Business broadband deals

Static IP address for business internet

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a numbered code that identifies every computer connected to a certain network. It then enables them to exchange information with one another over the internet.

With most home broadband connections, you're assigned a dynamic IP address. This means it changes every time you connect. However, with premium business broadband connections you are usually provided with a static IP address, which means that the identifying number always stays the same.

Static IPs enable you to access more advanced internet features that are helpful to a business, especially when running an office full of colleagues who are working together all day.

With a static IP address and you can:

• Run a server
• Build your own website
• Create an email address that sends messages directly to an email account on your own domain

Which business internet providers should I choose?

A lot of UK business broadband providers now offer fairly-priced, high-speed packages tailored to the needs of companies at any size.

BT business broadband

BT Business offers standard broadband packages with superfast speeds and reliable customer service.

Its broadband packages range from those suitable for small-to-medium enterprises with light usage needs, all the way to larger firms with dozens (or even hundreds) of connected devices in use at any one time.

Customers can also choose to add mobile broadband with free Wi-Fi minutes on selected broadband packages. In addition to a minimum 10GB of usage allowance, BT also provides 10 email addresses with spam protection through Outlook Web Access.

Virgin Media Business broadband

Thanks to its ultrafast cable broadband network, Virgin Media Business is able to offer very high-speed and consistent broadband that's faster than most fibre connections — allowing speeds around 500Mbps all the way up to 1000Mbps (or 1Gbps).

Customer support is another strong selling point for Virgin Media's business broadband, with help on-hand from a dedicated, UK-based team 24/7 via a freephone number.

Other key features of Virgin Media Business Broadband include unlimited downloads and calls, as well as business-grade SLAs and wireless routers as standard on all packages.

Sky Business broadband

Joining the world of enterprise broadband in 2021, Sky Business offers enterprises a range of purpose-built broadband and voice tariffs, with speeds up to 76Mbps on its superfast fibre and up to 500Mbps on its full fibre broadband package.

A great option for smaller companies, the well-known provider has a dedicated customer service team with your business and its needs at heart.

Plus, those who sign up for Sky Business' Pro and Plus plans will be given a 4G backup hub that will switch on in the event of a broadband outage. The Sky Business digital phone service ensures businesses stay connected to their clients and colleagues.

TalkTalk Business broadband

TalkTalk Business broadband packages offer speeds of up to 76Mbps and prioritised business traffic. It's also known to have some of the most competitive prices on the market, so could be a great option if you're looking to save on overheads.

Companies also benefit from TalkTalk's wealth of industry experience, great customer service and the flexibility to customise a phone line and broadband deal to meet their needs and add extra services for a small additional charge.

Its customer support is excellent, with dedicated, UK-based specialists on call from 9am to 5pm. TalkTalk's superlative aftercare record was highlighted when it scooped a Cisco Customer Service Award for its standards of customer support.

bOnline

bOnline is a small business broadband specialist, providing three powerful and affordable connections to help equip small businesses in the digital age.

Specifically, bOnline offers broadband on a 12-month contract with speeds ranging from 18Mb to 80Mb.

How can I maintain a strong internet connection all around the office?

A strong wireless network is the key to business broadband connectivity, so you'll need a Wi-Fi router with a long range that you can trust to handle multiple connections reliably. Consider adding additional access points for busier or larger locations.

How many routers do I need for my office?

For small offices with around ten or fewer workers, one router should suffice, but if you have many users or a large area to cover, supplementing these with multiple access points may be necessary. As a general rule, each access point can reach around 150ft (46m) indoors before starting to lose performance.

Why does my business need a static IP address?

A static IP address is vital if you want to set up a website, manage a server or email account or access your network remotely. A static IP address gives businesses a single, unique identifier for their internet connection, whereas most home broadband users have a dynamic IP address that changes every time they connect.

Should I bundle my business phone line and broadband?

Many business broadband deals come with a landline service from the same provider too. So it would make sense to bundle your phone line with your business broadband, both to save costs and to get a more seamless customer experience.