Navigating business internet providers: how to make the smartest choice
May 21, 2025
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7
min read
Highlights
When researching business internet providers, look for ISPs with their own network infrastructure dedicated to businesses. Reliability, speed, and capacity are also big considerations, as well as the onboarding process, contracts, and quality of customer service.
Internet connectivity is the lifeblood of businesses, powering operations, communication, and growth.
In this guide, we'll explore key factors—network, service, and people—to consider when selecting the ideal business internet provider to keep you connected and thriving.
You should ask these questions to assess whether you're getting what you need from your current provider or ensure you pick the right one.
Network
What infrastructure do they use?
When exploring business Internet Service Provider (ISP) options, it's crucial to distinguish between providers utilising state-of-the-art infrastructure and those relying on legacy networks.
The network build is the foundation of your internet connection, determining the reliability and performance of your business' online operations—now and in the future.
However, you may not realise that many internet providers resell legacy Openreach infrastructure.
ISPs that build their own networks are more likely to have modern infrastructure that can accommodate the growing data demands that every business is experiencing.
Fibre optic networks offer higher speeds, lower latency, and increased reliability compared to traditional copper-based systems. Choose an internet provider that uses the latest technology available to ensure they will provide the data-intensive connectivity you’ll need now and in the future.
What speed do you need?
In today’s business landscape, having abundant internet is non-negotiable. You shouldn’t have to think about speed and capacity, as they are fundamental to everyday business—whether you’re a large corporation or are looking for internet for small businesses.
Bandwidth (or lack thereof) can be the difference between making a landmark deal or dropping a business-critical call.
Consider how much bandwidth your business needs to operate seamlessly now. Then, consider what it will need in five years, taking into account that data requirements are growing exponentially.
Next, compare the upload and download speeds offered by different ISPs. Pay attention to whether their service is contended, meaning the line is shared. You want to ensure that the speeds advertised are what you will actually get so there are no dips in service when your data needs peak (when many people are in the office at once, for example).
Many businesses are transitioning to 10Gbps business internet (or above) as a strategic investment, enabling them to handle large data volumes and adopt advanced applications. Some networks are even 100Gbps capable.
The bottom line is that you should never even come close to outgrowing your digital capabilities. Consider the trifecta of speed, capacity, and scalability to make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.
Can you rely on them?
Every minute of interrupted connectivity can result in financial losses, missed opportunities, and frustrated clients.
Reduce the risk of downtime by assessing business ISPs on their reliability. Compare their Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which set the expectations for uptime, response time, and issue resolution. A robust SLA indicates how confident the ISP is with their network and ensures your business has a safety net.
You should also look out for ISPs that use diverse lines. This is when they install backup routes that will be unaffected if the primary connections go down. The data can, therefore, travel down a separate route whilst they fix the connection on the other line.
Be thorough in your research to ensure you minimise financial losses, decreased productivity, and customer and employee frustration.
Are they dedicated to businesses?
Providers dedicated exclusively to businesses have an in-depth understanding of the distinct needs and challenges businesses face.
Unlike providers serving residential and business customers, business-only specialists have exclusive infrastructure for their business clients.
These ISPs are well-versed in the essential features that matter to enterprises. Whether it's advanced security protocols, reliable connectivity, or specific bandwidth requirements, they prioritise features that contribute to the success of businesses.
They are also more likely to offer tailored solutions that align with the specific requirements of businesses, from custom packages to scalable plans.
Service
How smooth is the on-boarding process?
The installation process for your business internet should be seamless and designed to minimise disruptions.
Whether transitioning from a previous provider or setting up a new connection, a quick and easy installation process reduces downtime for your business.
Ask about timelines to assess the level of support you will receive during the onboarding process. A provider prioritising a smooth experience demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction, setting the tone for a productive and lasting partnership.
Vertically integrated ISPs, who do everything in house, will be more efficient in delivering your connection. From the Installation Technician who surveys your building to the Wayleave Officer managing the legal component, the fibre delivery journey will be drastically better than industry norms.
How clear is the contract?
Transparency in pricing and contracts is paramount. The last thing you want is to discover hidden costs or navigate through convoluted terms that can impact your budget and flexibility.
Signs of a transparent provider include a clear pricing breakdown, open communication, flexible contract options, and no hidden clauses. This allows you to assess the overall cost-effectiveness of your chosen plan.
Here are some questions to ask:
What is the contract duration?
You should look for providers with contracts that give you the flexibility to adapt to changing business needs, whether you need to scale up your services or adjust.
A clear and concise contract eliminates confusion and ensures that both parties are on the same page regarding the service’s duration, terms, and conditions.
Is the pricing straightforward?
A transparent pricing structure lets you accurately plan your budget and effectively allocate resources.
Unpublished prices indicate that they could inflate pricing on a case-by-case basis. All charges should be clear upfront, helping you avoid unexpected fees emerging during your contract.
Does the SLA include fair compensation measures for downtime?
Green flags include a clear definition of what constitutes downtime, a transparent compensation structure, automatic compensation, and proactive communication if an issue arises.
People
Do they get to know their customers?
We’re in a digital world, but businesses prioritising strong customer relationships still reign supreme. Your ISP should take the time to get to know the specific needs of your business and engage in proactive communication, whether it's informing you about potential maintenance or updating you on service improvements.
Assess potential ISPs on their available customer support channels and browse customer testimonials to gauge how much they prioritise customer relationships.
Think about it this way—would you prefer ringing a call centre or a dedicated account manager? Having a single point of contact who works in-house will give you tailored support and take much of the frustration out of issue resolution. Don’t put yourself in a position where you’ll be passed from person to person.
What does the company stand for?
The team behind the scenes can tell you a lot about an ISP. The composition and mindset of the team play a crucial role in delivering innovative solutions that meet diverse business needs.
A provider that values diversity is better equipped to understand and cater to the unique requirements of businesses. Embracing diversity in their team often translates to offering versatile solutions that consider various business needs. Look for a provider committed to fostering an inclusive environment, ensuring their team reflects various perspectives and experiences.
Also, consider whether they prioritise training and development for their team. A workforce continuously enhancing their skills is better positioned to offer optimal support and guidance.
Finally, assess their mindset when it comes to innovation. A youthful and fresh approach indicates a commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. A provider with a forward-thinking mindset is more likely to adopt cutting-edge technologies and services, offering your business the benefits of the latest innovations in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
These insights will help you get below the surface when choosing a business ISP because this is about more than connectivity. Your company should thrive in the modern data-driven landscape; if it does not, it will swiftly fall behind.
Finding a provider that aligns with your goals, empowers your team, and propels your business into a future where connectivity is seamless, reliable, and abundant will make all the difference.
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The problem with ‘business broadband’
Most people search for ‘business broadband’ when they’re looking for internet for their office. Fair enough, it’s the term that’s been marketed to death. But here’s the thing: business broadband isn’t the only option, and most of the time, it won't meet the needs of a modern business. If you need a connection that actually keeps up, a leased line is the answer; reliable, secure, and built for multiple users.
In this blog we explain the differences between the two connections.
Broadband vs leased line explained
- Broadband: A standard, shared internet connection typically designed for home use, but sometimes used in small offices. Speeds can vary, especially during busy times, and upload speeds are often much lower than downloads – which can limit performance for modern business applications.
- Leased line: A private, dedicated connection between your premises and your provider. Symmetrical speeds, guaranteed performance, and no sharing with neighbours - specifically designed to meet the demands of modern business connectivity.
Business broadband: a closer look
Most of the time, business broadband is the same product that an ISP (Internet Service Provider) sells to their residential customers, but more expensive and probably bundled with a low-level cyber security product.
It has a dedicated web page, with stock photos of people doing business. And it comes with some comforting words to tell you that they know how hard business is. Excruciating.
Your traffic isn’t prioritised. Your connection isn’t dedicated. And if you have an ‘account manager’, they’re probably responsible for literally thousands of customers like you.
If you pay more, you might get a commitment to investigate faults within a given time – usually within a day.
When you’re looking for business broadband, bear these things in mind. Look at the details to see if you’re simply being sold a standard home broadband package disguised as a business solution.
What does great internet connectivity for business look like?
It’s very easy to call something business broadband. But it’s a very different thing to provide internet connectivity that’s genuinely fast and reliable enough for London business in 2025.
One of the fundamental features of an internet product for business is a dedicated connection.
‘Broadband’ or ‘FTTP’ (that’s Fibre to the Premise) means that the service you’re paying for is shared between you and typically 30 of your neighbours – whether they’re houses or other businesses.
So when you have a broadband or FTTP connection, don’t expect to get the Gbps speeds you’ve paid for at busy times (which is most of the working day). It’s cheap, and it connects. But it’s not a product that you can rely on to keep your business running.
At the busiest times, you'll have to hope that it’ll give you what you need. That might mean putting up with a poor-quality video call, a painful wait downloading a PowerPoint, or an eternity for every employee to log in to Teams at 9am.
Internet connectivity that you and your business can rely on is going to be dedicated to you, and that means taking a leased line (also known as DIA, or direct internet access).
What are the benefits of a leased line?
A dedicated connection means guaranteed bandwidth
With a leased line, you get every bit you pay for, unlike a shared ‘broadband’ connection, where you can pay for 1Gbps but it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever see that speed.
A connection you can rely on
Always the speed you’ve paid for and infrastructure that’s backed up by an SLA (Service Level Agreement) – and automatic compensation if you choose a really good ISP. And the ability to order a back-up line, to increase the resilience of your service.
Lower latency
The more direct architecture and quicker route to a data centre (where your connection hits the internet) means a leased line will almost always offer lower latency than a broadband connection.
Upload that matches download
Most broadband, FTTP and cable services advertise the download speed but keep quiet on upload – that’s because upload is significantly slower in these services, often as little as a tenth of the speed. Leased lines have ‘symmetrical’ download and upload.
Enhanced security
Security can never be taken for granted, so check on the Infosec and compliance qualifications of your provider – typically, those selling residential-grade services won’t invest in this area, but serious business providers recognise the huge benefit to their customers.
- Broadband: speeds vary, especially during peak times when many users share the line
- Leased line: your own private connection with speeds that never slow down
- Why it matters: faster speeds mean quicker file sharing, uninterrupted calls, and no buffering
How the two really compare
Leased line vs broadband, 13 key differences
1. Shared vs dedicated connection
- Broadband: line is shared with up to 30 users, meaning speeds vary
- Leased line: your own private, dedicated connection with speeds that never slow down
- Why it matters: a dedicated connection keeps critical work flowing without interruptions or slowdowns
2. Upload vs download speeds
- Broadband: downloads are fine, uploads are often much slower
- Leased line: symmetrical (equal upload and download speeds)
- Why it matters: symmetrical speeds mean quicker file sharing, uninterrupted video calls, and seamless cloud uploads/downloads
3. Reliability
- Broadband: line shared with others, so performance can be unreliable when usage is high
- Leased line: dedicated, uncontested connection that stays reliable
- Why it matters: a stable connection doesn't disturb business operations and maximises productivity
4. Service level agreements (SLAs)
- Broadband: uptime and fix times are not guaranteed; outages take longer to resolve
- Leased line: 99.9%+ uptime with fixed repair times, usually within a few hours
- Why it matters: no guaranteed repair times mean more downtime and distruption
5. Proactive monitoring
- Broadband: reactive, your provider might prioritise other issues over yours
- Leased line: 24/7 monitoring; problems often fixed before you notice
- Why it matters: proactive fixes mean fewer outages and smoother operations
6. Dedicated point of contact
- Broadband: no dedicated contact; expect long calls, chat bots, and slow complaint handling
- Leased line: you get a dedicated account manager you can reach directly, usually within minutes
- Why it matters: dedicated point of contact means faster responses, fixes, and no endless chasing
7. Latency (the time it takes for data to travel between you and the person or system you’re connecting to)
- Broadband: higher latency and prone to more network congestion
- Leased line: minimal delay for smooth, instant calls, file uploads etc.
- Why it matters: low latency prevents frozen video or slow cloud uploads
8. Traffic prioritisation
- Broadband: provider decides what gets priority
- Leased line: you control which activities come first (e.g., video calls, file transfers
- Why it matters: without control, important tasks can slow during busy periods
9. Truly unlimited
- Broadband: “unlimited” may come with data caps or throttling (slowing speeds after a threshold
- Leased line: No data limits or throttling; full speed at all times
- Why it matters: no data limits mean no surprise slowdowns mid-project
10. Installation time
- Broadband: a couple of weeks
- Leased line: depends on provider; Vorboss offers “Rapid Install” in as little as 48 hours
- Why it matters: slow setup can delay your business getting online
11. No phone line required
- Broadband: often tied to phone rental
- Leased line: internet-only, perfect for internet-based phone systems (VoIP)
- Why it matters: save money by ditching old-style phone lines while still making calls
12. Cost
- Broadband: cheaper monthly fees
- Leased line: higher cost, but delivers fast, reliable, uninterrupted service
- Why it matters: paying more is worth it if slow internet or downtime is slowing your team, delaying projects, or costing your business money
13. Scalability
- Broadband: limited options for upgrading bandwidth
- Leased line: easily upgraded as your business grows
- Why it matters: leased line supports business growth without needing a completely new internet connection
Feature comparison at a glance
The difference that matters: reliability
That’s the key difference between the experience of these two technologies: how much you can rely on your connection, and how that impacts your business. We see it in every customer interaction as they move from broadband to direct internet – the shackles are off.
While business broadband infrastructure is shared with the businesses and houses around you, leased line (or direct internet) infrastructure is dedicated to you – it isn’t shared with anyone.
It’s your connection, and every bit of the bandwidth you’re paying for is yours. It’s guaranteed. Always giving you the internet speed and capacity you need, no matter how busy things get.
The whole Manchester office coming down for a team day? No problem. Sending a broadcast-quality video file to a client on a deadline? Easy. Worrying about signing up to a new cloud-based software for project management? Don’t. Putting the CEO on a video call that has to be perfect? Do it.
A 10Gbps leased line ensures you always have the speed you need. It’s a service you and your business can rely on.
Installation time
- Broadband: a couple of weeks
- Leased Line: depends on provider; Vorboss offers “Rapid Install” in as little as 48 hours
- Why it matters: slow setup can delay your business getting online
11. No phone line required
- Broadband: often tied to phone rental
- Leased line: internet-only, perfect for internet-based phone systems (VoIP)
- Why it matters: save money by ditching old-style phone lines while still making calls
12. Cost
- Broadband: cheaper monthly fees
- Leased line: higher cost, but delivers fast, reliable, uninterrupted service
- Why it matters: paying more is worth it if slow internet or downtime is slowing your team, delaying projects, or costing your business money
13. Scalability
- Broadband: limited options for upgrading bandwidth
- Leased line: easily upgraded as your business grows
- Why it matters: leased line supports business growth without needing a completely new internet connection
Feature comparison at a glance
The difference that matters: reliability
That’s the key difference between the experience of these two technologies: how much you can rely on your connection, and how that impacts your business. We see it in every customer interaction as they move from broadband to direct internet – the shackles are off.
While business broadband infrastructure is shared with the businesses and houses around you, leased line (or direct internet) infrastructure is dedicated to you – it isn’t shared with anyone.
It’s your connection, and every bit of the bandwidth you’re paying for is yours. It’s guaranteed. Always giving you the internet speed and capacity you need, no matter how busy things get.
The whole Manchester office coming down for a team day? No problem. Sending a broadcast-quality video file to a client on a deadline? Easy. Worrying about signing up to a new cloud-based software for project management? Don’t. Putting the CEO on a video call that has to be perfect? Do it.
A 10Gbps leased line ensures you always have the speed you need. It’s a service you and your business can rely on.
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Breach breakdown
In April 2025, Marks & Spencer (M&S) was hit by a serious cyberattack, and not by amateurs. The group behind it, known as Scattered Spider (also known as UNC3944 or Octo Tempest) has a track record. They’ve already taken on major U.S. giants like Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts.
Our 40Fi DFND team has done a deep dive into what happened and, more importantly, how businesses like yours can stay protected.
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Want practical, jargon-free cybersecurity advice tailored for your business?
Join our free workshop with the City of London Police. Register now.
How they got in
Scattered Spider used smart, targeted phishing emails and impersonated IT staff to trick people into handing over their credentials. They even used a tactic called "MFA fatigue", which consisted of spamming employees with repeated login requests until one was mistakenly approved.
Threat intelligence researcher, Lontz reported on suspected Scattered Spider infrastructure (see figure 2), involving fake domains designed to mimic legitimate login pages of well-known websites. A spoofed company login page could have been created to get access to M&S employee login details.
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What happened after they got in
Initial access to M&S systems is believed to have been as early as February. Once in, the attackers used stolen administrative credentials to deploy legitimate remote administration tools (RATs). This gave them ongoing control over key systems (including employee devices), helping them stay hidden while moving through the network.
Here's what they did:
- Installed remote desktop access tools like AnyDesk and TeamViewer - the same kind real IT teams would use
- Moved around through different M&S’s internal systems to grab as much data as possible
- Targeted critical assets like password databases and user credentials
Finally, they created secret access points, hidden accounts, and scheduled tasks to make sure they could stay inside the company's network without getting noticed.
The attack
On April 24, Scattered Spider launched the DragonForce ransomware attack on M&S’ VMware ESXi servers, encrypting virtual machines that powered key systems for e-commerce, payment processing, and logistics (see figure 3).
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As a result, M&S had no choice but to shut down key systems entirely (including online orders and contactless payments), and call in top cybersecurity experts from CrowdStrike, Microsoft, and Fenix24 to contain the damage and start the recovery process (see figure 4).
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What this means for you
While M&S is a major player, the tactics used in this breach aren’t just for corporations, they work just as well against small businesses. Groups like Scattered Spider rely on common tools and stolen identities to gain trust and slip past normal security. The key lesson? Always verify the people and systems you rely on, whether they’re inside your team or external partners.
What you can do to improve cybersecurity for your business
5 quick wins to protect your business
- Train your team – teach employees to spot dodgy emails, spoofed links, and sketchy login pages.
- Use strong passwords – create long, complex passwords that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Never reuse passwords across different accounts.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) – this adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
- Stay vigilent – do not open email attachments or click on links unless you are certain of their legitimacy. If you have any doubts, report the email to your security team immediately.
- Report suspicious activity fast – if you receive unexpected MFA prompts, suspicious login alerts, or calls requesting your credentials, report them to your security team as soon as possible.
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