The internet is critical to the operation of most businesses, making it imperative for small businesses to have access to fast and reliable internet connections.
As businesses depend on their IT infrastructure to perform daily tasks, a reliable internet connection is becoming increasingly crucial. It includes answering phone calls, responding to emails, and using cloud technology.
Poor internet connections can negatively impact productivity and even result in extended downtime, making it costly for small businesses. Many small businesses opt to upgrade to a leased line to ensure their businesses have the necessary speed, reliability, and security.
Leased lines provide businesses maximum bandwidth and symmetrical download speeds faster than average broadband connections. This upgrade can help businesses grow and improve their productivity.
Let’s explore the advantages of a leased line for small businesses.
What is a leased line?
A leased line is a specialised, high-speed fibre connection obtained through an internet service provider and managed by a professional IT support company. The connection is exclusively leased to your business and is tailored to meet your specific needs.
This connection is particularly important for businesses that require much bandwidth for daily operations, such as voice-over IP (VoIP) telephony or regularly scheduled data backups. With a leased line, small businesses have access to ample capacity for their current needs, with room for growth in the future.
What are the benefits of a leased line?
As more small businesses switch to leased lines, you may consider upgrading your business internet connection worth the effort. So, what are the reasons for a small business to implement a leased line, and what benefits can it bring?
Dedicated Internet Connection
The key advantage of a leased line is that it provides a dedicated internet connection, meaning your bandwidth is not shared with any other businesses or households. Unlike a traditional broadband connection, commonly shared among multiple businesses and homes, a leased line guarantees a consistent and reliable internet connection.
It eliminates the potential for fluctuating bandwidth during peak usage times, resulting in a stable and fast internet connection that won’t slow down or crash when needed.
Service Level Agreements
Another significant advantage of a leased line is the inclusion of service level agreements (SLAs). These agreements define the minimum standard of service you can expect from your provider and the compensation available in the event of a problem.
It provides peace of mind, knowing that you clearly understand what to expect in the case of a fault and that you will receive appropriate compensation if your provider fails to rectify the issue promptly. In comparison, many other internet connections offer limited, if any, compensation for problems.
Higher Upload Speeds
As the name suggests, a leased line is solely dedicated to your business, meaning that even during peak usage hours, the speed and reliability of your internet connection will not be impacted.
A common oversight when evaluating internet services is the upload speed. Residential internet services typically have much slower upload speeds compared to download speeds.
With a leased line, upload and download speeds are equal, providing a significant advantage. Upload speed determines how quickly data can be transmitted.
A higher upload speed means more efficient data transfer and faster overall connection, making tasks like sending emails, accessing server data, and making VoIP calls much smoother and quicker.
Symmetrical Download & Upload Speeds
A critical advantage of a leased line is the availability of symmetrical upload and download speeds. It provides your business with a consistent and secure internet connection that will not slow down or malfunction during high-usage times or when performing bandwidth-intensive tasks like offsite data backups or VoIP calls.
With a leased line, your team can count on a stable internet connection that won’t compromise productivity.
Built In Scalability
A leased line provides a scalable and flexible solution that can adapt to the growing needs of your small business. In a rapidly changing world where data generation and usage are on the rise, a leased line offers the ability to adjust bandwidth and data usage to match the demands of your business.
Having a reliable leased line also enables businesses to incorporate bandwidth-intensive services that can support growth and success. As your business expands, services such as VoIP telephone and offsite backups become increasingly critical.
A leased line delivers the robust internet connection necessary to implement these demanding solutions and drive innovation.
What are the disadvantages of leased lines?
While leased lines offer several benefits for small businesses, they may not be suitable for everyone and have some limitations. One of the key disadvantages of a leased line is its cost, which is typically more expensive than other internet connections and can range from £100 per month and beyond.
Another factor to consider is the requirement for a site survey to determine if a leased line can be provided in your location. While site surveys are usually straightforward in urban areas, they may present challenges in rural areas, and additional costs could be involved if the necessary infrastructure is not yet available.
Is It Worth Having a Leased Line For Your Business?
When evaluating whether a leased line is right for your small business, consider the current performance of your existing internet connection and its impact on your day-to-day operations. Assess the digital components and IT infrastructure within your business, as well as the productivity of your workforce.
A leased line is an ideal solution for companies with a centralised office, a large workforce, a need for regular data transfer such as offsite backups, and a reliance on bandwidth-intensive services like VoIP telephony.
If your business falls into any of these categories, it may be time to reevaluate your current internet and consider upgrading to a leased line.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a leased line is a specialised high-speed internet connection dedicated exclusively to a small business. The dedicated internet connection provides a consistent, reliable and fast internet service that is not impacted by fluctuations during peak usage times.
With symmetrical upload and download speeds, built-in scalability, and the inclusion of service-level agreements, a leased line can be a significant upgrade for small businesses.
However, a leased line can be more expensive than other internet connections and may require a site survey for availability in your location. To determine if a leased line is right for your business, consider the current performance of your existing internet connection, its impact on your daily operations, and your business’s reliance on bandwidth-intensive services.
