Business telecoms
Business broadband in Shropshire
For most businesses the broadband connection now carries far more than email. Card payments, cloud accounts software, video calls, CCTV and, increasingly, the phone system all depend on it.
This page covers what to check when you are choosing or renewing a business connection in Shropshire, from a single shop in a market town to a unit on a Telford or Shrewsbury business park.
Who wrote this: the Shropshire Pages team. Compare The Networks is run by Xtra Phones UK Ltd, the same Shropshire team that runs Shropshire Pages. It is not an independent comparison, so weigh our suggestions accordingly.
Check what is available at your address first
The type of connection you can get depends on the exact premises, not the town. Two units on the same estate can have different options. Use the Ofcom broadband checker with your full address, then ask any provider to confirm availability in writing before you sign.
If you are moving premises, check before you commit to the lease. A new connection can take weeks to install, and longer if new cabling or civil works are needed.
Work out the speed you actually need
Upload speed matters more for businesses than most home users, because sending files, backing up to the cloud, video calls and internet phone calls all use it. Advertised speeds are usually download speeds, so ask for the upload figure too.
- How many people use the connection at the busiest time of day?
- Do you make calls over the internet, or plan to once landlines are switched off?
- Do you back up to the cloud or upload large files, photos or video?
- Do customers use your Wi-Fi, and should it be kept separate from your own network?
Business broadband features worth asking about
- Fault repair times. Business products often come with a faster repair target than home broadband; ask what the target is and whether it applies at weekends.
- A static IP address, if you run remote access, CCTV viewing or certain card or booking systems.
- A backup connection, such as a 4G or 5G router, that takes over if the line fails. Useful if you cannot take card payments or calls without it.
- The router: who supplies it, who manages it, and whether your IT support can configure it.
When to ask about a leased line
A leased line is a dedicated connection to your premises that is not shared with neighbours, usually with the same upload and download speed and a stronger repair commitment. It tends to suit larger offices, multi-site firms and businesses that cannot work at all without the internet.
Leased lines usually cost more and take longer to install than broadband, and the price depends heavily on the location of your premises. If you think you might need one, ask for a site survey and a written installation estimate rather than relying on a headline price.
Switching without losing service
- Do not cancel the old service until the new one is live and tested.
- Check whether your email address is tied to your old broadband provider, and move it first if so.
- List everything that plugs into the router or phone line, including card machines, alarms and CCTV, and test them after the switch.
- Tell your IT support the switch date so they can update firewall, VPN or remote access settings.
Common questions
Can you tell me if full fibre is available at my business?
We do not publish availability for particular addresses because it changes. Use the Ofcom broadband checker with your full address, and ask any provider to confirm availability in writing before you sign.
Is business broadband different from home broadband?
Often the connection itself is similar. The differences are usually in the contract: repair targets, support hours, static IP options, backup connections and business terms. Compare those, not just the speed.
Is a leased line worth it for a small business?
For many small businesses a good broadband connection with a mobile backup is enough. A leased line is worth pricing if downtime would stop you trading, several sites depend on the connection, or you need guaranteed upload speeds.
Dates and rules on this page were checked on 27 September 2026. Providers and regulators update their guidance, so confirm anything important with your provider before you act on it.