As a startup, you may just be getting started in a co-working space or working from home. Or, maybe you have secured a small office. Regardless of where you’re working from, you’ll need a reliable Internet from day one. And one that doesn’t eat up your budget either.
The tricky part is finding the right provider that suits your needs – and your budget. You may find a really affordable option but realise they come with hidden costs or slow speeds after you’ve signed a contract. Or the opposite where you have lightning-fast speeds, but you’re locked into a long-term contract.
As a startup, you’ll want to find business-grade broadband that is fast yet cost-effective and, most importantly, can grow alongside with your business.
Why The Right Broadband Matters For Startups
Money and time are two things that can greatly impact the success of your startup. And both of these are directly affected by your Internet connectivity.
With a poor connection, you’ll likely experience dropped calls and trying to upload or download files will take an unnecessary amount of time. All of this affects your startup’s productivity and not in a good way.
When it comes to money, you have to decide where to invest it smartly. At seed stage, it doesn’t always make sense to pay a high premium for enterprise-only SLAs (Service Level Agreements). On the other hand, opting for a cheaper plan could still interrupt your day to day work online.
7 Affordable Business Broadband Providers For Startups
So what would you actually need? A mainstream service provider who can give you full-fibre speeds at affordable prices, with options for business-grade support.
Here are some of the top providers to consider.
1. TalkTalk Business
TalkTalk is a budget-friendly ISP, ideal for new businesses. They have flexible contract lengths ranging from 12 to 36 months as well as unlimited data and business-focused support if you need it.
Key Features:
- No caps or throttling, just unlimited data.
- Business Full Fibre options.
- Static IP available.
- Support for businesses 24 hours a day all year round.
2. bOnline
For startups who are on a tight budget, bOnline offers highly affordable broadband plans. Their plans are also suited to those who work from home or freelancers who still require good connectivity but minus enterprise-grade SLA.
Key Features:
- 4G/5G mobile business broadband with unlimited downloads and a router.
- Bundle options that combine fibre broadband with a digital phone line and unlimited UK calling.
- Price-match guarantee.
- Competitive pricing.
3. Vodafone Business
Vodafone has a strong service provider reputation across the UK. Their plans are great for startups who just want one supplier for both their mobile and connectivity needs, with the ability to scale later.
Key Features:
- Static IP address options.
- 24/7 support.
- Dashboard and mobile app available.
- Full fibre speeds for business product lines.
4. BT Business
BT’s business plans are a bit pricier than the budget service providers, but it’s certainly worth it. They have strong nationwide coverage with a huge support network and business-grade SLAs. Even if you’re working in a smaller town, you’ll still get good coverage.
Key Features:
- Full fibre and standard broadband packages.
- Wide national availability.
- Business-grade SLAs and support infrastructure.
5. Virgin Media Business
Virgin Media Business is known for running frequent promotions where you can get high speed plans at cheaper prices. And if you happen to be in one of the towns or cities covered by their fibre, their gigabit-capable lines are great value for money.
Key Features:
- High download speeds.
- Static IP available.
- Fixed-price guarantee for contract term.
- 4G backup on some of the business plans.
6. Zen Internet
Zen is renowned for their transparent pricing and UK-based support. They emphasise no hidden mid-contract price hikes, which gives startups peace of mind when working with a specific budget.
Key Features:
- UK-based support staff.
- Flexible network solutions if your business is scaling.
- Optional 4G backup.
- Full fibre broadband with static IP available.
7. Plusnet Business
Plusnet forms part of the BT group but at the low-cost end for the budget-conscious businesses. Their plans are suited to solo or home-based founders who want good fibre speeds at the lowest possible monthly cost.
Key Features:
- Cost-effective entry-level business broadband.
- Basic business features are available.
- Suitable for the lean startups with minimal connectivity needs.
