Businesses have become increasingly reliant on fast Internet connectivity. Almost every aspect of a business requires connectivity in some form, whether it be running cloud-based apps, responding to e-mails or to support remote work.
Broadband is just one of the ways to ensure that businesses maintain their productivity and stay ahead of competitors. Fibre broadband, in particular, has become a game-changer for businesses and their Internet access.
What Is Fibre Broadband?
Fibre broadband is very different compared to traditional copper connections. It’s a type of Internet that uses specific fibre-optic cables to transfer data at ultra-fast speeds. The traditional copper broadband connections used electrical signals, giving slower speeds and less bandwidth.
In the UK, there are two different types of fibre broadband. Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) is the most commonly used one. Here, fibre-optic cables will run to the local cabinet and copper cables then run from the cabinet to your premises.
The second is Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) where the cables run directly from the Internet exchange to your business. This supports the quickest and most reliable broadband speeds.
Why Does Your Business Need Fibre Broadband?
Businesses are starting to use video conferencing and cloud-based apps more frequently, as well as working from remote locations. So irrespective of what size business you have, a small startup to a corporate enterprise needs the Internet to maintain a competitive edge.
Speed: Fibre broadband has much faster download and upload speeds compared to traditional connections. For businesses who rely on this speed, it’s a non-negotiable to have.
Reliability: Copper connections can be fickle at times whereas fibre connections are far more stable. This reduces the chances of your business experiencing downtime or interruptions.
It supports remote work: Businesses are increasingly adopting hybrid or completely remote work models and fibre broadband can offer clear video conferencing and quick file transfers.
It is scalable: As your business inevitably grows, so will your need for more bandwidth. Fibre broadband can accommodate this growth, and increasing your bandwidth won’t be a costly undertaking.
8 Fastest Fibre Business Broadband Providers In The UK
When it comes to choosing the right service provider for your business’s fibre broadband, there are several options to choose from.
1. BT Business
BT Business offers both FTTC and FTTP fibre broadband options for companies. There are a range of packages to choose from, which include ultra-fast speeds up to 900Mbps, for small businesses or larger ones.
Key Features:
- 24/7 UK-based customer support.
- Additional security features like anti-virus and web filtering.
- Suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Can include additional services like VoIP.
Pricing:
FTTC packages start at £27.99/month for basic fibre broadband. FTTP options typically start from £35/month for 100 Mbps and can go up to £60+ for higher speeds (500 Mbps to 900 Mbps).
If your business is bigger with specific needs, you can request a custom quote.
2. Virgin Media Business
Virgin Media Business is known to have some of the fastest Internet speeds in the UK. Their flexible packages support all businesses in both urban and suburban areas, with tailored solutions for some industries like retail and finance.
Key Features:
- No usage caps so data will be unlimited.
- 24/7 customer support with dedicated business accounts.
- Secure cloud hosting and backup solutions.
- Dynamic IP options for added flexibility.
Pricing:
Pricing starts from around £30/month for speeds up to 100 Mbps for FTTP. Gigabit services (1 Gbps) typically cost £70-£90/month depending on location and package.
3. Sky Business
With Sky Business, their broadband solutions are easy to set up at affordable prices. The service provider is also renowned for their reliability and consistent customer support.
Key Features:
- Static IP addresses for security and remote access.
- Comprehensive security features with firewalls and anti-virus software.
- Scalable packages for different business sizes.
- FTTC and FTTP options.
Pricing:
Fibre Broadband starts from around £25/month (FTTC) for standard business use. FTTP packages with higher speeds are typically priced from £40/month for 100 Mbps, with higher speed packages (up to 900 Mbps) starting from £50-£80/month.
4. TalkTalk Business
TalkTalk business offers fibre broadband packages to support businesses with heavy usage. There are no upfront costs required and some of their scalable solutions include voice services and cloud options.
Key Features:
- FTTC and FTTP options have varying speeds.
- 24/7 UK customer support and technical assistance.
- Easy-to-understand pricing with no hidden fees.
- Optional VoIP services for businesses.
Pricing:
FTTC packages typically start at £22.95/month for speeds up to 38 Mbps. FTTP options start from £40/month for speeds of 100 Mbps, with gigabit services (1 Gbps) priced at £60-£80/month.
5. Plusnet Business
Plusnet has a strong reputation for providing excellent customer service and value for money. Their pricing structure is simple with flexible packages, and their customer support team offers quick resolutions.
Key Features:
- Reliable and affordable fibre broadband packages.
- Free static IP address included in business packages.
- Optional cloud backup services, e-mail and website hosting.
- Wi-Fi routers designed for quick and robust Internet.
Pricing:
Fibre packages start from £23.99/month for FTTC with speeds up to 38 Mbps. FTTP packages (on request) start from around £40/month for 100 Mbps, with gigabit speeds (up to 1 Gbps) typically starting from £50-£70/month.
6. Zen Internet
Zen Internet’s packages offer ultra-fast speeds with minimal downtime. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing and they offer business-specific features like IPs and VPN support.
Key Features:
- UK-based team for customer support.
- High-quality security options including firewalls and VPNs.
- Flexible packages.
- Static IP options for businesses who require remote access or want to host services.
Pricing:
FTTC options start from around £23/month for speeds up to 36 Mbps. FTTP packages start at £30/month for 100 Mbps, with 1 Gbps options starting from £60/month.
7. Faster Britain
Faster Britain, powered by CityFibre, provides fibre broadband services to businesses across the UK. CityFibre has recently been expanding its full-fibre network to more cities nationwide to give ultra-fast Internet speeds to businesses.
Key Features:
- Ultra-fast speeds of up to 10Gbpss.
- 100% fibre-optic network so minimal latency.
- Flexible contracts for businesses who are still growing.
- High-capacity broadband to support businesses with heavy-data needs.
Pricing:
FTTP packages start at £35-£50/month for speeds up to 200 Mbps. 1 Gbps services are typically priced at £70-£90/month.
8. Hyperoptic
Hyperoptic offers one of the highest speeds available for business broadband to accommodate companies high-demand data needs like video conferencing and file transfers.
Key Features:
- Flexible service contracts.
- High reliability with minimal downtime.
- 24/7 customer support with dedicated account management.
- 100% full-fibre broadband with ultra-fast speeds.
Pricing:
FTTP packages start from around £30/month for 150 Mbps. 1 Gbps service generally starts at £45/month, with speeds up to 10 Gbps priced at £70-£100/month, depending on location.
