How to find the best business broadband package

How does Choose compare business broadband deals?

Choose aims to help small businesses across the UK to compare broadband deals suitable for small to medium sized companies, or SMEs.

We include both broadband only (otherwise known as data only lines) as well as broadband and phone packages in the comparison search above, it's also possible to filter deals by including an anytime call plan for unlimited UK calls.

Our aim is to supply you with clear information about the latest business broadband deals and current special offers for new and switching customers so that you can make an informed decision when you choose a broadband package for your company.

The business broadband deals listed here are kept updated on a regular basis to help ensure customers get an accurate picture of the deals available in the market that day.

We also only list the deals by price or by fact and never by referral revenue. This means businesses can trust the information we present. To change how deals are ordered, simply use the 'sort by' drop down at the top of the comparison table.

The filter available can also help to find the right deal for you based on the broadband speed your business needs; whether you need a phone line and any free calls; the contract term your company can commit to; and whether you prefer any particular providers.

Choose covers the wider broadband market where we can, so that customers can compare business broadband prices from the major providers with availability for both superfast part and full fibre connections across the UK.

On this page, you can find deals from business broadband providers, including:

  • BT Business
  • Sky Business
  • Virgin Media Business
  • Vodafone Business
  • TalkTalk Business
  • Hyperoptic
  • XLN

To find out exactly what's available at your location make sure to enter the postcode of your place of work where you want the connection to be installed in the form field at the top of the page. This will filter out any deals that aren't available to you, so it's easier to find the best business broadband deal from a provider with coverage where you live.

Lastly, please note that prices for business broadband are usually always exclusive of VAT, so, remember to factor that into any budgeting decisions.

How does business broadband differ from home broadband?

The business broadband deals we list on this page are suited for small to medium sized businesses, so for example, that could be a small to medium sized office-based business, or a café or coffee shop that wants to offer its customers free WiFi.

Because these packages are generally designed for smaller companies, they're similar to residential broadband deals because, unlike leased lines, they offer contended connections using the same infrastructure as home broadband networks.

However, where they do differ is often in the support available, with businesses provided with dedicated business support teams, as well as more features designed with businesses in mind.

For example, business broadband can offer companies a guest WiFi service so they can share their internet connection with customers - which is ideal for cafes, coffee shops and pubs.

Office-based businesses will also be able to access WiFi extenders with some providers, static IP addresses, unlimited UK call plans including with cloud voice apps, and even menu systems and automated call answering systems.

Read more in our guide to business broadband vs home broadband.

How much is business broadband likely to cost?

Business broadband may not be as expensive as you might imagine.

Prices are actually quite similar to equivalent residential broadband deals, yet, businesses who take a business-specific plan will benefit from features designed to support their productivity, including business-level support if there are ever any problems with the connection.

Business broadband packages start from less than £20 per month for either a part or full fibre broadband connection, while even the fastest gigabit broadband deals are only priced at around the £50 mark.

Companies can spend more by adding additional features, such as a business phone line, unlimited UK anytime call plans, and other extras like upgraded support or equipment.

Businesses that make and receive a lot of calls, especially where calling customers is a vital part of the day-to-day business, should consider an unlimited call plan which are often priced below £10 per month for all UK landline and UK mobile calls up to 60 minutes.

One thing to bear in mind is business broadband prices are usually always listed exclusive of VAT. So, if your small business isn't yet registered for VAT or uses the flat rate VAT scheme, then an extra 20% will need to be budgeted for.

What service level options are available for businesses?

The service level options available for businesses when taking broadband will vary depending upon the provider.

However, most will offer dedicated business support that's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The additional service options that may be available, include:

  • Dedicated IT support lines
  • Extra help when setting up the connection for the first time, or when setting up and using the wireless network
  • Faster fault resolution times
  • Paid-for assurance to cover the cost of faults deemed to be the responsibility of your business
  • 4G mobile broadband back-up systems if the fixed-line connection ever goes down

While these services can be useful, bear in mind as well, TalkTalk Business has one of the highest ratings on Trustpilot for customer support, yet, only offers one service level to all businesses.

So, paying more isn't always a necessity as business support is generally of a high quality in any case.

What features should I be looking out for?

When comparing business broadband the main features to look out for that your company may need include:

  • The broadband speed and connection; where available full fibre broadband is the better choice, and companies should make sure the speed is adequate for their needs
  • Is the package a data-only line or does it include a phone line? Businesses who make or receive calls will want to seriously consider a landline phone service, which can even accept an existing number port if you have a business number already
  • Does it offer a static IP address at no extra cost, or is this an additional cost if you need one?
  • Does the provider offer a guest WiFi service if you intend on sharing your internet connection with your customers?
  • Can you access additional support if your connection is fundamental to your business operation?
  • What equipment is provided, including the router, as well as additional WiFi boosters and automatic 4G back-up devices

We cover all of these features in our reviews of business broadband providers. However, having an idea of the type of services available is a good place to start, to then decide what your company is most likely to need.

Can I keep my current business phone number?

Generally, yes. If you pick a business broadband and phone package you should be able to select to keep your current number when you sign up online.

Phone number porting to new digital-based phone lines is completely possible and most business broadband providers offer this service, even to their cloud-based voice apps. Which means you could be able to access your business landline number through a mobile app wherever you are.

Just make sure to switch to a business broadband plan that includes line rental and a phone line, as data-only lines are becoming more standard.

How long will it take to switch broadband providers?

Switching between two different business broadband providers usually takes around 14 working days, and the new One Touch Switch system means all switches are now gaining provider led, including for business customers.

What does 'gaining provider led' mean? This means to switch broadband deals the customer just needs to choose a new broadband package and place an order. Then, the 'gaining provider', or new provider, handles the switch for them, including contacting their existing supplier and cancelling their existing service on the same day their new service is set to go live.

The new switching system helps to better handle switches between different networks, such as where a customer is moving from BT Business to Virgin Media Business, or from an Openreach network to a new local full fibre network.

So, to order a new business broadband deal, use the free comparison search above to find the best broadband deal for your company and simply place an order online. Once that's done, your new provider will handle the rest for you and be in touch with further information, including an advised switch date.

How do I find more information on broadband?

Have more questions? Choose has been covering the broadband market for over 20 years and we have a range of comprehensive and thorough guides to everything you need to know about broadband.

We've covered topics from how to improve broadband speeds; how broadband contracts work; how to switch broadband providers; and much more.

You can search all of our content for the information you need, or browse our archive of broadband guides here.

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