For many growing businesses, having 500Mbps leased lines are an attractive middle ground in the world of leased lines— but is 500Mbps enough for your needs now and in the near future?
Below, we’ll break down:
- What 500Mbps really offers
- Which businesses it suits
- How it compares to other speeds
- Costs and providers
- Key things to consider before choosing your leased line
What is a 500Mbps Leased Line?
A 500Mbps leased line offers symmetrical speeds — meaning your business will get 500Mbps for both downloads and uploads. This is vital for activities like video conferencing, VoIP, cloud backups, and large file transfers.
Unlike shared broadband, a leased line is dedicated solely to your business, ensuring no slowdowns during peak times and high service reliability.
Typical features of a 500Mbps leased line:
- Symmetrical upload/download speeds
- Guaranteed bandwidth (no contention)
- 24/7 support with strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
- Static IP addresses (usually included)
- Ability to upgrade in future if needed
Is 500Mbps Fast Enough for a Growing Business?
Here’s a breakdown of what 500Mbps can comfortably handle:
| Activity | How Many Users |
|---|---|
| HD Video Conferencing | 250–300 users |
| Large Cloud Storage Syncing | 100–150 users |
| VoIP Calls | 400+ concurrent calls |
| Accessing SaaS Applications (e.g., CRM) | 300+ users |
| Downloading large files (e.g., CAD, media files) | 50–100 active users |
In short:
✔️ If you have a team of up to 100–200 employees relying heavily on the internet, 500Mbps is often sufficient.
✔️ It’s ideal for growing SMEs scaling their operations.
✔️ If your business deals with huge datasets, high-definition media, or plans rapid headcount growth, you might want to future-proof with 1Gbps instead.
How Much Does a 500Mbps Leased Line Cost in the UK?
On average, 500Mbps leased lines in London will cost you/your business between £300–£500 per month depending on your location, contract length, and provider competition.
Top UK Providers Offering 500Mbps Leased Lines 🚀
| Provider | Speed | Avg. Monthly Price | Best For |
| 500Mbps | £350–£450 | SMEs and offices in urban areas |
| 500Mbps | £400–£500 | Nationwide large SMEs |
| 500Mbps | £375–£460 | Growing businesses on a budget |
| 500Mbps | £370–£450 | Multi-site operations |
| 500Mbps | £330–£400 | London SMEs needing faster fibre |
| 500Mbps | £350–£420 | Growing tech firms |
| 500Mbps | £360–£450 | National brands |
| 500Mbps | £400–£470 | SMEs prioritising uptime |
| 500Mbps | £360–£440 | SMEs requiring failover solutions |
500Mbps vs Other Popular Business Speeds
| Speed | Best For | Typical London Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 100Mbps | Small offices, light SaaS use | £180–£300 |
| 500Mbps | Growing businesses, cloud-first operations | £300–£500 |
| 1Gbps | Large offices, multiple sites, data-heavy apps | £400–£700 |
| 10Gbps | Enterprises, data centres, media firms | £1,000+ |
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For When Buying a 500Mbps Line
When you compare providers, look out for:
- Excess Construction Charges (ECCs): Costs to install new infrastructure to your premises.
- Router rental fees: Some providers charge extra for business-grade equipment.
- Static IP address fees: Always confirm if it’s included or charged separately.
- Early termination penalties: Ensure you understand the exit fees if you cancel early.
When Should You Upgrade Beyond 500Mbps?
We suggest you consider upgrading if:
- You plan to double your workforce within 12–24 months
- Your business is heavily reliant on real-time data, video streaming, or high-volume cloud apps
- You’re moving to full hybrid or remote work models
We think that upgrading early to 1Gbps could save you disruption and downtime costs later!!
Our Verdict: Is 500Mbps Right for Your Business?
✅ We think that 500Mbps is perfect for growing SMEs, mid-sized companies, and tech-forward businesses who:
- Need fast, reliable, symmetrical speeds
- Rely on cloud platforms, CRM systems, and video conferencing
- Are planning moderate growth without sudden expansion
However, if you’re a fast-scaling company with major growth plans, consider 1Gbps or higher for long-term resilience.
Ready to find the best 500Mbps leased line deals?