Not all internet connections are created equal and many businesses experience slowdowns, unreliable connections, and high latency, especially with standard broadband.
This is where a leased line comes in.
But what exactly is a leased line, and why does your businesses need one? In our guide, we’ll go over what a leased line is, how it works, its benefits, and why it’s a must-have for many businesses.
What Is a Leased Line?
A leased line is a private internet connection that provides a dedicated, symmetrical upload and download speeds, as well as ultra-low latency, and guaranteed reliability.
Unlike broadband (shared with multiple users) a leased line is exclusively for your business, ensuring consistent speeds and uninterrupted connectivity.
Features of a Leased Line:
✔ Dedicated bandwidth – so no sharing with other businesses or residential users.
✔ Symmetrical speeds – enjoy equal upload and download speeds.
✔ 99.99% uptime guarantee – that’s backed by a Service Level Agreement (SLA).
✔ Low latency – which is ideal for VoIP, video conferencing, and real-time applications.
✔ Scalable bandwidth – you can choose speeds from 10Mbps to 10Gbps based on your needs.
who needs this? Businesses that rely on fast, uninterrupted internet for cloud computing or remote work.
How Does a Leased Line Work?
A leased line is a dedicated fibre-optic connection that runs between your business premises and the internet service provider’s (ISP) network which allows it to offer exclusive use and uncontended bandwidth.
how is this different from broadband, you ask?
| Feature | Leased Line | Business Broadband |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | Dedicated (private) | Shared with other users |
| Speed | Symmetrical (equal upload & download) | Asymmetrical (faster downloads, slower uploads) |
| Reliability | 99.99% uptime, guaranteed | May slow down during peak hours |
| Latency | Ultra-low | Higher latency, may cause lag |
| Best For | Cloud computing, VoIP, video conferencing | General web browsing, emails, light cloud usage |
Why Do UK Businesses Need a Leased Line?
Many businesses in the UK are switching to leased lines because they offer superior speed, reliability, and performance compared to standard broadband.
Here’s some more cool reasons why your business may need one:
Guaranteed reliability and speeds
Standard broadband speeds can fluctuate depending on network congestion and peak hours and a leased line provides consistent, high-speed connectivity 24/7.
✅ Perfect for businesses using cloud-based applications like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and CRM software.
Better VoIP
A leased line ensures crystal-clear voice calls and seamless video conferencing, making it ideal for businesses using:
✔ VoIP phone systems (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business).
✔ Virtual meetings & remote team collaboration.
✔ Customer support & call centres.
Enhanced security
With cyber threats on the rise, businesses must ensure their data remains secure and a leased line provides:
✔ uncontended internet access, reducing cyberattack risks.
✔ Enhanced encryption and firewall integration.
✔ Secure remote access for employees.
📌 making it great for: Businesses handling financial data, customer transactions, or confidential information.
Scalable
As businesses grow, their internet needs change and a leased line allows companies to increase bandwidth without changing providers.
✔ Start with 100Mbps and upgrade to 1Gbps or more when needed.
✔ Supports new technologies like AI, automation, and cloud computing.
✔ Future-proofs business connectivity for expansion.
📌 whois it good for? If you’re planning to scale your business, investing in a leased line ensures long-term connectivity.
How Much Does a Leased Line Cost in the UK?
Leased line pricing varies based on speed, location, and contract length so below is our estimated price range:
| Leased Line Speed | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| 10Mbps | £150 – £250 |
| 100Mbps | £250 – £450 |
| 1Gbps (1,000Mbps) | £450 – £1,200+ |
| 10Gbps | £1,500 – £5,000+ |
Choosing the Right Leased Line Provider
When selecting a leased line provider, compare:
✔ Speed & scalability options.
✔ Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with uptime guarantees.
✔ Customer support availability (24/7 vs. business hours).
✔ Pricing & contract flexibility.
Top UK Leased Line Providers:
| Provider | Best For | Starting Price (100Mbps) |
| BT Business | Large enterprises | £350+ per month |
| Virgin Media Business | Fast installation | £300+ per month |
| Vodafone Business | Small to medium businesses | £250+ per month |
| TalkTalk Business | Budget-friendly option | £200+ per month |
| Colt Technology | High-performance connectivity | £400+ per month |
What is a leased line? Our thoughts:
We think a leased line is a game-changer for businesses needing fast, reliable, and secure connectivity because unlike broadband, it offers dedicated speeds, 99.99% uptime, and enhanced security, making it a valuable investment!
Get a Quote Today
Looking for the best leased line provider in the UK? Compare options now and upgrade your business internet for faster, more reliable connectivity!
Read more of our articles here:
| Leased Line Costs |
| Leased Line or Business Broadband? |
| Leased Line Providers |
| What is a Leased Line? |