The short answer
Start by checking what is available at your exact address, then choose a connection based on how many people and devices use it, how much you rely on cloud services and card payments, and the support you need. Compare providers on service levels, contract length, installation time and total cost. The UK's analogue phone network closes on 31 January 2027, so move any traditional lines and check equipment that relies on them.
Business connection types
| Option | What it is | Typically suits |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre broadband (FTTC) | Fibre to the street cabinet, copper line to the premises | Smaller sites where full fibre isn't available |
| Full fibre (FTTP) | Fibre all the way to the premises | Most businesses, where available |
| Leased line | A dedicated, uncontended connection, usually with matching upload and download speeds | Offices and sites that depend heavily on connectivity |
| 4G/5G backup | Mobile data failover | Keeping card payments and POS online during outages |
How to work out what you need
Base your choice on how you actually use the connection, not on the fastest headline speed.
- How many people and devices are online at busy times.
- Upload needs — video calls, cloud backups and sending large files rely on upload speed.
- What must never go offline, such as card payments, bookings or phones.
- Whether you need static IP addresses, guest Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi coverage across a large premises.
Business broadband vs home broadband
Business services typically offer business-grade support and service commitments, options such as static IP addresses, and contracts designed for business use.
Service levels vary between providers, so compare support hours, fault-repair commitments and any compensation terms rather than assuming every business package is the same.
Phones and the analogue switch-off
Openreach plans to close the UK's analogue telephone network (PSTN) on 31 January 2027, and new analogue lines have not been sold since September 2023.
- Move business phone lines to digital services such as VoIP or cloud phone systems.
- Check equipment that may use a traditional line — alarms, lift emergency lines, door entry systems, franking machines and older card machines.
- In most cases you can keep your business phone number by porting it to a new provider.
How to compare business broadband providers
- Check availability at your exact address.
- List what must stay online and how many users you have.
- Compare connection type, speeds (download and upload) and service commitments.
- Check installation lead times — leased lines can take longer than standard broadband.
- Compare contract length, total cost and exit terms.
- Plan backup connectivity for card payments and essential systems.
How Meridian can help
Meridian Merchant & Energy Solutions Ltd helps UK businesses explore business broadband, connectivity and phone options from the third-party providers we work with, explains the options and costs in plain English, and tells you who you would be contracting with before you decide.
Meridian acts as an introducer, broker or reseller depending on the service. The provider supplies the service under its own terms and carries out its own eligibility checks. We may receive commission from providers — you can ask us about it at any time, and it is disclosed where the rules require. Submitting an enquiry is free and does not commit you to anything.
Related solutions
Frequently asked questions
Will my card machine stop working after the analogue switch-off?
Only if it still relies on a traditional phone line. Most modern card machines use broadband, Wi-Fi or mobile data, but check with your payment provider if you are unsure.
How long does a leased line take to install?
Leased lines often take longer to install than standard broadband because new infrastructure may be needed. Ask the provider for its expected lead time for your address.
Is business broadband better than home broadband?
Not necessarily faster, but business packages typically offer business-grade support, service commitments and options such as static IP addresses that home packages may not.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information for UK businesses, not financial, legal or tax advice. Rules and prices change — check the sources above and your provider’s terms before making decisions.