Your internet connection is the backbone of your business. Whether it’s powering video meetings with clients, running cloud-based applications, supporting VoIP phone systems, or enabling remote teams, a reliable and fast connection keeps everything moving.
But not all internet connections are created equal. For UK businesses, two of the most common options are fibre broadband and leased lines and choosing the right one can mean the difference between smooth operations and costly downtime.
At GBIS Communications, we specialise in helping businesses across the UK find the perfect connectivity solution. Let’s break down the differences, so you can make an informed choice.
What is Fibre Broadband?
Fibre broadband uses fibre-optic cables to deliver fast internet speeds to your premises. It’s widely available, affordable, and much more reliable than older copper-based services.
Advantages of fibre broadband:
- High speeds (often 100Mbps+, depending on the package)
- Lower cost compared to leased lines
- Quick installation and broad UK coverage
Disadvantages:
- Shared bandwidth, speeds can drop during peak times
- Upload speeds are usually slower than download speeds
- Less stable for critical operations
Best suited for:
Small-to-medium-sized businesses with moderate internet demands, such as email, web browsing, and occasional video conferencing.
What is a Leased Line?
A leased line is a dedicated, private internet connection between your business and the internet service provider. Unlike broadband, the bandwidth is not shared with anyone else; it’s 100% yours, all the time.
Advantages of leased lines:
- Guaranteed speeds (often 1Gbps+ both upload and download)
- Ultra-reliable with guaranteed uptime via SLAs
- Symmetrical speeds (where upload and download speeds are the same) are ideal for large file transfers, VoIP, and video conferencing
- Scalable to meet future demands
- Private and secure connection that is exclusive to your business
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost than broadband
- Longer installation times (up to 90 days, depending on location)
Best suited for:
Larger businesses, organisations with multiple locations, or companies that rely heavily on cloud services, VoIP, or real-time data.
Leased Line vs Fibre Broadband: Head-to-Head
Feature | Fibre Broadband | Leased Line |
Speed | High but shared | Guaranteed, symmetrical |
Reliability | Can vary at peak times | Ultra-stable, backed by SLAs |
Cost | Lower | Higher |
Scalability | Moderate | Excellent |
Best For | SMEs, light-to-medium use | Large teams, mission-critical ops |
Why Comparing Providers Matters
Not all leased lines provide the same service. Whether you’re considering a BT leased line, Vodafone Business, TalkTalk Business, or another provider, it pays to compare.
Factors like installation times, service resilience, support quality, and price can vary widely. The best choice isn’t always the biggest name; it’s the provider whose service fits your unique needs.
With GBIS Communications, you won’t have to decipher any off-the-shelf packages. We work with multiple trusted suppliers, matching you with the right leased line or fibre broadband option based on your location, budget, and performance requirements. That means you get the ideal connection at the best possible value, backed by our expert setup and ongoing support.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing
Before deciding, think about:
- Business size & number of users: More users = greater demand for bandwidth.
- Critical nature of connectivity: Can you afford downtime?
- Cloud & VoIP usage: Heavy use benefits from leased lines.
- Budget vs downtime costs: A cheaper connection that fails can cost more in lost productivity.
Why Many Businesses are Switching to Leased Lines
With hybrid working, cloud computing, and video conferencing now the norm, businesses are increasingly moving to leased lines for the speed, stability, and security they offer.
A dedicated connection reduces the risk of interruptions, improves collaboration, and ensures that performance doesn’t suffer, even during peak usage.
GBIS Communications specialise in helping businesses make the switch seamlessly, managing installation, setup, and integration with existing systems.
GBIS Expertise: Your Connectivity Partner
We provide both fibre broadband and dedicated leased lines – tailored to your business needs, location, and growth plans. Our team will assess your current setup, future requirements, and budget to recommend the perfect solution.
We’ve helped businesses across the UK upgrade to connections that cut unwanted downtime, boost productivity, and support their long-term growth.
Get Connected with Confidence
Not sure which connection is right for your business?
Contact GBIS Communications today for a free consultation. We’ll help you choose a solution that keeps your business connected, competitive, and ready for the future.
01282 451300 | comms@gbis.co.uk | gbiscomms.co.uk