What to look for in a business broadband provider

Choosing the right business broadband provider is essential for any company aiming to stay competitive in today’s digital-first world. With the rise of remote work, cloud computing, and online collaboration, your internet connection directly impacts productivity, customer experience, and operational efficiency.

Whether you're a startup or a large enterprise, this guide will help you make an informed decision when selecting the best broadband solution for your business.

What to look for in a business broadband provider

Choosing the right business broadband provider is essential for any company aiming to stay competitive in today’s digital-first world. With the rise of remote work, cloud computing, and online collaboration, your internet connection directly impacts productivity, customer experience, and operational efficiency.

Whether you're a startup or a large enterprise, this guide will help you make an informed decision when selecting the best broadband solution for your business.

Availability in your area

Before comparing providers, use our broadband availability checker to see what services are accessible at your business location. Not all areas have access to full fibre (FTTP) or leased lines, so availability will influence your options.

Internet speeds and bandwidth

Speed matters. Here’s a breakdown of our business broadband packages:

Package Download speed Upload speed Technology
Essential Up to 76 Mbps

Up to 19 Mbps

FTTC

Full Fibre 150 Up to 150 Mbps

Up to 30 Mbps

FTTP

Full Fibre 300 Up to 300 Mbps

Up to 50 Mbps

FTTP

Full Fibre 900 Up to 900 Mbps Up to 110 Mbps FTTP
BTnet Leased Line 10 Mbps – 10 Gbps (Symmetrical) Symmetrical Dedicated Fibre

For businesses with high data demands, BTnet leased lines offer guaranteed speeds and uptime.

Connection types

Different connection types offer varying levels of speed and reliability:

Connection type Speed Reliability Best for
Fibre Optic Very high Excellent Medium to large businesses
Cable High Good Small to medium businesses
DSL Moderate Fair Small offices
Satellite Low Variable Rural areas

Pricing and contract terms

Choose a business broadband plan that fits your budget and business needs. We offer flexible packages from Essential to Pro, with options for static IPs, 4G backup, and expert set up. Always review contract length, renewal terms, and any early termination fees.

Some plans include data caps or Fair Usage Policies to manage network traffic. Our BTnet leased line offers unlimited usage with no throttling, ideal for businesses that rely on consistent, high-speed access.

Customer support and service levels

Reliable support is non-negotiable. We provide round-the-clock customer service across all packages, with Prompt Care options for next-day fault resolution. Look for providers with strong SLAs and responsive support teams.

Bundled services and extras

Our business broadband packages include valuable extras like:

  • Minimum Speed Guarantee.
  • Access to 5+ million Wi-Fi hotspots.
  • 4G Hybrid Backup via EE (Enhanced and Pro plans).
  • Complete Wi-Fi Plus for whole-office coverage.
     

These features enhance connectivity and resilience, which are critical considerations for any business.

Security and cyber protection

Cyber security is critical for any business. We offer:

  • Web Protect and Wi-Fi controls.
  • Guest network access.
  • Cyber security training for SMEs.
  • Support from 3,600+ security professionals.


Cyber threats are growing at lightning speed. At BT, we identify over 200 million potential threats daily.” – Tris Morgan, MD Security at BT.

Reliability and uptime

Our full fibre network offers high reliability, and BTnet leased lines come with 99.999% uptime guarantees. If uptime is mission-critical, consider opting for dedicated fibre services.

Equipment and installation

All BT packages include the Smart Hub 3, with easy set up via the BT Business app. Enhanced and Pro plans include Wi-Fi discs, and Pro plans include expert installation, ensuring optimal performance from day one.

Read user reviews and reputation

Customer feedback matters. While we’ve invested heavily in infrastructure, reviews highlight areas for improvement in customer service and issue resolution. Always compare ratings across platforms like Trustpilot, ISPreview, and Which?.

The best business broadband provider is one that aligns with your current needs and future growth. By evaluating speed, reliability, security, support, and cost, you’ll be equipped to make a smart, strategic decision that supports your business success.
 

Why choose
BT business

Reasons to believe in BT

Itching to get online? Be online tomorrow
Order Hybrid Backup before 12pm and be up and running the next day with EE 4G.
Dedicated 24/7 IT Support
With our team of UK-based experts it’s like having your own IT department on call.
Work almost anywhere
Get access to over 5 million Wi-Fi hotspots as a business broadband customer.
Itching to get online? Be online tomorrow
Order Hybrid Backup before 12pm and be up and running the next day with EE 4G.
Dedicated 24/7 IT Support
With our team of UK-based experts it’s like having your own IT department on call.
Work almost anywhere
Get access to over 5 million Wi-Fi hotspots as a business broadband customer.