Â
Well, there’s none of that nonsense with commercial broadband packages. You’ll often find that these come with dedicated 24/7, UK-based customer support.Â
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They also often prioritise business customers when it comes to calls, so you can skip to the front of the queue while those with consumer packages sit and twiddle their thumbs.Â
Scalability
Suppliers offer a range of deals, some more suited to your business than others. But unlike your IP address, your business isn’t static. It’s growing; what works for you now might not be in 12 months.Â
Business broadband packages are designed with scalability in mind. Virgin, for example, allow you to easily upgrade your package no matter where you are in your contract. So, if you bring on 10 new staff members in your next recruitment drive, you can easily upgrade to handle the increased usage.
Improved Customer Service
Did you know that 78% of customers have decided against making a purchase due to poor customer service? If you have features like live chat, online booking systems or an eCommerce platform, then a reliable connection is essential.
If your connection is terrible and these features take too long to work or don’t even function at all, you might as well just refer potential customers to your direct competitors yourself.
For those in the hospitality sector, Wi-Fi is now a non-negotiable. So much so that 75% of people think that a solid Wi-Fi connection is second only to the quality of the coffee in what makes a good cafe. Some deals will come with guest Wi-Fi logins for added convenience and security.
Tax Benefits
You can still take advantage of commercial broadband deals if you’re self-employed or working from a home office. This gives you all the benefits we’ve mentioned earlier, but also for home use. As it’s considered a business expense, you can claim it off your next tax bill!
Different Types of Business Broadband
With ‘The Great Switch Off’ finally upon us in 2025, when all ADSL broadband lines will be retired, there’s a new wave of broadband technology to choose from. Not all broadband types are created equal, with some being more suitable to your business than others.
Fibre (FTTC) Broadband
Fibre-to-the-cabinet is a bit of a mouthful, so most people just call it FTTC. This is the most widely used broadband in the UK. Generally, you’ll find that they have speeds ranging from 30Mbps up to 70+Mbps.Â
It relies on fibre-optic cables running from a cabinet on your street to your premises, hence the name. Some providers might refer to it as ‘part fibre’. FTTC connections are available throughout 98% of the country, so chances are you’ll have access no matter where you are.
Full Fibre (FTTP) Broadband
‘Full Fibre‘ or ‘fibre-to-the-premises‘ is the big brother to FTTC. The fibre-optic cables use light signals to send information, which can send data at speeds ranging from 1000Mbps to over 1Gbps.Â
Other than being more expensive than FTTC, its biggest problem is its accessibility. Openreach is planning to provide it to 25 million homes and businesses by 2026, so depending on where you are, you may not qualify for it just yet. And even if you do, 80% of those already eligible can access ‘gigabit-capable’ speeds.Â
Cable Broadband
Similar to full-fibre in that it can deliver speeds of over 1Gbps, but there is a slight difference in how they operate.Â
This is mainly down to a piece of technology called a ‘coaxial cable.’ These can transfer huge amounts of data at ultrafast speeds, with the added benefit of phone and TV services. They are also more durable than standard fibre-optic cables, making your connection more secure and reliable.
Much like FTTP, cable broadband suffers from accessibility issues. Virgin, one of the UK’s major providers, only covers 60% of the UK but is currently working on expanding that.
Satellite BroadbandÂ
After successfully using satellites for television for decades, it was only a matter of time before it was used for the Internet. Using a satellite it beams broadband down directly to your location. Unlike other connection types, where all you need is a router, you’ll also need to purchase and install a receiver and a dish for a satellite connection.Â
After a stuttering start with slow connectivity, it was only really used for those in rural areas. However, since the emergence of providers like OneWeb and Starlink, it’s becoming increasingly popular and able to provide speeds of up to 500 Mbps. It can even reach the remotest parts of Scotland, which can’t be said for other types of connection out there.
They’re still ironing out some creases because it’s a relatively new technology. There’s also a fair amount of tariffs and data caps on satellite broadband at the moment. But with the technocratic nightmare we’re all sleepwalking into, who knows what the future holds for this type of technology?
Mobile (4G/5G) broadband
When you’re walking down the street listening to music or a podcast where an out-of-touch millionaire tells you how we all have the same 24 hours a day, you’re using mobile internet.Â
4G and 5G broadband is simple to set up, with just a router needed to connect to a mobile network. They’re generally cheaper than other deals and cover up to 93% of the country.Â
There is quite a large caveat with these, though. Despite their extensive coverage, if you’re in an area with poor mobile coverage, then don’t go anywhere near these because your connection will be awful.
Who Can Benefit From Business Broadband?
In today’s digital world, all industries can benefit from a strong and reliable internet connection. Below, we’ve named just a few sectors and what they can help with.Â
E-Commerce Businesses
In e-Comm, a strong connection is essential. Managing online stores, handling logistics, processing transactions and dealing with customer interactions are all part of the gig. Downtime or slow speeds can be the difference between making a sale and a customer leaving your site and shopping with a direct competitor.
Creative and Media Agencies
Large file transfers of high-definition videos and images and maintaining a library of creative assets over the cloud take a lot of juice. Whether you’re a freelancer or working as part of a team, tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Google Drive need a strong connection for real-time editing and sharing.
Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers have access to sensitive information about their patients. These businesses have a duty of care to keep this data safe and confidential. The advanced security features of business broadband are the perfect way to protect against breaches and avoid fines and reputational damage.
Retail and Hospitality Businesses
Retail stores, restaurants, and hotels depend on broadband for point-of-sale (POS) systems, online booking platforms, and guest Wi-Fi. The latter, in particular, is now expected in most establishments just as much as quality food, drink, and service. An unreliable connection can disrupt transactions and provide a poor customer experience.Â
IT and Tech Companies
This one doesn’t need too much explaining, does it? Software development, hosting huge files on secure servers, and remote troubleshooting require an ultra-fast broadband connection. A safe and stable connection means teams can collaborate remotely, no matter where they are.
Education and Training Providers
From cooking to coding, there’s not much you can’t learn online these days. Educational institutions need to host e-learning platforms, video conferencing, administrative tools, and potentially sensitive customer data. Uninterrupted connectivity allows for a smooth learning experience for staff and students alike.Â
Financial and Legal Firms
Holding on to all of that financial and legal data about your clients means you need the extra security business broadband offers. You’ll also need high speeds for document sharing and video conferencing amongst teams and with clients.
What to Look For in a Business Broadband Provider
1. Speed and Bandwidth
Do they offer the speeds you need? If you’re a self-employed plumber who sends a couple of emails out, you don’t need anything too fast. But if you’re a larger enterprise with numerous departments that send large files and host multiple video calls, you need all the power you can get.Â
As a rule of thumb, these are the speeds you’ll probably need:Â
- Small Businesses (1-10 Employees): 25-100 Mbps
- Medium-Sized Businesses (10-50 Employees): 100-500 Mbps
- Large Businesses (50+ Employees): 500 Mbps–1 Gbps or higher
2. Reliability and Uptime Guarantees
Check the SLAs that they offer. How quickly do they guarantee a return to service? What compensation do they offer if they don’t keep this?Â
If you run a high-volume site, even half an hour of downtime can cause much damage. Make sure that they’re confident of maintaining your connection, and if they don’t, you get reimbursed accordingly.
3. Scalability
How easily can you upgrade to a larger package? Some may make you pay early exit fees, while others are more than happy to upgrade you free of charge. If you’re a rapidly growing business, find a provider to facilitate this with the least fuss possible.
4. Security Features
Look for built-in cybersecurity features, such as firewalls, DDoS protection, and VPN support, to safeguard sensitive data. Remember, you have a duty of care over this, and any breaches of GDPR are a one-way ticket to severe legal, financial, and reputational consequences.
5. 4G/5G Backup Options
If your provider offers automatic failover to 4G or 5G backup, this is a great option to have. It guarantees uninterrupted connectivity during outages, which is vital if your business can’t afford downtime.
6. Customer Support
24/7 dedicated customer support should always be something to be on the lookout for. It’s even better if they offer your own account manager.Â
The best place to gauge the quality of their support is on sites like Trustpilot. You can ignore one or two bad reviews because, no matter what, people just love to complain. But if the same problem is brought up time and time again, then this is something you should take notice of.
7. Flexibility in Contracts
Choose a provider with flexible contract terms, such as monthly rolling plans or scalable options. If they only offer long-term options (which can be beneficial to some businesses), are there any early exit fees you’ll have to pay to jump to a better deal?Â
8. Static IP Addresses
If your business requires hosting websites, running CCTV systems, or setting up secure remote access, then a deal with a static IP address is essential.
9. Additional Services
Some providers will offer bundles that include additional services like VoIP, cloud storage and IT support, which can help streamline your operations and reduce overall costs.Â
10. Cost and Value
And last but probably the most obvious one. Can you afford the deal you need? Going cheaper but sacrificing the quality of the connection or all the other benefits we’ve mentioned on this page will just cause more headaches down the road.Â
How Can I Get Broadband For My Business?
Now that you know everything there is to know about business broadband deals, it’s time to find the best one for you. Luckily, you’re in the right place because at Commercial Experts, that’s what we do best, and we’ve made it super simple for you to get started!
Just tap on one of the links on this page and provide some basic information about your business. Then, using your responses, we’ll provide you with a range of business broadband quotes tailored to your specific needs.
This is a 100% free service with no strings attached. Don’t like what you see? No worries, just walk away at no expense to yourself.
FAQs
Can I get business broadband at home?
Yes, business broadband can be installed at home if your home is your business location. It offers benefits like faster speeds, priority support, and static IP addresses tailored to meet professional needs.
Can I claim business broadband as a UK business expense?
Yes, you can claim business broadband as an expense. If you work from a home office, then you can use a business broadband connection for both business and personal use and claim it back during tax time.
Is business broadband better than residential?
Business broadband is better for work purposes due to faster speeds, enhanced reliability, better support, and features like static IP addresses. It’s designed for professional use, unlike residential broadband.
How does high-speed broadband benefit a business?
High-speed broadband improves productivity by enabling faster data transfers, smooth video conferencing, cloud-based operations, and efficient communication. It minimises downtime and supports multiple users effectively.
Can I use home broadband for business?
You can use home broadband for business, but it may lack features like static IPs, priority support, and higher speeds. Business broadband is better suited for professional reliability and efficiency.
