BT is making the final snip to the old Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) on 31st January 2027 in favour of all-IP (Internet-based) calling.
If you use physical telephone lines (Analogue, ISDN) for calls, fax, alarm or lifts, then you need to look at an alternative solution such as VoIP or Mobile.
Something else to think about: your broadband service may also be affected by the PSTN switch-off if it hasn’t been upgraded to a data-only service such as SOGEA, FTTP or a Leased Line.
So, if you haven’t already migrated to an IP-based solution or are exploring connectivity for your phone systems, call routing, alarms and CCTV, etc you might be wondering which option is best for your SME.
In this business-focused run-down, we’ll explore the pros and cons of Leased Lines, FTTP and FTTC broadband or standard Fibre.
What internet connection is best for my business?
In today’s business environment, reliable internet is the backbone of modern SMEs. Slow, unstable connections cause lost productivity, frustrated staff, and delayed or poor customer interactions.
The best solution depends on several factors, including:
- Do I rely on the internet always being available?
- What kind of speeds do I need?
- How much would it cost my business if I didn’t have internet for the day?
- Should I look at a backup connection?
Choosing the right connection and Wi-Fi can have a tangible impact on growth, efficiency, and risk management. So, here’s our review of the core options across leased lines, FTTP (Fibre to the Premises), and standard fibre.
Leased Lines
Leased lines are dedicated, symmetrical connections. That means your upload and download speeds are the same, and the line is not shared with neighbours.
Our view is that this service is for companies that don’t accept downtime. Maybe you’re a call centre that can’t miss a call. Maybe your host servers are needed for a multi-site operation?
This is the most reliable product on the market and has (by far) the quickest fix times. It’s the most expensive option but worth every penny if the internet is mission-critical.
Pros
- Guaranteed speeds and reliability
- Low latency, ideal for VoIP, video calls, cloud applications
- Strong SLA-backed support
Cons
- Higher cost than standard fibre
- Installation can take longer, especially in rural areas
1GB or 10GB?
Selecting the right speed depends on the nature of your business. Don’t be upsold into thinking faster is better. Many businesses go for a higher bandwidth without fully understanding if it’s necessary. The result is often unnecessary cost and little measurable benefit.
- 1GB Leased Line is ideal for SMEs, supports cloud, email, and web
- 10GB Leased Line supports data-heavy ops, large multi-site teams
Leased lines reduce downtime, improve team efficiency, and give confidence for high-value activities like cloud migrations, VoIP, or critical client-facing systems. But be sure to select the right size bandwidth matched to your needs, and you’ll save money.
FTTP broadband
FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) delivers fibre directly to your building. Speeds are generally fast, symmetrical in many cases, and widely available in urban areas.
This full‑fibre solution was introduced in recent years and operates at light-speed, offering significantly greater reliability than its FTTC predecessor. With a whole range of price points and speed options, we can advise and match this with most business types.
Pros
- Fast download and upload speeds
- Lower cost than leased lines
- Quick to install in most urban locations
Cons
- Speeds can be slightly less guaranteed than a leased line
- Availability can be limited in rural areas
FTTP is ideal for growing SMEs that need reliable cloud access, video conferencing, and file transfers without the premium cost of a leased line.
FTTC broadband or standard Business Fibre
This is typically shared fibre, sometimes called FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet), offering good speeds at lower cost.
This is an older style broadband which still uses a copper line into the building. Speeds are up to 80 Mbps if you’re in a good location, but in our opinion, this type of connection is only suitable for companies with a small number of staff or low usage. Ideally, you won’t be too fussed when the line drops!
Pros
- More affordable than leased lines or FTTP
- Widely available
Cons
- Speeds can fluctuate during peak times
- Upload speeds often slower than download
Good for general office work and small-scale cloud usage. However, for heavy cloud workloads, VoIP, or multi-site operations, performance issues can hinder productivity, and you’d be better looking at other options.
The more commercial way to choose your connection
Which internet phone connection you choose should be framed around business outcomes and value, not ‘speeds and feeds’.
Define your actual business needs based on usage and compare multiple suppliers objectively.
- High-volume cloud usage, critical VoIP, or multiple sites?
- Consider a leased line
- Fast, reliable, cost-conscious single-site office?
- FTTP is often the sweet spot
- Basic office connectivity, email, web browsing?
- Standard business fibre may suffice, but monitor usage carefully.
Need assistance comparing your options or want help future-proofing your connectivity? Book your free no-obligation IT review today, or talk to our specialists.
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