Your Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the most common questions we hear from UK businesses about broadband, VoIP, PSTN & ISDN switch-off, leased lines, and mobile connectivity. If your question is not here yet, get in touch; we add to this page regularly.
About this page
Questions we hear all the time
Whether you have just received a letter from BT about the PSTN network being retired, you are trying to work out whether your broadband is fast enough, or you are comparing VoIP options for the first time, this page is designed to give you a straight answer without the jargon.
We update this page as new questions come in. If you cannot find what you are looking for, drop us a message or call us on 01444 300200 [Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00.]
PSTN Switch-Off
PSTN Switch-Off Questions
What is the UK PSTN switch-off?
The PSTN switch-off is the withdrawal of the UK’s traditional analogue phone network. Phone services are moving to digital, IP-based alternatives delivered over broadband or fibre connections.
Will my lift emergency phone still work after the digital switch-off?
Not necessarily. If it relies on an analogue line, your lift maintainer should review the equipment and confirm the replacement communication path before the old line is removed.
Can alarm systems be affected by the PSTN switch-off?
Yes. Older monitored alarm systems may rely on analogue signalling. Your alarm provider should confirm whether the system uses IP, mobile or dual-path signalling.
Does broadband automatically make safety systems like my lift alarm compliant?
No. Broadband provides the connectivity, but lift, alarm, fire, and telecare equipment must be assessed by the relevant specialist provider.
Who should check critical systems before the PSTN switch-off?
The property owner or responsible person should ask each specialist maintainer to check their equipment. The broadband provider supplies connectivity, but does not normally certify life-safety systems.
Is GKS Internet a specialist in the 2027 phone line switch-off?
Yes. Unlike general IT firms that treat phone lines as a secondary add-on, PSTN migration is a primary focus. We audit your full setup, including checking local exchange closure phases, before recommending a solution.
What if I have a lift line, alarm signalling system, or telecare unit connected to my phone line?
These are common edge cases we specifically check for during migration, alongside sole trader setups, so nothing is left behind before the January 2027 deadline. Your supporting service provider for such systems should have already been in contact and updated them, but we highlight this as part of any migration, just in case.
ISDN Switch-Off
ISDN Switch-Off Questions
When is the ISDN switch-off?
Openreach will permanently withdraw all ISDN2e and ISDN30 services on 31 January 2027. Stop-sell notices are already active on many exchanges, meaning you may be unable to renew your current service before the final deadline. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
What is the difference between PSTN and ISDN switch-off?
They are part of the same programme. PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is the overall copper telephone network; ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is a specific technology that runs on it, used mainly by businesses for multi-line phone systems and PBX connections. Both are being retired by Openreach by the same January 2027 deadline.
I have an ISDN30 circuit connected to a PBX. What are my options?
The most common migration path is SIP trunks, internet-based call channels that connect to your existing PBX, either natively or via a gateway adaptor. If your PBX already supports SIP, the migration is relatively straightforward. If it uses only ISDN interfaces, a gateway device will be needed. If your PBX is at the end of its life, it may make sense to move to a hosted VoIP system instead. We can assess your setup and advise on the right path.
Can I keep my phone numbers when migrating from ISDN?
Yes. Your existing geographic numbers can be ported to SIP trunks or a hosted VoIP service. Number porting is a standard part of any properly managed ISDN migration.
What is a SIP trunk?
A SIP trunk is a call channel delivered over your internet connection rather than a copper circuit. It replaces your ISDN lines and connects to your existing phone system. SIP trunks offer flexible channel counts and number porting and are generally lower-cost than ISDN. GKS Internet can supply and provision SIP trunks as part of an ISDN migration.
Do I need to replace my PBX when ISDN is switched off?
Not necessarily. Many modern PBX systems can connect to SIP trunks directly or via a gateway adaptor, allowing you to keep your existing hardware. If your PBX is older or no longer supported by its manufacturer, the switch-off may be a natural point to consider a hosted VoIP replacement. We will assess your specific system before making any recommendations.
What happens if I do nothing before the ISDN switch-off?
Your ISDN lines will stop working on 31 January 2027. Any services that rely on them- phone calls, PBX extensions, fax lines, door entry systems, lift alarms – will also be affected. Stop-sell notices may prevent you from renewing your service before that date, leaving you with no fallback if you wait too long.
How long does an ISDN migration take?
It depends on the complexity of your setup. A straightforward ISDN2e replacement can often be completed within a few weeks. An ISDN30 migration involving a PBX and number porting typically takes longer. A realistic planning window is 8 to 12 weeks from the first assessment to go-live, though this varies. Starting early gives you time to do it properly without being forced into a rushed decision.
Broadband
Broadband Questions
What is the UK PSTN switch-off?
The PSTN switch-off is the withdrawal of the UK’s traditional analogue phone network. Phone services are moving to digital, IP-based alternatives delivered over broadband or fibre connections.
What is the difference between speed, bandwidth and latency?
Speed usually refers to the download or upload rate of the connection. Bandwidth is the connection’s capacity to carry data. Latency is the delay between sending data and receiving a response.
Does higher broadband speed reduce lag?
Because upload bandwidth may be saturated, causing higher latency and packet loss. This can affect performance in Teams, Zoom, VoIP, and remote desktop.
Why do video calls break up when someone else starts uploading files?
Because upload bandwidth may be saturated, causing higher latency and packet loss. This can affect performance in Teams, Zoom, VoIP, and remote desktop.
Can poor Wi-Fi make superfast broadband feel slow?
Yes. Weak Wi-Fi coverage, interference, poor router placement or overloaded wireless networks can make a good broadband line feel bad in practice.
How much broadband speed does a small business need?
For 1 – 5 users handling email, Microsoft 365/Google Suite and browsing, 150– 300 Mbps FTTP is typically sufficient, though actual needs depend on specific applications and growth plans.
Why does upload speed matter for business broadband?
Upload speed affects cloud backups, Microsoft 365 sync, Google Drive access, video meetings, and hosted VoIP, all of which depend on how fast data leaves your building, not how fast it arrives.
What is FTTP?
FTTP delivers a fibre connection directly into your premises, providing faster speeds, lower latency and greater reliability than copper-based services.
Does GKS Internet only offer full fibre (FTTP)?
No. If full fibre isn’t yet available at your premises, we configure stable transitional SOGEA lines instead. Coverage and the best option for your business depend on your location and current infrastructure.
Do you cover rural or off-grid locations without reliable fixed-line broadband?
Yes. Where fixed-line copper infrastructure is failing or unavailable, we specialise in deploying high-speed Starlink satellite broadband.
What internet connection do I need for Teams Phone?
A reliable business-grade connection with low latency, minimal packet loss and enough bandwidth is essential. Microsoft recommends at least 100 kbps up and down per Teams Phone device, though actual requirements depend on how many people are calling at once. Speeds needed will vary by provider and exchange and are subject to a network survey.
VoIP & Telephony
VoIP Questions
What is Hosted VoIP?
Hosted VoIP is a cloud-based business phone system where the core telephony platform is hosted in secure data centres rather than installed on your premises.
Can I use a leased line for VoIP?
Yes. Leased lines are well suited to large Hosted VoIP systems and Microsoft Teams Phone because they offer stable bandwidth and lower latency. Your calls will be clear, crisp, and sharp, and you can have many simultaneous calls going at once without concern about calls affecting each other.
What is a SIP Trunk?
A SIP Trunk is a virtual phone line that carries calls over your internet connection instead of a traditional analogue or ISDN line.
Can I keep my existing telephone numbers with SIP Trunks?
In most cases, yes. Geographic, non-geographic and many existing business numbers can usually be ported across.
Will calls still work if staff are working from home?
Yes. Employees can answer business calls from desk phones, laptops, or mobile apps, while keeping the same extension and business number.
Is Hosted VoIP suitable for my small business?
Yes. Many Hosted VoIP providers offer Microsoft Teams integration or support a hybrid deployment combining both platforms.
Are Hosted VoIP and cloud phone systems secure?
Modern platforms use encryption, resilient infrastructure, and multiple security controls. Hosted VoIP platforms and SIP trunks typically encrypt both call signalling and voice traffic and include fraud-prevention measures such as spending limits and suspicious-activity monitoring. Businesses should also implement strong account security on their end, such as multi-factor authentication, and promptly remove unused accounts.
What’s the difference between Hosted VoIP and SIP Trunks?
Hosted VoIP replaces your PBX with a cloud platform. SIP Trunks let you keep an existing compatible PBX while replacing traditional phone lines with IP connectivity.
How long does migration usually take?
Simple deployments can be completed within days. Larger organisations with complex numbering plans or multiple sites often benefit from a phased migration.
Do I need to replace every telephone handset?
Not necessarily. Many existing IP phones remain compatible, though analogue handsets may need to be replaced or an adapter used, depending on the solution chosen.
What internet connection do I need for Hosted VoIP?
Most businesses can run Hosted VoIP successfully over business broadband. Larger call volumes or critical communications may benefit from a dedicated leased line.
What happens if my internet connection fails?
Continuity planning can include a secondary internet connection, automatic failover, mobile apps, or call forwarding to another location.
Is Hosted VoIP suitable for contact centres?
Often, yes, particularly for standard inbound/outbound call handling. Contact centres with complex, bespoke call-routing integrations built around an existing PBX may get more short-term value from SIP Trunks instead, so it’s worth reviewing your specific setup first.
Can I keep analogue devices such as fax machines?
Analogue devices like fax machines usually need an analogue telephone adapter (ATA) to work with Hosted VoIP, since the platform is IP-based rather than analogue. Compatibility is worth checking on your specific device and with your provider before migrating.
What happens during a power cut?
If the office loses power, on-site handsets and any local networking equipment will stop working. However, because the platform is cloud-hosted, calls can be accessed on mobile devices with the app installed. Or connect to a different Wi-Fi (e.g. home), so the business can keep taking calls even if the office is temporarily unavailable.
Can I use my mobile as my office phone?
Yes. Using the correct mobile app for your platform lets you make and receive calls under your business number and extension from a smartphone, so your mobile can effectively become your office phone.
How much bandwidth does VoIP require?
Each concurrent call typically requires around 100 kbps using the G.711 codec, the standard used for business and HD-quality calls. For example, a business running 10 simultaneous calls should allow for roughly 1 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth for voice alone, on top of everything else running on the connection.
Bandwidth requirements vary by provider, codec, and call volume and should be confirmed against your specific setup during a connectivity assessment.
Can Hosted VoIP integrate with CRM systems?
Yes. Many Hosted VoIP platforms integrate with CRM systems to support caller ID pop-ups, click-to-dial, and automatic call logging.
What’s the difference between UCaaS and Hosted VoIP?
Hosted VoIP focuses specifically on cloud-based telephony. UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) is broader, bringing voice, video meetings, messaging, and file sharing together on one platform. A good example of this is Microsoft Teams within a Microsoft 365 office environment. In practice, the line between them is blurring, and many Hosted VoIP providers now offer UCaaS-style features as standard.
What is Microsoft Teams Phone?
Microsoft Teams Phone is Microsoft’s cloud telephony platform. It adds business calling to Microsoft Teams, so you can make and receive calls on a standard telephone number from the same app you already use for chat and meetings.
Do I need Microsoft 365 to use Teams Phone?
Yes. Teams Phone is built on Microsoft 365 and requires the appropriate licensing.
Can I keep my existing phone numbers on Teams Phone?
In most cases, yes. Existing business numbers can normally be ported across to Teams Phone, so your contact details stay the same.
Can Teams Phone replace our office PBX?
Yes, many businesses replace a traditional PBX entirely with Teams Phone, although a phased migration alongside the old system is also common.
Does Teams Phone work from home?
Yes. Anyone with a suitable internet connection can make and receive business calls from home, exactly as if they were in the office.
Do I need desk phones for Teams Phone?
No. Many people work entirely from a laptop with a headset. Teams-certified desk phones remain available for anyone who prefers one.
Is Microsoft Teams Phone secure?
When properly configured, yes. Teams Phone uses encrypted calling and is protected by Microsoft’s identity and access controls, including Microsoft Entra ID.
Can Teams Phone work alongside our existing phone system?
Yes. Many businesses run Teams Phone and a legacy PBX or Hosted VoIP platform side by side during a phased migration, moving departments across at a manageable pace.
How long does a Teams Phone migration take?
It depends on the complexity of your organisation’s PBX configuration and the number porting requirements. A small business can often migrate within days; larger, multi-site organisations may take a phased approach over several weeks or months.
What is Direct Routing?
Direct Routing connects Teams Phone to the public phone network through a certified Session Border Controller and your existing SIP Trunks, giving more flexibility than a Microsoft Calling Plan.
What is Operator Connect?
Operator Connect lets an approved telecoms provider deliver phone network connectivity directly into Teams Phone, with simpler management than running your own Session Border Controller.
SIP Trunks
SIP Trunk Quesions
What is a SIP Trunk?
A SIP Trunk is a virtual phone line that carries calls over your internet connection instead of a traditional analogue or ISDN line.
Can I keep my existing telephone numbers with SIP Trunks?
In most cases, yes. Geographic, non-geographic and many existing business numbers can usually be ported across.
Will my existing phone system work with SIP Trunks?
Many modern IP-enabled phone systems are compatible. Older systems may require a software upgrade or a SIP gateway; this is always checked before migration.
What happens to my SIP Trunk calls if my internet connection fails?
This depends on how your telephony solution is set up. If configured well, it is resilient. Calls can often be automatically redirected to another office, mobiles, Microsoft Teams, or voicemail until connectivity is restored.
How secure are SIP Trunks?
When configured with strong passwords, properly configured firewalls, and encryption where supported, SIP Trunks are a secure way to handle business calls.
How many simultaneous calls can a SIP Trunk support?
This depends on the number of channels purchased and the bandwidth of your available internet connection. Capacity can usually be increased without installing a new physical line.
Can SIP Trunks support remote or hybrid workers?
Yes. Calls can be routed to remote users, softphones, mobiles, or Microsoft Teams, making SIP Trunks well suited to hybrid working.
What’s the difference between SIP Trunks and Hosted VoIP?
SIP Trunks keep your existing phone system and replace the lines behind it. Hosted VoIP replaces both the phone system and the lines with a cloud-based platform.
Are SIP Trunks cheaper than ISDN?
For most businesses, yes. SIP Trunks typically cost 50-70% less than ISDN, thanks to lower line rental, reduced call charges, and no physical circuit maintenance. Actual savings depend on your current contract and call volumes.
Do SIP Trunks require fibre broadband?
Not necessarily, many businesses run SIP Trunks successfully over standard business broadband. Higher call volumes or resilience needs may justify a leased line.
Can I use Teams Phone with the SIP Trunks we already have?
In many cases, yes, via Direct Routing. This connects your existing SIP Trunks to Teams Phone through a certified Session Border Controller, so you can keep your existing carrier relationships and numbers.
Leased Lines
Leased Line Questions
What is a leased line?
A leased line is a dedicated, uncontended internet connection installed directly into your business premises. Unlike standard broadband, the bandwidth is not shared with other users, upload and download speeds are equal, and the service comes with a formal SLA committing the provider to fault response and resolution times.
How much does a leased line cost in the UK?
Prices vary by location, speed, and contract length. In 2026, a 100Mbps leased line typically costs between £150 and £400 per month, with installation often waived on 36-month contracts. A 1Gbps circuit generally starts from around £300 per month in urban areas. The only accurate figure is a postcode-level quote.
How long does leased line installation take?
Typically, 45 to 90 working days from order to activation. Urban locations with existing fibre infrastructure may be completed in 30 to 45 days. The process involves a site survey, wayleave permissions, civil engineering, and go-live testing. We strongly advise you to plan ahead; do not leave it until the last minute if you are moving premises.
What is contention ratio, and why does it matter?
Contention ratio describes how many customers share the same bandwidth on a standard broadband connection. A 50:1 ratio means up to 50 customers share the same capacity. A leased line has a 1:1 ratio, so the bandwidth is entirely yours, which is why performance is consistent regardless of the time of day. They also provide low latency and low jitter.
Do I need a leased line, or will full-fibre broadband be enough?
For many SMEs, a well-specified full fibre (FTTP) business broadband product is sufficient. A leased line is the stronger choice when FTTP is not available at your location, when your team exceeds 15-20 people, when you need guaranteed upload speeds, or when the SLA on standard products is no longer acceptable for your business.
How is a leased line different from broadband?
Broadband is a shared access service. A leased line is dedicated to your organisation, making performance more predictable and usually including stronger contractual service levels.
Is a leased line the same as FTTP?
No. FTTP and leased lines can both use fibre, but they are different services. FTTP is generally shared and cheaper. A leased line is dedicated, symmetrical and backed by stronger business SLAs.
Do small businesses need leased lines?
Some do, and some don’t. A small business that depends heavily on cloud systems, VoIP for multiple simultaneous calls, remote access or large uploads may benefit from a leased line. A small team with light usage may be better served by a business-grade FTTP plan.
Are leased line speeds guaranteed?
The committed bandwidth on a leased line is normally guaranteed by the service contract, subject to the provider’s terms. This is a major difference from best-efforts broadband services.
What does symmetrical speed mean?
Symmetrical speed means upload and download bandwidth are the same. A 1 Gbps leased line provides 1 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload capacity. (Note: illustrative figure — actual speeds vary by provider and package, subject to survey.)
Why does upload speed matter?
Upload speed matters for Teams and Zoom meetings, VoIP, cloud backup, SharePoint and OneDrive synchronisation, remote access, large-file transfers, and CCTV uploads.
What is a wayleave?
A wayleave is legal permission for a provider to install or maintain cabling across land or within a building. It can be required in multi-tenant buildings or where a landlord is involved.
Does a leased line include static IP addresses?
Most leased line services include static public IP addresses, although the number and allocation depend on the provider and package.
Can a leased line support remote workers?
Yes. It can provide a reliable foundation for VPNs, remote desktop services, cloud platforms and secure access for remote or hybrid workers.
Do I still need backup internet?
Usually, yes, if internet access is critical. A leased line is robust, but no single connection should be treated as completely failure-proof.
What backup options work with leased lines?
Common options include business FTTP, SoGEA, 5G or a second leased line from a separate carrier route where the risk justifies the cost.
Can bandwidth be upgraded later?
Often, yes, especially where the current bearer has spare capacity. The upgrade process depends on the circuit, carrier and contract.
What is a bearer?
The bearer is the underlying circuit capacity. A business might take a 500 Mbps service on a 1 Gbps bearer, leaving room for future upgrades. (Note: illustrative figure — actual figures vary by provider, subject to survey.)
Are leased lines expensive?
They cost more than broadband, but their value to your business depends on the cost of downtime, lost productivity, poor call quality and slow cloud performance.
What affects leased line pricing?
Location, fibre availability within your area, bandwidth availability at the local exchange, contract length, construction work to install a bearer at your location, router options, resilience and provider terms all affect price.
Should I choose the cheapest leased line quote?
Not automatically. Compare service levels, installation assumptions, excess construction charges, support arrangements, contract terms and upgrade options.
Can GKS Internet help compare suppliers and service offerings?
Yes! GKS Internet can help review your requirements, compare supplier quotes, identify risks and plan the implementation alongside wider IT requirements.
Is a leased line suitable for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace?
Yes. Both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace benefit from reliable latency, upload capacity, and consistent internet performance, especially across applications like Teams, Meet, SharePoint, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
Can a leased line fix all our network problems?
No. It removes many internet access bottlenecks, but poor Wi-Fi, old switches, firewall limits or device issues can still affect performance.
When should I start planning a leased line for an office move?
As early as possible. Connectivity often has longer lead times than furniture, signage or IT equipment, and delays can affect the opening date. The sooner you start the process, the easier it will be to manage any issues that site surveys might highlight.
What is the best leased line speed for an SME?
There is no universal answer. Many SMEs start at 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, depending on users, applications, and growth plans. A proper requirements review is better than guessing. (Note: illustrative range — actual figures vary by provider, subject to survey.)
What’s the difference between a backup connection and having two connections from the same provider?
A genuine backup connection is separated from your primary one, using different core infrastructure, following a different route, and ideally a different provider. Two connections from the same provider can still share a weak point, like the same duct or exchange.
Do I need dual leased lines, or is a single leased line with a backup enough?
For most SMEs, a single leased line with a genuinely separate backup (FTTP or 5G) is proportionate. Dual leased lines suit businesses where any downtime has a serious financial or contractual cost.
What is SD-WAN, and do I need it?
SD-WAN manages traffic across multiple connections and can shift traffic to whichever is performing best, rather than just failing over when one drops. It’s most useful once you already have more than one connection or site to manage.
Mobile
Mobile Questions
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Questions
What is true path diversity in business internet connectivity?
True path diversity means using two or more internet lines that don’t share any physical infrastructure, like the same cables, street cabinets, ducts, or telephone exchanges. Pairing a standard Openreach-based line with a genuinely independent network ensures a connection stays live even if one physical network is affected by a localised fault.
Do I need a site survey before installing business Wi-Fi?
For a single small office, often not. For larger or multi-floor buildings, a site survey helps place access points correctly and avoid weak spots or interference.
What is the difference between mesh Wi-Fi and separate access points?
Mesh systems are simpler to install and work well for small to mid-sized offices. Dedicated access points provide greater control and capacity and are well-suited to larger buildings or higher device density.
Can I have a separate Wi-Fi network for visitors?
Yes. A separate guest network is standard practice, keeping visitor devices off your internal systems without needing to share your staff Wi-Fi password.
Can guests access our company systems?
Not if the guest Wi-Fi is configured correctly. All guest traffic should be isolated from staff systems and internal devices — the only service it should provide is internet access.
Is guest Wi-Fi safe?
Guest Wi-Fi can be safe when it’s properly segmented, monitored and bandwidth-controlled. The risk comes from badly configured networks that place guests on the same network as company devices.
Should guest Wi-Fi have a password, or can it be left open?
It should have a password or a login step of some kind. A fully open network with no password is harder to secure and easier to misuse, even if the password is shared freely with every visitor.
Is business Wi-Fi different from broadband?
Yes. Broadband provides an internet connection to the premises. Wi-Fi provides wireless network access throughout the building. A fast broadband circuit can still feel slow if the wireless network is poorly designed.
How many access points do we need?
This depends on building size, construction materials, user density, application needs and future growth. A survey or design review is the best way to estimate this accurately.
What is a wireless site survey?
A wireless site survey assesses coverage, interference, access point placement, user density and performance. It helps identify the right design rather than relying on guesswork.
Can one powerful router cover the whole office?
Sometimes, in a very small space. Anything more than a single room with a few desks is likely to benefit from multiple correctly positioned access points, which typically provide better coverage, capacity, and roaming.
Should we use Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7?
For most SMEs, a Wi-Fi 6-based network remains the most practical and cost-effective recommendation. If budget allows, Wi-Fi 7 suits demanding or long-life deployments where future capacity matters.
What is Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6E extends Wi-Fi 6 into the 6 GHz spectrum, giving compatible devices more room to operate. Think of this as more lanes on a motorway. It can help in high-density environments, though the benefit depends on device support.
Can wireless replace network cabling?
Not entirely. Wi-Fi is excellent for mobility, but switches, access points, servers, storage, some desktops and critical infrastructure often still benefit from wired or fibre connections.
What is WPA3?
WPA3 is a modern Wi-Fi security standard that improves protection compared with older wireless encryption methods. It should be used wherever supported by your devices.
Do warehouses need special Wi-Fi design?
Yes. They are often constructed of metal, have high metal racking full of stock, high ceilings, and machinery and moving stock can significantly affect radio performance. Warehouse Wi-Fi should be designed for operational conditions.
Can business Wi-Fi be monitored remotely?
Yes. Cloud-managed platforms provide remote visibility of access point health, client experience, firmware status and network usage.
What does managed business Wi-Fi include?
Managed Wi-Fi may include monitoring, firmware updates, configuration changes, troubleshooting, documentation and periodic performance reviews.
Do we need to log who uses our guest Wi-Fi?
While it’s not always a legal requirement, basic connection logging (device, time, duration) is good practice and can help in the event of a dispute or security incident. It is separate from collecting personal details like names or email addresses, which brings data protection rules into play.
Does guest Wi-Fi need a splash page or terms of use?
It is not compulsory, but a short splash page setting out acceptable use is good practice. It sets out clear expectations for visitors and gives you something to point to if a guest misuses the connection.
Is a separate Wi-Fi name (SSID) enough, or do we need a VLAN too?
A separate name on its own is not enough. Without a VLAN or equivalent security segmentation, guest and staff traffic can still end up on the same underlying network. The Wi-Fi name and network separation are two different things.
Can guest Wi-Fi share the same broadband connection as staff Wi-Fi?
Yes, this is normal and does not pose a security problem on its own, provided the two networks are properly separated at the network level. Bandwidth limits are worth configuring to prevent guest usage from consuming the internet bandwidth and slowing down business-critical traffic. See our Business Broadband page for more on the connection itself.
Are we liable if a guest does something illegal while connected to our Wi-Fi?
This depends on your circumstances and is a legal question rather than a technical one. Good network design, such as network segmentation and a well-worded acceptable use policy, is a sensible best practice, but this is worth raising with a legal or data protection advisor if it is a genuine concern for your business.
Do we have any data protection obligations around guest Wi-Fi?
Likely, yes, since guest Wi-Fi involves data connected to visitors’ devices. The details depend on your setup, so we always recommend checking with the ICO or a data protection advisor rather than relying on general guidance like this.
Enterprise-Grade Reliability
Business Continuity Questions
What is true path diversity in business internet connectivity?
True path diversity means using two or more internet lines that don’t share any physical infrastructure, like the same cables, street cabinets, ducts, or telephone exchanges. Pairing a standard Openreach-based line with a genuinely independent network ensures a connection stays live even if one physical network is affected by a localised fault.
Why isn’t having two internet providers enough to protect my business?
In most of the UK, mainstream providers buy their access from the same underlying Openreach network. Two lines from two different-sounding providers often still travel through the same duct and the same local exchange, meaning a single fault between the exchange and you can take both offline at once. Genuine protection requires a backup line on a physically separate connection and route to your building.
Will my team notice when a backup internet connection takes over?
With a properly configured multi-WAN router and automated failover, the switch to a backup line typically happens in under a few seconds. Ongoing cloud backups, payment processing, and voice calls generally continue without interruption.
What is an Altnet, and how is it different from Openreach?
‘Altnet’ is short for Alternative Network, an independent telecoms company that builds and operates its own fibre infrastructure, separate from Openreach’s national network. Because Altnets don’t share physical cables, ducts, or exchanges with Openreach, pairing an Openreach line with an Altnet line can provide genuine physical redundancy.
Do independent fibre networks offer faster upload speeds than standard broadband?
Some do. Many alternative fibre networks are built on newer standards that support symmetrical speeds, meaning upload and download speeds are matched. Standard business broadband is often asymmetrical, with a much lower upload speed than download speed. Actual speeds available will depend on the specific product and provider and are subject to a coverage and line survey at your address.
Do I need an IT department to manage a dual-line, multi-network setup?
No. Modern business-grade routers are designed to manage multiple internet connections automatically, using a web-based dashboard rather than specialist configuration tools. The initial setup is generally a one-off task rather than an ongoing management burden.
How does automated internet failover actually work?
A multi-WAN router continuously tests the health of each connection by sending small pings to reliable public servers at regular intervals. If a line stops responding or shows a defined level of packet loss, the router automatically redirects traffic to the working connection, typically without any manual intervention.
Can a backup internet line be used for anything other than emergencies?
Yes. Rather than sitting idle, a secondary line can be actively used for specific types of traffic. For example, offsite backups, large file transfers, or guest Wi-Fi use the backup line, leaving the primary line reserved for the day-to-day and business-critical traffic. This is usually configured through policy-based routing rules on the router. Only when the primary line is down does your business-critical traffic start flowing over the backup circuit.
General
General Questions
Do I have to sign a long-term contract with GKS Internet?
No. Our partners offer flexible short-term rolling options alongside standard 12- and 24-month agreements, so you can choose what suits your business.
How do I choose the right service?
Assess the number of users, cloud applications, resilience requirements, growth plans and budget before comparing providers.
Do I need a static IP address?
Only if you require services such as VPN access, hosting or IP-based security rules. Many cloud-first businesses do not need one.
Should I have a backup broadband connection?
If internet connectivity is business critical, a secondary connection or mobile (4G/5G) failover can significantly reduce downtime.
What happens if my broadband or phone line has a fault?
You will be provided with detailed support service information and the numbers to call to speak directly with a real team member who knows your account, rather than an overseas call centre or an automated chatbot.
Where is GKS Internet based?
We’re based in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, and directly serve local SMEs across Surrey, Kent, and East/West Sussex, with national remote support for broadband and VoIP.
Is GKS Internet part of a larger company?
Yes. GKS Internet is the connectivity division of GKS Consultants, an established IT consultancy.
Does GKS Internet handle data backup and disaster recovery too?
No, that side of business continuity sits with GKS Consultants. GKS Internet focuses on connectivity resilience, backup connections and failover design.
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?
We are happy to answer any question about connectivity, PSTN migration, or anything else; no obligation, no hard sell. Just a straightforward conversation.