Why SMEs are ditching shared connections

As an SME, you know the importance of a solid internet connection. It’s all very well having a perfect experience at 3am when the rest of the world is asleep, but what about those key periods where demand goes up – and performance suffers?

If you’re relying on business broadband, your internet is likely running on shared infrastructure – which means it’s competing with other users in your area.

And while we’re proud of the capacity we provide to our customers, sometimes – especially in busy areas – we can’t guarantee that you’ll always get the level of performance you need.

The problem with shared broadband

If you’ve seen visual illustrations of full fibre broadband, you’ve probably noticed the single link from the exchange to your local street cabinet, with multiple links travelling from the cabinet to local homes and offices.

That’s the basic gist of a regular broadband connection. And because that signal gets split between multiple users, your speed can be affected by the number of people online in your locality – especially if they’re doing demanding, bandwidth-intensive things.

Put simply, the more people using the same service, the slower your speeds might become.

For businesses that rely on fast, reliable internet, this unpredictability can be frustrating. Whether you’re uploading important files, hosting virtual meetings, or using cloud-based tools, a slower connection at the wrong time can be costly.

Why leased lines are the answer

Leased lines consistently give your business the speed and reliability it needs to stay productive. Unlike shared broadband, leased lines provide dedicated internet access, meaning you won’t be competing for bandwidth with anyone else, so you get the same level of performance no matter how many other users are online in your area.

Your connection is yours and yours alone, and that can make a big difference.

And, with a leased line you’ll also get symmetrical speeds, where your upload speed matches your download speed. The difference this makes can be huge, especially if you regularly send and upload large files, use cloud applications or make video calls.

Add in guaranteed uptime, fast-fix times, and absolute speed guarantees, and leased lines become very appealing indeed.

But leased lines are also a fair bit more expensive than regular business broadband. Depending on how important a leased line is, that extra expense may be worth it. But what if you’re looking for better performance without breaking the bank?

Fibre Light: A step up from FTTP

If you’re not ready to commit to a full leased line, Fibre Light could be the perfect middle ground. While it isn’t a fully dedicated connection like a leased line, Fibre Light is shared with fewer other users than traditional FTTP (Fibre to the Premises), which means less contention for bandwidth.

With Fibre Light, you get burstable bandwidth (which allows for temporary increases in speed when it’s available) and a guaranteed CIR (Committed Information Rate) which ensures a minimum level of performance even when demand increases.

This makes Fibre Light a great option for businesses looking for more consistent, reliable connectivity without the full cost of a leased line. It’s available in speeds ranging from 100Mb to 5Gb and can be had from as little as £48 per month (ex VAT).

What if Fibre Light isn’t available in your area?

If Fibre Light isn’t available where you are, there are still ways to improve your connection.

For the best possible performance, a regular leased line is the way to go. You’ll get the guaranteed speed, availability and reliability you need, without having to worry about slowdowns, even during the busiest times.

But if a full leased line isn’t for you, there are still ways to improve your performance. If you’re not already on our fastest full fibre service, speak to us about a speed boost. Having more bandwidth available can help alleviate some of the issues you might be having with slowdowns at peak times, giving you the extra capacity you need to get the performance you want.

Whether you’re looking at Fibre Bright, considering a speed boost, or ready to make the leap to a leased line, there’s an option for every need and budget.

Contact our team to see if Fibre Light is available in your area or ask us about speed boosts and leased lines to give your business the reliable internet connection it needs.