Business owners and managers know that stable, high-speed internet is key to daily operations—whether communicating with customers, working with team members in real-time or accessing cloud-based tools and services.

But choosing a business broadband provider isn’t always easy. Different broadband types, packages, service-level agreements (SLAs) and price points can be overwhelming.

This guide will walk you through choosing business broadband by laying out the essentials—from internet speed and security to budget and support. We’ll also explain the types of business broadband and show you how Hyperoptic can help you make the right choice for your business.

Summary – How to Get Internet for Your Business

Here are four things to remember when selecting a broadband provider:

1. Check Your Speed Requirements: How many people are online at once for video calls, large file uploads, and cloud apps?

2. Match to Business Size: Small teams can get away with standard fibre; mid to larger businesses need faster or dedicated lines.

3. Be Realistic With Your Budget: Cost is essential, but remember that reliability, speed, and support can save time and money in the long run.

4. Prioritise Security and Support: Look for robust security, quick support channels and clear SLAs to avoid costly downtime.

The Different Types of Business Broadband

Business broadband comes in many forms, each with its characteristics, speeds and cost implications. Below is an overview of the types of business broadband available.

FTTP Business Broadband

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) connects fibre optic cables directly to your building. Unlike partial-fibre options, FTTP doesn’t use slower copper cables for the “final mile.” As a result, you get ultra-fast, often symmetrical speeds (meaning upload and download speeds can be equally high).

• Key Features:

  • Speeds up to 1Gbps or higher

  • Low latency for real-time collaboration and high-bandwidth applications

  • Future-proof as data demands increase

• Ideal For:

  • Businesses heavily reliant on cloud services and real-time communication

  • Companies that transfer large files, such as media, design and tech firms

  • Organisations that need the most robust connectivity

If your business relies heavily on cloud apps or remote data storage, you’ll need a connection that can handle large file transfers and real-time collaboration. Unsure about what the cloud can do for you? Check out our guide on cloud computing for businesses to see how it can transform your operations.

Other Broadband Types

Not every location has FTTP yet, and your business might have specific needs that make another technology more suitable. Here are other broadband types to consider:

• Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC)

  Used by cable providers, HFC combines fibre optic cables with coaxial cables to connect local nodes to your premises. Speeds are generally higher than traditional copper (ADSL) services but can be affected by local congestion if many users are online simultaneously.




• Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)

  ADSL uses copper telephone lines and is one of the UK’s most widely available forms of broadband. It’s the cheapest option but has lower speeds than fibre-based services.

  • Best For: Small businesses with minimal data needs.




• Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC)

  FTTC delivers a fibre connection to a street cabinet and uses copper lines for the final leg to your premises. It is faster than ADSL but not as fast or consistent as FTTP.

  • Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses that need decent speeds but can’t get FTTP or don’t want to pay for it.




• Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SOGEA)

  Like FTTC, it uses existing infrastructure but is often sold as a dedicated, uncontended bandwidth. This means your speeds remain relatively consistent as local demand does not affect them.

  • Ideal For: Medium-sized businesses that need stable connectivity for cloud apps and VoIP.5.




• Leased Lines

  A leased line is a dedicated fibre connection not shared with other users. It has symmetrical upload/download speeds and uptime.

  • Best For: Larger businesses with critical operations that can’t afford downtime or slow speeds.




• 4G/5G Mobile Broadband

  Useful for temporary offices, remote areas or as a backup solution. Speeds and reliability depend on mobile network coverage.

  • Best For: Businesses that need flexible connectivity options, backup solutions or operate in areas with limited fixed-line infrastructure.

What to Consider When Choosing a Business Broadband Provider

Every business is unique, so let’s break down the key factors to evaluate when choosing a business broadband provider for your business.

Internet Speed Requirements

• High-Bandwidth Activities: Video conferencing, cloud backups, large file transfers and streaming need faster speeds and lower latency.

• Future-Proofing: How will your speed needs grow as your business grows? If you hire more staff or adopt cloud-heavy workflows, look for higher speed tiers.

Number of Employees

The number of employees in your business can significantly impact the amount of bandwidth and speed you need. Below are recommended broadband solutions based on different team sizes.

Which broadband is best for a small business?

1–20 Employees

Smaller businesses might be OK with standard fibre packages (e.g., FTTC) if internet usage is mainly email, web browsing, and occasional file transfers. Ensure your provider can offer higher-speed or dedicated lines if you plan to grow soon.

Which broadband is best for a medium to large-sized business?

21–50 Employees

Mid-sized teams need faster and more consistent connections to handle moderate workloads like regular video calls, heavy cloud usage, or frequent file-sharing. Dedicated bandwidth solutions (SOGEA) or robust FTTC with guaranteed speeds may be ideal.

51–100+ Employees

Larger organisations that transfer big data files or rely on cloud-based platforms for mission-critical tasks often require leased lines or high-speed FTTP. Look for guaranteed uptime, symmetrical speeds, and quick support if an issue arises.

Business Premises Size

• Small Offices

  A single router might be enough, but ensure your provider can accommodate expansions.




• Larger Premises

  Warehouses, multi-story offices or campus environments might need additional network infrastructure (e.g. multiple access points, VLAN segmentation) to ensure consistent coverage and performance.

Budget

• Cost vs Value

  While cost is important, the cheapest option might not meet your reliability or speed needs.




• Scalability & Upgrades

  Can you upgrade your package with minimal hassle?




• Bundle Deals

  Many providers offer “Business Broadband Deals” that bundle VoIP or static IP addresses. Check for promotions with cost savings over the contract term.

Support

• Customer Support

  24/7 phone or live chat support can be key to resolving outages quickly.




• Managed Services

  Some business broadband providers offer dedicated account managers and proactive monitoring, so issues are spotted and resolved before they impact your business.

Dynamic or Static IP

• Dynamic IP

  Often enough for general browsing, SaaS tools and basic email. Your IP may change periodically, making it less secure for hosting or remote access.




• Static IP

  Essential for hosting servers, using specific remote-access VPNs or whitelisting IP addresses for better security. You can find out more in our What is Static IP article.

VoIP vs. Landline

• VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

  Uses your internet connection to make calls. It’s cost-effective, easily scalable for remote work, and typically integrates with collaboration platforms.




• Landline

  A traditional phone line can still be reliable if your internet connection fails. However, landlines are often more expensive and lack the flexibility of VoIP.




• Learn more: VoIP vs. Landline

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

• Uptime Guarantees

  Look for SLAs with 99.9% or higher uptime if your business depends on an always-on connection.




• Response & Resolution Times

  Aim for providers that promise to act fast—an SLA that guarantees a fix within a certain number of hours can save you lost productivity.




• Compensation

  Some providers offer service credits or rebates if they fail to meet the SLA requirements.

What to Look for in a Business Broadband Provider

After you’ve evaluated the technical and logistical requirements, it’s time to look at the provider’s overall reputation and offerings. Here’s what to consider:

1. Reliability

   • Look for proven track records of minimal downtime.

   • Check if they own or manage their infrastructure (full-fibre networks, for example).




2. Uptime

   • Proven track record of minimal downtime.

   • Do they own or manage their infrastructure (full-fibre networks, etc.)?




3. Flexibility

   • Multiple package tiers or custom solutions.

   • Short-term vs. long-term contracts.




4. Support

   • 24/7 tech support phone, chat or email.

   • Dedicated business support lines or account managers.




5. Value for Money

   • Total cost of ownership over the contract term including setup fees or hardware upgrades.

   • Look for Business Broadband Deals if you can time your switch with promotions.




6. Reputation & Reviews

   • Online reviews and industry awards.

   • Do they have experience in your industry (static IP blocks for data-driven businesses)?

When comparing providers, it’s essential to understand what truly matters—reliability, speed, support, and more. To dive deeper, check out our 5 things you need from your business broadband provider article to ensure you don’t miss any critical features.

How Can We Help With Your Business Broadband Needs?

When choosing a broadband provider for your business, Hyperoptic stands out for:

• Full-Fibre Expertise

  Our full-fibre (FTTP) infrastructure delivers ultra-fast, reliable speeds for businesses of all sizes.




• Tailored Solutions

  From startups in shared co-working spaces to large offices with hundreds of employees, we have broadband packages to suit your current and future needs.




• Competitive Edge

  We can beat traditional providers on speed, reliability and support.




• 24/7 Dedicated Support

  Our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to keep your business running smoothly.




• Scalable & Future-Proof

  We’re expanding our full-fibre networks across the UK so you can count on consistent connectivity and upgrade paths that won’t require you to change providers.




• Transparent Pricing & Contracts

  We believe in flexible contracts with transparent costs, speeds and upgrade paths. No hidden fees or nasty surprises.

Ready to see how Hyperoptic can transform your connectivity? Get a quote today and discover why we’re a top business broadband provider in the UK.

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