When evaluating a leased line quote, attention to detail is essential in 2025. With UK businesses paying anywhere between £90 and £800 or more per month depending on speed, location, and SLAs, here’s a detailed checklist to help you choose wisely.
Bandwidth Options and Symmetry
Symmetrical speeds (equal upload and download) are standard. Look for this explicitly.
Monthly costs vary by speed:
- 100 Mbps: £185–£270
- 500 Mbps: £270–£350
- 1 Gbps: £300–£650
Also check for higher bearer speeds (e.g., 1 Gbps bearer with 100 Mbps committed rate) to allow for future upgrades.
SLA and Uptime Guarantees
Look for an uptime guarantee of at least 99.9%. Some providers offer 99.999% uptime, equating to less than 5 minutes of downtime per year.
Compare repair SLAs too. Faster fix times (like 2 to 4 hours) typically cost more.
Check for compensation terms if SLAs are not met.
Installation and Lead Times
Installation charges range from £0 to over £20,000 depending on site conditions.
Many providers waive setup fees for 3-year contracts. Lead times range from 30 to 90 days.
Contract Length and Flexibility
Three-year contracts are standard. Five-year contracts may offer further savings.
Shorter terms provide flexibility but often include full installation fees and higher monthly charges.
Check early termination fees before signing.
Technical Specs and Equipment
Check if managed hardware is included. Some quotes include business-grade routers; others don’t.
Enquire about upgrade paths, backups, and options for diverse routing or 4G/5G/SoGEA fallback.
Future-Proofing and Hidden Costs
Are there charges to increase speed later?
Can you provision a higher bearer than needed to avoid a future re-installation?
Look for vague or missing details around cancellation clauses, SLA exceptions, and additional installation work.
Location and Infrastructure
Pricing can vary widely based on postcode. Urban businesses (e.g. in London) typically pay less than rural ones.
Ask providers if existing infrastructure is present at your location.
Comparison Table Example
| Item | Provider A | Provider B | Provider C |
| Bandwidth | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps |
| Install Cost | £0 (36m term) | £2,000 | £1,200 |
| Monthly Cost | £320 | £280 | £350 |
| SLA Uptime | 99.9% | 99.99% | 99.999% |
| Repair SLA | 5 hours | 4 hours | 2 hours |
| Managed Router | Yes | Yes | No |
| Flexible Bearer Uplift | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cancellation Fee | 3 months’ fees | 6 months’ fees | Full term |
Pitfalls to Avoid in a Leased Line Quote
- Quotes with very low prices but poor SLA terms.
- Vague uptime claims without service credits.
- Contracts without room for future speed increases.
- Site surveys that dramatically alter costs post-quote.
Checklist Summary
- Symmetrical speed and bearer capacity
- SLA uptime and fix time guarantees
- Futureproofing and upgrade options
- Contract flexibility and clear cancellation terms
- Transparent installation costs
Ready to Review Your Quotes?
Use this checklist to compare quotes side-by-side and identify the best deal for your business. Clear, comprehensive quotes reduce risk and help you negotiate better.
Next step: Request your personalised leased line quote now.
