Business Broadband UK – Compare the Best Providers and Offers

For any business relying on cloud systems, video calls, online sales, or customer Wi-Fi, having a reliable connection is as important as having power and water. Even sole traders and home-based businesses can benefit from a package that offers features they would not get on a home tariff.

Business broadband vs home broadband

The main differences between business and home broadband come down to service guarantees, features, and extras. Home broadband is built for typical households using streaming, browsing, and gaming. Business broadband adds layers that support work environments.

• Business packages often come with Service Level Agreements (SLAs). These spell out how quickly the provider will respond and fix a fault, sometimes within hours rather than days.
• A static IP address is usually available or included, which is useful for CCTV, servers, and remote access.
• Business contracts are normally priced excluding VAT, so firms can reclaim tax.
• Some business packages include 4G or 5G backup routers, keeping offices online if the fixed line drops.
• Support teams are usually separate, with trained business agents rather than standard call-centre staff.

For microbusinesses or freelancers, home broadband might feel enough, but the lack of guaranteed repair times and missing features can cause problems if the connection is vital to daily trade.

Business broadband features

When you take a business broadband plan, you usually get access to more than just an internet connection. Common features include:

• Service Level Agreements: clear fix times if the line fails, sometimes within one working day or less.
• Static IP addresses: useful for hosting websites, remote logins, CCTV, and secure payment systems.
• Better routers: many providers supply routers capable of handling more devices and offering consistent Wi-Fi across larger spaces.
• Backup connections: mobile failover using 4G or 5G so staff can keep working if fibre is interrupted.
• Support hours: extended or 24/7 helplines, important for firms trading outside the standard day.
• Security extras: firewalls, VPN support, and content filters are often included or available at add-on cost.
• VoIP compatibility: as the UK’s old phone network closes by 2027, most business broadband supports digital phone systems.

Types of business broadband

Business broadband is offered over different technologies, and which you can get depends on your location.

• Part fibre (FTTC / SoGEA): fibre goes to the street cabinet, then copper into the premises. Average speeds are normally 35–67Mbps on FTTC. SoGEA is the newer variant without a phone line, ready for digital voice.
• Full fibre (FTTP): fibre optic cables all the way into the premises. This delivers much faster speeds of 100Mbps up to 900Mbps or more, with much better uploads. It is expanding quickly across the UK.
• Cable broadband: delivered over Virgin Media’s network, offering packages from 200Mbps to over 1Gbps. Download speeds are very high, though uploads are lower compared to full fibre.
• Mobile broadband: uses 4G or 5G networks. Suitable for temporary offices or as a backup line. Average speeds depend on coverage but can range from 20Mbps on 4G to over 200Mbps on 5G.
• Leased line: dedicated fibre connection with equal upload and download speeds. More expensive but guarantees performance, ideal for firms with heavy cloud use or multiple offices.

Business broadband providers

A number of major providers offer business broadband in the UK:

• BT Business: delivers over the Openreach network. Offers packages with optional or included static IPs, and Enhanced or Pro tiers include 4G backup. Minimum contracts are usually 24 months.
• Virgin Media Business (Voom): delivers via its own cable and fibre network. Offers average speeds from 200Mbps up to Gig1 (1130Mbps). Static IP is included, with fast repair commitments.
• Sky Business: uses the Openreach network for FTTP and FTTC connections. Offers static IPs and UK support, with competitive pricing for small offices.
• Vodafone Business: also uses the Openreach network for FTTP and FTTC. Offers packages from Fibre 1 (50Mbps) up to Full Fibre 900 (910Mbps). Static IP is optional, and Vodafone now shows price rises clearly in pounds and pence.
• TalkTalk Business: offers packages across the Openreach and CityFibre networks. Known for affordable pricing and flexible contract terms, with static IPs available.
• Zen Internet: smaller provider using the Openreach network, known for customer service and simple contracts. Offers FTTP and FTTC business plans with static IP included.
• Alternative networks:
  • Community Fibre (London) offers symmetric full fibre with speeds up to 3Gbps for business customers.
  • Hyperoptic offers symmetric fibre packages in select UK cities, often in multi-dwelling buildings.
  • Other local altnets such as Trooli, Gigaclear, and CityFibre partners also offer business FTTP in their regions.

How to choose the best business broadband provider

Choosing the right business broadband provider is not just about speed or cost. It is about finding a package that matches how your business operates day to day. A poor choice can mean downtime, missed sales, or frustrated staff. The decision process should be step by step, beginning with what networks are available at your address, and then drilling down into the service levels, features, and long-term contract terms.

Check network availability first

Availability is the first filter. Every provider is tied to a particular network, so your choice depends on which infrastructure is present at your premises:

• Openreach FTTP is the most widespread full fibre network in the UK. If it is live at your address, you can order from BT Business, Vodafone Business, Sky Business, TalkTalk Business, and Zen. Packages range from 100Mbps up to 900Mbps average speeds.
• Virgin Media Business (Voom) operates its own hybrid fibre-coaxial and full fibre network, covering over half the country. It offers faster cable-based packages, up to Gig1 with 1130Mbps average download speeds.
• Alternative networks (altnets) such as Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, and CityFibre partners operate in specific towns and cities. They often deliver symmetric gigabit or multi-gigabit plans with higher upload speeds, which can be ideal for creative or cloud-heavy firms.

If only FTTC (part fibre) is available, your choice is limited to average speeds of 35–67Mbps, which may still be enough for small offices with lighter needs.

Compare features that matter

Once you know which networks are available, focus on the details that affect reliability and support.

• Fix times and Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Business broadband packages should include an SLA that sets out how quickly the provider will fix faults. For example, some promise to restore service within 24 working hours, while enhanced packages might offer same-day repairs. Always check if the SLA is included in the monthly cost or offered as an add-on.
• Static IP options and costs: Static IP addresses are crucial for certain use cases like hosting servers, remote access, or secure card payment systems. Some providers include one static IP for free, while others charge £5–£10 per month. If you rely on CCTV or need VPN access, make sure your chosen plan includes this.
• Router quality and mobile backup: The router supplied can make a big difference. Business routers are built to handle dozens of devices, offer more reliable Wi-Fi, and sometimes include built-in 4G or 5G backup. If connectivity is critical, look for a plan that includes automatic failover to mobile networks in case the fibre line goes down.
• Contract length and price rises: Most business broadband contracts are 24 months, though some offer 12 or 36-month terms. Since January 2025, Ofcom requires providers to show price rises in pounds and pence rather than linking to inflation. Some providers now advertise fixed-price contracts, while others set a small annual increase each April. Always read the pricing terms carefully to avoid unexpected costs.
• Customer support hours: Business customers often get access to dedicated support lines, with some providers offering 24/7 assistance. If your business trades outside the standard working day, this becomes essential. Compare not just opening hours but also whether support is UK-based and if there are different queues for business customers.

Consider your business size and sector

Different sectors have different needs. A creative agency working with video files will need fast upload speeds, so symmetric FTTP or an altnet package may be more suitable. A retail outlet may prioritise reliability, so a package with 4G backup and quick repair guarantees is more important than headline speeds. Small professional offices may simply need a mid-range FTTP plan with static IP for VPN use.

Watch for extras and hidden costs

Installation fees, early exit charges, or the cost of additional static IPs can add up. Some providers include free installation on FTTP, while others may charge £50–£100. Always factor these into your decision, along with VAT since business prices are usually quoted ex-VAT.

Best business broadband providers in the UK rated

Below are our current picks with supporting facts, product-page details, and regulator data. Prices and features change frequently, so use these as evidence-backed starting points rather than fixed offers.

Best overall full fibre provider: BT Business Enhanced or Pro

BT Business delivers over the Openreach network and the Enhanced/Pro plans include Hybrid Backup, which switches traffic to EE 4G automatically if the fixed connection fails. Hybrid Backup is listed as included on Enhanced and Pro, and it preserves your static IP while the backup is active. This matters for VPNs, CCTV and card terminals that expect a fixed address. BT’s current business deals page also highlights clear add-on pricing if you put Hybrid Backup on lower tiers. These are practical resilience features that many SMEs won’t get on a home tariff.

From a coverage perspective, Openreach FTTP availability has scaled quickly. Ofcom’s Connected Nations 2024 shows full-fibre availability at 69% of UK premises by mid-2024, with gigabit coverage higher still—context that explains why BT’s fibre packages are an option at more business addresses each quarter.

Best for high download speeds: Virgin Media Business Gig1

Virgin Media Business Voom bundles include a static IP and publish repair commitments in working hours. For example, Voom plan pages show a 16 working-hours issue-resolution target and a fixed-price guarantee on some packages. Gig1 delivers 1130Mbps average download speeds on the VMB network, making it ideal for offices pulling large cloud datasets or syncing many endpoints. You can also bolt on 4G backup and additional static IP blocks for a monthly fee if you need them.

Best value on Openreach FTTP: Vodafone Business Full Fibre 500

Vodafone Business publishes clear ex-VAT pricing and, crucially, sets out price changes in pounds and pence within its business plan guide. Full Fibre 500 lists a monthly charge on 24- or 36-month terms, with the page also confirming static IP availability and business support. For SMEs that want mid-range full fibre (500Mbps average download and 68Mbps average upload in the guide) with transparent contract wording, it’s a strong value pick on the Openreach footprint.

Best customer support: Zen Business

Zen includes one static IPv4 address as standard on business broadband, offers UK-based support, and promotes no in-contract price rises on listed business products—policies that small firms appreciate when they just need predictable service. Zen’s service reputation is backed by independent recognition: Which? Recommended Broadband Provider in 2025 and long-running PC Pro awards, with Zen also announcing the 2025 Which? Utilities Brand of the Year on its site. While awards are consumer-oriented, they reflect the same service culture business customers interact with.

Best alternative network option: Community Fibre Business (London)

If you’re in London on Community Fibre’s footprint, business plans are symmetric by design—same download and upload speeds—with tiers from 150Mbps up to multi-gig (up to 10Gbps listed). Symmetric performance benefits creative teams, agencies pushing media to the cloud, and any site that backs up to remote storage during the day. Availability is location-specific, but where it’s live, the combination of high uploads and business features makes it a compelling alternative to Openreach FTTP or VMB cable.

Why these providers stand out

• Coverage and access shape your shortlist. Ofcom’s latest national figures show full fibre at 69% of premises by July 2024, and gigabit coverage higher; this widens BT/Vodafone/TalkTalk/Sky/Zen eligibility over Openreach FTTP and creates more postcodes where Virgin Media’s high-speed cable is a contender.
• Resilience separates business from home. BT’s Hybrid Backup keeps your static IP during failover, which avoids reconfiguring VPNs or payment terminals—small detail, major downtime saver. Virgin Media Business publishes working-hours repair targets and fixed-price language on selected Voom plans so you can plan cashflow and incident response.
• Transparency matters for budgets. Vodafone’s price-plan guide sets out charges, average speeds and how any future increases apply in pounds and pence, aligning with Ofcom’s 2025 rule change and giving SMEs clearer forecasting.
• Service reputation is not marketing fluff. Zen’s static IP inclusion, UK support hours and published awards history reinforce its “get help, get answers” positioning that many small offices want over raw speed.

How to choose the best business broadband deal

Think about your business needs before signing up:

• A small office with 1–5 staff may be fine with a 100Mbps package.
• A creative firm handling video and cloud backup should go for at least 500Mbps or symmetric FTTP.
• A retail shop with a point-of-sale system needs reliability more than headline speeds, so a package with static IP and 4G backup may be best.
• Growing firms should check how easy it is to upgrade to faster packages during the contract.

Check contract lengths, installation charges, and whether the provider promises fixed-price contracts or a stated annual increase.

What is a leased line

A leased line is a dedicated fibre circuit that links your premises directly to the internet. Unlike shared services, it does not slow down at peak times. Speeds are symmetric, meaning the upload matches the download, such as 100Mbps both ways or 1Gbps both ways. Contracts are usually 36 months and priced higher than standard FTTP, often starting at £175–£300 ex VAT per month for 100Mbps depending on location. Installation can take several weeks or months. Leased lines are suitable for firms that cannot risk downtime or need guaranteed capacity for large teams.

What is static IP

Most home broadband connections use a dynamic IP address that changes over time. A static IP means your connection always has the same address. This matters if you need to:

• Run a server or host a website
• Access CCTV remotely
• Use a VPN into the office network
• Ensure secure card payment systems

Most business providers either include one static IP or offer it as an add-on for a small monthly fee.

Summing up

Business broadband in the UK is now widely available over full fibre and cable networks, with growing choice from altnets. The main differences from home broadband are the extras: static IP, SLAs, 4G backup, and business support. For most SMEs, a full fibre package on Openreach or Virgin Media’s network is suitable. Firms in London and a few cities can access Community Fibre or Hyperoptic for symmetric gigabit. Larger companies, or any organisation needing guaranteed bandwidth, should consider a leased line. The right deal depends on the size of the business, the type of work carried out, and how critical the connection is.

FAQ

Do I need a static IP?
If you use remote access, servers, CCTV, or secure payment terminals, a static IP is highly useful.

Can I get business broadband at home?
Yes, providers will supply business packages to home addresses, though you will pay ex-VAT pricing and may get a business-grade router.

What happens with the PSTN switch-off?
All phone lines will move to digital by 2027. Business broadband plans already support VoIP handsets and systems.

How long does installation take?
FTTC and FTTP can usually be installed within 1–2 weeks if the infrastructure is in place. Leased lines can take 60–90 days or more.

Will my bill rise during the contract?
From January 2025, Ofcom rules mean providers must show any rises in pounds and pence. Some business contracts are fixed-price, others will add a set increase each April.