Shared vs Dedicated Internet: Why Your Business Needs an Uncontended Leased Line

Reliable internet connectivity is the backbone of modern business operations – BUT! not all internet connections are created equal and many businesses struggle with slow speeds, high latency, and network congestion because they’re using shared internet services.

We all know that having a dedicated leased line offers uncontended, high-speed internet that guarantees you and your business consistent performance.

But how does it compare to shared internet services?

Well, in today’s guide, we’ll break down the differences between dedicated and shared internet and explain why an uncontended leased line is the best choice for businesses.

What Is the Difference Between Dedicated and Shared Internet?

Feature	Dedicated Internet (Leased Line)	Shared Internet (Broadband, FTTC, FTTP)
Bandwidth	Dedicated to one business	Shared with multiple users
Speed	Consistent, guaranteed speeds	Fluctuates during peak hours
Upload & Download	Symmetrical (equal speeds)	Asymmetrical (slower uploads)
Latency	Ultra-low	Higher latency, prone to lag
Security	Private connection	Higher security risks
Best For	VoIP, cloud computing, large file transfers	General web browsing, emails

If you take anything away from our above table, it should be that if your business relies on real-time applications, remote teams, or cloud computing, a dedicated leased line is the better choice!

Why Shared Internet Causes Problems for Businesses

Because they cause network congestion (which then = slow speeds!)

Shared broadband services mean your business competes for bandwidth with other users in your area which leads to:
✔ Slow speeds during peak hours (e.g., lunchtime, late afternoons).

✔ Inconsistent download and upload speeds.

✔ Increased lag in VoIP and video conferencing.

And unreliable upload speeds

Most shared internet services offer asymmetrical speeds (meaning upload speeds are significantly slower than download speeds!)
✔ This is a big problem for businesses using VoIP, cloud storage, and large file uploads.
✔ Which also affects remote access performance for remote teams and VPNs.

You could suffer from higher latency & dropping calls

✔ VoIP calls may drop, lag, or have poor audio quality.

✔ Video conferencing experiences buffering and delays.

✔ Online applications become unresponsive.

Benefits of an Uncontended Leased Line

Guaranteed speeds & reliability

Unlike shared broadband, a leased line provides 100% of the bandwidth exclusively for your business.

✔ No slowdowns, even during peak hours.

✔ Dedicated speeds from 100Mbps to 10Gbps.

✔ Guaranteed 99.99% uptime backed by an SLA.

Better security for sensitive data

✔ Private network reduces cyberattack risks.

✔ Better encryption and security options.

✔ Essential for businesses handling sensitive data (e.g., finance, healthcare, legal industries).

📌 Our top tip: If data security is a priority, a dedicated leased line is the safer option for you!

Future-proof your business with endless scalability

✔ Easily upgrade from 100Mbps to 1Gbps+ as your business grows.

✔ Supports cloud computing, VoIP, and high-bandwidth applications.

✔ Eliminates the need for frequent internet upgrades.

How Much Does a Dedicated Leased Line Cost?

Leased line pricing varies based on speed, location, and contract length.

Leased line speed	Estimated cost (per month)
100Mbps	£250 – £450
1Gbps (1,000Mbps)	£450 – £1,200+
10Gbps	£1,500 – £5,000+

Keep in mind that longer contracts (3-5 years) often come with discounted rates and free installation.

When Should a Business Upgrade to a Leased Line?

✔ Your business experiences frequent slowdowns during peak hours.

✔ VoIP calls, video conferencing, or remote access are unreliable.

✔ You handle sensitive data and need a secure, private connection.

✔ Your business is growing and needs a scalable internet solution.

📌 Our top tip? If your business relies on cloud-based software, VoIP, or remote teams, upgrading to a dedicated leased line will enhance performance!

Our final thoughts on shared vs dedicated internet:

While shared internet is sufficient for small businesses with minimal needs, a dedicated leased line provides superior speed, security, and reliability. If your business depends on fast, uncontended connectivity, investing in a leased line ensures seamless operations with zero compromises.