Business Broadband
Compare business broadband deals now and find the right one for you
Looking for Meerkat Meals or Meerkat Movies?
Business broadband is not a qualifying product; however, compare prices now and find the right cover for you.
Get a great broadband deal for your business
If fast, reliable, secure internet is vital for running your business, a business broadband package might be right for you. Our comparison service makes it easy to find the right business broadband deal, at a price you can afford. Here’s what you need to know before you start comparing business broadband packages.
What is business broadband?
Business broadband packages are specifically tailored for small and medium-sized businesses.
These packages tend to be more expensive than home broadband. However, they provide extra features that are essential for the everyday running of many companies.
These can include extra security, 24/7 customer support, faster speeds and services such as VoIP (internet calling).
Packages vary between providers so it’s a good idea to compare what’s on offer, so you can find the right deal for your business needs.
Why do I need business broadband?
In today’s digital world, it’s almost impossible to remain competitive without internet access and some form of online presence.
From emails to e-commerce, reliable, safe and fast internet access can be vital for the day-to-day running of your business.
For example, if you run a server or make VoIP calls, you’ll need a static IP address. If you host a website, you’ll need guaranteed bandwidth at peak times to ensure your connection doesn’t drop out when it’s most needed.
Good online security not only protects your business but also shows you’re trustworthy and credible. Business broadband packages tend to have better security features included as standard.
Ultimately, a home broadband package might not be enough for your business needs.
What types of business broadband are available?
ADSL: A basic business ADSL line could be enough for a small business. ADSL uses the same line that provides your landline phone service. ADSL broadband is available to more than 99% of the UK population.
Fibre: This option is much faster than ADSL and uses underground cables (fibre optic) made of plastic or glass. Fibre can be ideal for business, but it’s not available everywhere.
What do I need to start comparing business broadband deals?
As with all types of broadband, the business broadband packages and speeds you’ll be able to access depend on where you’re based. To start comparing, just give us your company postcode.
We’ll lay out the options in a simple table, making it easy to compare cost, speed and contract length so you can choose the best broadband offer for your business. Start comparing business broadband now.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between business broadband and home broadband?
Business broadband packages offer features specifically designed for business customers. These include prioritised customer support, faster upload speeds, static IP addresses and better security. Let’s look at these in more detail:
Customer support
If your broadband connection goes down, it could cause serious interruption to your business and make a dent in your profits. Business broadband services can offer you front-of-the-queue, 24-hour customer support to get you up and running again – fast.
Guaranteed service
Look for a business broadband provider that offers a service level agreement (SLA). This will guarantee what you can expect in terms of fixing problems within a certain timeframe, connection speeds and minimising downtime. If these guarantees aren’t met, you may be able to get compensation.
A static IP address
An IP address is the code that identifies your computer when it goes online. With a home broadband package, this is dynamic – that is, it changes each time you log on. With a business broadband package it stays the same. But why does that matter? It’s because a static IP address allows you to do lots of things, like run CCTV or a server, or host a website. It can also help minimise downtime so, for many businesses, it can be an essential.
Better security
If you’re running a business, you’ll probably need a higher level of internet security to protect both your company and your customers. Business broadband security will help shield you against cyber security threats like malware, viruses and trojans, as well as attacks by hackers.
Faster speeds
Business broadband services tend to offer faster upload speeds than standard broadband services. Plus, speeds should be faster because there’ll be fewer people using the line at the same time as you.
Phone capability
Your business broadband package can allow you to make calls over the internet, as well as run complex phone systems.
More powerful hardware
As your business grows, you may find that your standard router isn’t able to cope with an increased number of computers and devices. Business broadband packages typically offer more powerful, secure routers.
What is static IP and does my business need one?
IP stands for Internet Protocol. It’s a way for other computers to identify your business internet address. Most home broadband connections have a dynamic IP address that changes every time you log on. A static IP remains the same and means your business can always be identified online.
A static IP is essential if you want a fast and reliable internet connection. It also enables you to:
- run a server
- host a website
- send and receive emails directly
- create your own virtual private network (VPN)
- securely access your network from anywhere
- set up CCTV so you can keep an eye on your business premises remotely.
Whether you need a static IP or not can depend on the type of business you run. For example:
- if you have a shop, you may want CCTV security
- if you make a lot of VoIP calls, static IP can be more reliable
- if you travel a lot, static IP enables you to access your computer from anywhere in the world
- if you have a website, static IP allows you to host your site and domain name on your own server.
What is priority network access?
Priority network access is an important feature commonly included in business broadband deals. It gives you priority access over home broadband users during peak times, such as office hours.
This service usually guarantees a bandwidth during peak hours, to ensure your connection remains reliable and doesn’t drop out. This can be an essential feature if you have a typical Monday to Friday working week.
Does my business need fibre optic broadband?
Fibre optic broadband offers quicker speeds and a more reliable internet connection than standard ADSL.
If there are multiple internet users in the office using the internet at once, fibre optic broadband is definitely recommended.
Fibre optic broadband is now available to the majority of the UK. However, there are still some areas that can’t receive it.
Check your business postcode to find out if fibre optic is available in your area.
How can I get a good wireless signal all around my office?
To get a good wireless signal, you need a strong connection via a long-range wireless router. If you have a large office, you might want to consider more than one router and multiple access points.
If you have a smaller office with fewer than ten workers, a single router should be enough.
What technical support do I need?
The technical support you’ll receive will depend on the broadband provider you choose. Ideally, you’ll want a broadband deal with 24/7 technical support. After all, the longer your system is down, the higher the risk of losing business.
If you have access to assistance whatever the time of day, the issue can be fixed and you’ll be up and running faster.
When comparing business broadband, check out the service level agreement (SLA) before signing up for a deal. This will explain what technical support will be available to you.
What about business broadband mobile?
If you’re out and about a lot and need to keep in touch with the office, a business broadband mobile account might also be useful.
This allows you and your employees to have internet access even if you’re away from the office. If your broadband provider offers cloud features, even better. You’ll be able to use your server from anywhere and run a completely mobile business if you choose to.
Business broadband mobile with cloud features is also more secure than a mobile contract, or using local WiFi networks when you’re out of the office.
Do I need business broadband if I work from home?
It depends what type of business you run from home and if anyone else is also using the internet while you’re working.
If you’re a sole trader and only use the internet for web browsing, emails and sending small-sized documents, a standard ADSL connection should be enough.
But if you make frequent VoIP calls and need to send large files, a faster broadband connection and unlimited allowance might be better.
The good news is that many business broadband providers offer scalable services, so you can upgrade your package to suit your growing business.
What do I need for web hosting?
The type of web hosting service you’ll need can depend on the size and complexity of your business website.
- Shared hosting – ideal for basic websites. Your website is stored on the same server as other companies. It’s the most affordable web hosting option. However, as you’re sharing the server with multiple website owners, your website’s user experience could sometimes be slower.
- Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting – this is ideal for website owners who want more control over their website without the need for a dedicated server. It’s a good choice for those who want specific software installations, more customisation options and a greater amount of storage.
- Dedicated server hosting – this allows you to rent your own server without having to share with other websites. You’ll have full root and admin access, and total control of the security and operating system. More expensive than shared hosting, dedicated servers are typically used by larger companies with a higher level of website traffic. They also require an IT expert to manage the server on an ongoing basis.
- Cloud hosting – this allows businesses to use a range of resources without having to build or maintain their own computer infrastructure. As resources are spread across several servers, it’s the most reliable form of hosting, reducing the risk of downtime because of a single server malfunction. Cloud hosting is also scalable, so your website can grow as your business expands. And it’s cost-efficient, since you only need to pay for what you require.
What web security will I get?
Again, this depends on the business broadband deal you choose. However, business broadband packages tend to offer a higher level of security features than home broadband.
A static IP address is essential if you conduct a large part of your business over the internet. But they can also be more vulnerable to cyber attacks and hackers.
Most business broadband deals include security features such as:
- firewalls
- protection suites
- spyware protection
- spam filtering
- anti-virus software
It’s important to keep on top of the security updates and filtering features for your website and email. This will also reduce the risk of having to call technical support.
You might also want to consider a deal that includes password-protected extranet. This allows you and your employees to securely store and share data. It can be backed up daily or stored on a cloud-based network.
Is business broadband more expensive than standard broadband?
The answer is typically yes. The additional features and services that business broadband packages offer come at a price, but they may be essential for the running of your business.
What do I need to get a quote?
So we can show you a list of suitable business broadband quotes to compare, we’ll need:
- your postcode – to send you deals available in your area
- which broadband service you want to compare
- your current broadband provider.
In a matter of minutes, you can start comparing business broadband deals.
Why use Compare the Market?
| Get a quote in 1 minute** | 94%*** of users would recommend Compare the Market to friends or family | Compare a range of business broadband deals from the UK’s leading providers Compare a range of business broadband deals from the UK’s leading providers |
**On average it can take less than 1 minute to complete a broadband quote through Compare the Market, based on data in May 2020.
***For the period 1st March 2020 to 31st May 2020, 11,723 people responded to the recommend question, 11,015 responded with a score of 6 or above, therefore 94% are likely to recommend.
Holly Niblett
From the Broadband team
What our expert says
"Bundling your business broadband with a phone deal could prove to be more cost-effective than separate accounts. You might also benefit from extra features, such as multiple phone lines, non-geographic phone numbers and a VoIP service. If your business broadband provider is part of a mobile network, you may even be able to bundle your broadband, phone and mobile together."
Need help to choose the right broadband deal?
Take a look at some of our guides:
