4 myths UK telecoms service providers want you to believe
May 21, 2025
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6
min read
Highlights
Most ISPs resell legacy infrastructure, unlike Vorboss that has purpose-built its own fibre network for business connectivity. Dispelling the myth that older networks are more secure, Vorboss has security measures integrated into its new network design, ensuring protection against vulnerabilities and offering direct cable connectivity for enhanced security. Vorboss advocates for 10Gbps as the new standard in connectivity, addressing the misconception that businesses don't require such bandwidth.
As technology advances, the connectivity needs of businesses change and grow. Unfortunately, other UK telecoms service providers lack the agility to adapt their services to this ever-changing landscape. They would rather keep customers in the dark about the infrastructure they are using, so they stay complacent with the status quo.
At Vorboss, we think that's wrong, so we'll dive into some of the most common myths that UK telecoms service providers perpetuate. A lack of transparency in the industry prevents businesses from getting the connectivity they deserve—connectivity that will fuel their ambitions.
Misconceptions about UK telecoms service providers
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Myth #1: Each ISP has its own fibre network
You may believe that each Internet Service Provider (ISP) has its own dedicated fibre network. In reality, most business ISPs in London resell legacy Openreach infrastructure rather than relying on a network they built. This leads to unreliable connections and slow speeds for their customers.
Vorboss is the only ISP in London that has purpose-built its fibre network from scratch, using the latest technology and design. We are the only vertically integrated ISP dedicated to business in London, owning the network and service end-to-end. This gives us complete control and responsibility over our network, delivery, infrastructure, and customer experience.
Unlike other ISPs, we have no third parties involved at any stage of the process. Our in-house team handles everything from customer service, contracts, billing, installation, network design, and more. Customers deal directly with the engineers who built the network, ensuring quick response times for fault rectification, installations, and bandwidth upgrades.
Because we own the network, we can provide transparent pricing and commercial terms. There are no hidden costs or extra charges; the bandwidth you purchase is the bandwidth you receive.
Myth #2: Legacy networks are the most secure
Another misconception in the telecommunications industry is the belief that legacy networks are inherently more secure than AltNets. Telecoms companies claim that their older networks are more secure than their competitors, but the truth is that the age of a network does not determine its security level.
We understand the importance of network security at Vorboss. We designed our brand-new network with the latest security measures to ensure the highest level of protection for our customers' data.
Unlike legacy fibre networks that use on-street infrastructure, which can be vulnerable to vandalism, weather, power failures, and traffic damage, we deliver direct cable connectivity to eliminate these risks. We have diverse routing options to ensure resilience, and no one is ever more than 20 minutes away from a Vorboss engineer in Central London. We also have 24/7 proactive network monitoring and operational support from experienced network and security operations professionals.
No network is ever 100% secure, regardless of whether it's a legacy network or a newer one. Security is determined by the measures to protect the network, not by age. So, the belief that legacy networks are inherently more secure is a myth.
Myth #3: No one really needs 10Gbps bandwidth
Many mistakenly believe that businesses don't need to have 10Gbps business internet bandwidth. Why, then, are we at Vorboss trying to make 10Gbps the new standard in speed and capacity?
For London to remain a global leader, its businesses must be future-proofed. Bandwidth consumption is constantly growing – data requirements are doubling every two years – so limited bandwidth will quickly start holding back the companies driving our city's economy. They need to be able to use emerging technologies, such as AI and quantum computing, to remain competitive.
Businesses can focus on innovation, transformation, and gaining a competitive edge by removing bandwidth concerns. We understand that some companies may not need that much bandwidth right now, but we provide it on purpose so they will never have to worry about running out in the future. Connectivity should never be a limitation for business growth.
If your business uses 1Gbps, then it uses a legacy product. The network these internet service providers use would need substantial upgrades to provide what Vorboss provides – 10Gbps as a minimum, with the capability to quickly ramp up to 100Gbps business internet on the same network. We invested £250m into a brand-new fibre network designed for forward-thinking organisations' current and future needs.
Selling less than 10Gbps doesn't make sense to us, as it doesn't cost us any less to provide you with less bandwidth. ISPs charging incrementally for bandwidth consumption are exploiting customers to maximise profits. We don't constrain or manufacture bandwidth, and we provide purposeful abundance and transparency in pricing to our customers.
Myth #4: ISPs have the right to throttle your internet speeds
Throttling refers to ISPs temporarily slowing down your internet connection speed to manage their network capacity. This practice is often associated with wireless and mobile ISPs, but even some business fibre providers use throttling. But is that allowed?
Here's the truth – if your ISP is throttling your internet speeds, it should be outlined in your service level agreement (SLA). You have the right to be aware if you're not getting the rate you're paying for all day, every day.
It's important to note that ISPs are required to be transparent in their approach to net neutrality and traffic management. ISPs are prohibited from prioritising certain types of traffic over others and cannot intentionally slow down your connection. If you feel like throttling tactics from your current provider are holding you back, it's time to demand more or consider switching to a reliable ISP.
At Vorboss, we never throttle customer speeds, regardless of the bandwidth package customers choose. We believe in providing reliable and consistent internet speeds to our customers without sneaky tactics to hold them back. Besides, we offer Direct Internet Access (DIA), delivering connectivity to each specific customer via their own direct fibre connection. That means no varying speeds or sharing bandwidth.
Why you should demand more from UK telecoms companies
We have brought a new type of business-only internet and service to London, which is better and different from other UK telecoms companies. We want to lift the lid on industry secrets and call things out for the long-term health of our customers and the city.
We envision a future where the bandwidth for any task is available, allowing businesses to explore new solutions, ways of working, and technologies in the same way unlimited data has changed consumer behaviour with handheld devices. In turn, London will be able to compete at the highest level for years to come.
The telecommunications industry is ever-changing, and customers should always demand the best from their telecoms companies. Don't be fooled by the myths and misconceptions about them—your business deserves better.
If you want to learn more about connecting with us, speak to one of our experts today.
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How DPG overcame last-minute delays to get online in 3 weeks
Anyone who’s managed an office move understands how much coordination it takes: logistics, tight deadlines, suppliers to manage, all while keeping the day job going. But when your internet provider, a well-known legacy player, lets you down just weeks before your move, things can get really stressful.
Three months to get connected – but the provider stalled
DPG is a specialist social justice law firm. With a team of 80, they rely on secure, fast connectivity to manage sensitive legal work.
They gave their internet provider three months’ notice to install a leased line at their new office. But as the move-in date approached, the provider asked for a further 60-day extension.
With just six weeks left to go before staff were due to move in, DPG had no choice but to cancel their contract and find a new supplier.
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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