A Complete Guide to Leased Lines and Dedicated Connections

January 14, 2025

In the business connectivity space, leased lines stand out as a premium option for organisations that demand reliability, speed, and uninterrupted performance.

Whether you’re exploring alternatives to supposed ‘business’ broadband or looking to upgrade your network, this guide covers everything you need to know about leased lines and dedicated connections.

What is a Leased Line?

A leased line is a dedicated, uncontended internet connection that provides symmetrical upload and download speeds exclusively for your business.

Unlike standard broadband, where bandwidth is shared with other users, a leased line guarantees consistent performance, making it ideal for data-intensive tasks and critical applications.

Key Features:

Dedicated Bandwidth: No sharing with other users, ensuring consistent speeds.
Symmetrical Speeds: Equal upload and download speeds.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Uptime guarantees and priority support.
Low Latency: Perfect for real-time applications like VoIP and video conferencing.

Leased Lines vs Business Broadband

Understanding the key differences between leased lines and broadband is essential when deciding which solution best fits your business needs:

Feature	Leased Line	Business Broadband
Bandwidth	Dedicated	Shared
Speeds	Symmetrical	Asymmetrical
Reliability	SLA backed	Best Effort
Cost	Higher	Lower
Use Cases	VoIP, video conferencing, large data transfers, EPOS, mission-critical systems	General web browsing, email

Pro Tip:

If your operations rely on uninterrupted connectivity, a leased line’s reliability and performance far outweigh its higher cost.

Who Needs a Leased Line?

Leased lines aren’t just for large enterprises; they’re suitable for any business where connectivity is mission-critical. Common use cases include:

Data-Intensive Businesses: Companies transferring large files, such as design agencies or architects.
Cloud-Dependent Organisations: Businesses relying on SaaS tools like ERP systems or cloud storage.
Remote Teams: Ensuring smooth video conferencing and collaboration.
Customer-Facing Operations: Retailers or service providers needing consistent uptime for point-of-sale systems.

Example:

An e-commerce business with high transaction volumes upgraded to a leased line, ensuring seamless order processing and reducing checkout times.

How Much Does a Leased Line Cost?

Leased line costs vary depending on factors such as location, bandwidth requirements, and contract length. Here’s a general breakdown:

Factors Affecting Costs:

Location – Urban areas often have lower installation costs.
Contract Length – Longer contracts typically offer discounts.
Infrastructure – Fibre availability can reduce setup costs.

Advantages of Leased Lines

Unmatched Reliability

Backed by SLAs with uptime guarantees of 99.9% or higher.
Minimises disruptions and ensures business continuity.

Enhanced Security

Private connections reduce the risk of cyberattacks.
Ideal for businesses handling sensitive customer data.

Scalability

Easily upgrade bandwidth as your business grows.

Consistent Performance

No slowdowns during peak hours, ensuring productivity.

Making the Switch to a Leased Line

Switching to a leased line can seem daunting, but with the right provider, the process is seamless:

Assess Your Needs

Determine your bandwidth requirements and critical applications.

Get Quotes

Compare providers based on cost, SLAs, and support.

Plan Installation

Work with your provider to schedule installation with minimal disruption.

Pro Tip:

Some providers offer temporary broadband solutions during installation to avoid downtime.

Leased lines offer a premium connectivity solution for businesses that can’t afford to compromise on reliability or performance. By understanding your needs and exploring tailored options, you can invest in a solution that supports your growth and future-proofs your operations. Ready to upgrade your connectivity? Request a free, no-obligation quote today and discover the benefits of leased lines for your business.