Business broadband
What is a
leased line?
Dedicated, guaranteed internet
Full-fibre & leased lines- A leased line is a dedicated, uncontended connection used only by your business — unlike shared full-fibre broadband.
- It offers symmetrical speeds (upload as fast as download), a guaranteed uptime SLA, and faster fault-fix, at a higher cost.
- It suits businesses where downtime is costly — heavy cloud use, multiple sites, VoIP phones, or mission-critical connectivity.
- For most small and medium businesses, standard full-fibre is enough; a leased line is a premium option.
If you've looked into business internet, you'll have come across leased lines — usually with a bigger price tag than standard broadband. Here's what you're actually paying for and when it's worth it.
What a leased line is
A leased line is a dedicated connection used only by your business. Where standard broadband (even full-fibre) is shared with other nearby premises, a leased line is uncontended — the full capacity is yours, all the time, so speeds don't dip when the neighbourhood is busy.
How it differs from broadband
- Symmetrical speeds — upload as fast as download, unlike most broadband where upload is slower.
- Guaranteed uptime (SLA) — a service level agreement promising availability and fast fault-fix times.
- Dedicated capacity — consistent performance that doesn't fluctuate with demand.
The trade-off is cost — a leased line is a premium product and can carry an install cost.
Who needs one
A leased line earns its price where downtime is genuinely costly: heavy cloud use, large file transfers, multiple sites, lots of VoIP phones, or any business that simply can't afford to be offline. For the majority of small and medium businesses, standard full-fibre is enough — a leased line is the step up for mission-critical needs.
Leased line vs full-fibre
Think of it as reliability and guarantees versus cost. Full-fibre gives most businesses fast, dependable internet at a sensible price; a leased line gives guaranteed, dedicated performance for those who need it. See business vs home broadband for the wider picture.
Not sure whether you need a leased line or full-fibre? We compare business broadband and leased lines across UK providers and match it to your needs. Call 0845 862 1947 or get in touch.
A leased line is the premium end of business connectivity: dedicated, guaranteed and symmetrical, for businesses that can't afford downtime. Most don't need one — but for those who do, nothing else compares.