Choosing a leased line provider is a major decision for UK businesses that rely on fast, stable internet. But many companies make critical errors when comparing leased line prices—mistakes that can lead to overpaying, poor service, or contract regrets.
On paper, leased line prices can look very similar: £300–£600/month for a 1 Gb line. But the true cost—and service quality—can vary significantly depending on installation fees, contract terms, support levels, and more.
This guide explores the five most common mistakes businesses make when comparing leased line prices and how to avoid them. Whether you’re getting your first dedicated connection or switching providers, these tips will help you make a smarter, more cost-effective decision.
Mistake 1: Only Comparing Monthly Costs
The number one mistake businesses make is focusing solely on the advertised monthly fee. While this figure is important, it’s just one part of the total cost of ownership.
What You’re Missing:
- Installation charges: Some providers offer “free” setup, but this often depends on contract length or location. Otherwise, fees can range from £500 to £3,000+.
- Excess Construction Charges (ECCs): If your building lacks existing fibre infrastructure, ECCs can add £1,000–£10,000.
- Router & equipment fees: Some quotes exclude routers or offer basic hardware that doesn’t suit business needs.
- SLA upgrades: Premium SLAs can add £50–£200/month—often missing from initial quotes.
Tip: Ask for a fully itemised quote to compare apples to apples.
Mistake 2: Ignoring SLA Differences
A leased line’s SLA (Service Level Agreement) determines how reliable the connection is—and how quickly issues are resolved. Yet many buyers don’t read the SLA or assume all providers offer the same service level.
Why It Matters:
- Downtime tolerance: A 99.9% uptime SLA still allows for 8+ hours of downtime per year. Compare that to 99.99% (less than 1 hour/year).
- Fix times: Basic SLAs may promise 24-hour fixes, while premium options offer 4-hour repair windows.
- Compensation: Some SLAs include guaranteed financial compensation for downtime; others don’t.
Tip: Choose an SLA that matches the criticality of your operations—not just the cheapest option.
Mistake 3: Overlooking Contract Terms and Clauses
Not all contracts are created equal. While you might lock in a low monthly rate, unfavourable terms can cost you more in the long run.
Key Clauses to Watch For:
- Contract length: 36- or 60-month deals may offer better rates but reduce flexibility. Early exit fees can equal the total remaining balance.
- Price increase clauses: Many contracts include RPI/CPI-based annual increases—adding 5–15% over time.
- Hardware return or buyout fees: If you leave early, you might need to return leased hardware at your expense or pay a buyout fee.
Tip: Always review the fine print—or better, have a broker or legal advisor assess the contract.
Mistake 4: Not Considering Location-Based Pricing
Leased line costs vary widely depending on your business location. Urban areas benefit from competitive pricing and robust infrastructure, while rural businesses may face higher installation fees and fewer provider options.
Urban vs. Rural:
- Urban (London, Manchester, Birmingham): Greater provider choice, better deals, lower ECC risk.
- Rural/Industrial Parks: Higher setup costs, potential long lead times, fewer bundled offers.
Tip: Businesses in remote areas should request early site surveys to understand potential ECCs and availability challenges.
Mistake 5: Failing to Compare Providers Beyond Price
Price alone shouldn’t determine your provider. Factors like customer service, technical support, network uptime, and responsiveness matter—especially if internet downtime impacts revenue.
What to Look For:
- Reputation: Does the provider have good reviews or case studies?
- Support: Is support 24/7? UK-based? Are engineers readily available?
- Scalability: Can they scale with your business as your bandwidth needs grow?
- Failover options: Does the provider offer automatic 4G/5G or secondary line backups?
Tip: Interview the provider or broker to learn about post-sale support and upgrade options.
Bonus Tips for a Smarter Leased Line Price Comparison
Use a Connectivity Broker
Brokers compare leased line prices across multiple providers, uncover hidden charges, and negotiate on your behalf. They often secure better deals—especially for multi-site or rural deployments.
Ask for Bundle Discounts
Many providers offer discounts if you bundle leased lines with VoIP, backup lines, or cybersecurity services. These bundles can lower your total monthly costs while simplifying vendor management.
Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
If a provider wants your business, they may be willing to waive setup costs, offer SLA upgrades, or throw in backup hardware—especially if you’re comparing multiple quotes.
Final Thoughts: Make Informed Leased Line Price Comparisons
Comparing leased line prices is about more than picking the lowest monthly rate. From SLA quality to hidden fees and restrictive contracts, it’s easy to overlook key cost drivers and service issues.
Avoid the five mistakes outlined above to secure a leased line that supports your business reliably, affordably, and long-term. Work with brokers, ask tough questions, and don’t settle for vague or “too good to be true” offers.
The right leased line is an investment in your company’s performance, stability, and future growth. Make sure it’s a smart one.
Get a Transparent Quote from Connect2 Today!
Tired of vague pricing and hidden charges? Contact Connect2 to get a clear, itemised leased line quote with no surprises—tailored to your location, bandwidth needs, and contract preferences.
