What this guide covers: The award-winning experts at Amvia have compiled the complete business guide to leased lines. This guide covers how they work, how much they cost, what factors impact cost, the best leased line providers, which providers have the shortest and longest lead times, the most reliable networks, coverage, and much more.
What Is a Leased Line?
A leased line is a dedicated fibre optic data circuit connecting two or more locations for a monthly fee. Unlike shared broadband services, leased lines offer:
Dedicated bandwidth: Your business doesn't share the connection with others
Symmetric speeds: Equal upload and download rates (e.g., 50Mbps up/50Mbps down)
High capacity: Speeds can exceed 10Gbps to meet demanding business needs
How Does a Leased Line Work?
Leased lines create a private circuit between two points:
Your business premises
Your internet service provider's network or another business location
This dedicated connection ensures consistent, high-speed data transfer without the fluctuations common in shared internet services.
Advantages of Leased Lines
Dedicated Connection: No slowdowns during peak usage times
Symmetric Speeds: Ideal for cloud services, VoIP, and large file transfers
Scalability: Speeds available from 10Mbps to 10Gbps+
Reliability: Backed by strong Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
SLAs typically cover:
Speed
Uptime (often 99.9% or higher)
Packet loss
Round trip time
Jitter
Disadvantages of Leased Lines
Cost: Monthly fees range from £200 to £1000+, significantly higher than standard broadband
Contract Length: Typically require 12-36 month commitments
Installation Time: Can take 45-90 working days to set up
What Are Leased Lines Used For?
High-speed internet access for businesses
Connecting multiple office locations (point-to-point networks)
Supporting cloud-based applications and VoIP systems
Large file transfers and data backups
Leased Line Costs: What to Expect
Factors affecting leased line costs include:
Connection speed
Bearer capacity
Location
Provider
Contract length
On average, expect to pay £200-£400 per month in the UK. Prices can exceed £1000 for high-speed connections in certain locations.
Top Leased Line Providers in the UK
BT
Virgin Media
TalkTalk Business
Vodafone
SSE
Each provider offers different SLAs, installation times, and pricing structures. It's essential to compare options to find the best fit for your business.
How to Choose the Right Leased Line
Consider these factors when selecting a leased line:
Required bandwidth
Budget
Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Provider reputation and customer support
Installation timeframes
Leased Line vs. Broadband: Is It Right for Your Business?
A leased line might be the better choice if:
Your business can't afford any internet downtime
You transfer large amounts of data regularly
You rely heavily on VoIP or cloud applications
You need faster or more reliable speeds than standard broadband can provide
Your location has poor broadband connectivity
Availability and Installation
Leased line availability depends on your location's infrastructure. Urban areas and locations with existing ducting typically have better availability and lower costs. Rural areas may face higher costs and longer installation times.
Installation usually takes 45-90 working days, varying by provider and location. Some providers, like Virgin Media and Vodafone, may have longer average lead times.
Excess Construction Charges (ECCs)
Be aware of potential Excess Construction Charges (ECCs) when ordering a leased line. These occur when:
The provider's network hasn't reached your premises, and the construction cost exceeds their standard allowance
Your location is deemed commercially unviable for standard pricing
Some providers, like BT, include a standard "build" budget in their installation charges, potentially reducing the likelihood of ECCs.
