In short
Dedicated internet access (DIA) is an internet connection reserved for one business site: a dedicated access line with uncontended, symmetrical bandwidth and service levels in the contract. In the UK it is usually called a leased line. BT files its BTnet leased line under dedicated internet access.
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What dedicated internet access means
Dedicated internet access (DIA) is internet connectivity where the capacity is reserved for one customer. Instead of sharing the provider's network with other users, as broadband does, your site has its own access line and a set amount of bandwidth that is yours at all times.
Three words in the name each matter:
- Dedicated: the access line and bandwidth are not shared with other customers
- Internet: the service connects you to the public internet, rather than privately to your other sites
- Access: it is the connection from your premises into the provider's network, which then carries your traffic onwards
You will also see "DIA line", "dedicated internet line" and "dedicated internet connection". They describe the same idea.
DIA and leased lines: the same thing?
In everyday UK use, mostly yes. When a business says it has a "leased line", it usually means a dedicated internet connection. BT is an example: it lists its leased line, BTnet, under the heading dedicated internet access.
The terms come from different directions. "Leased line" describes the commercial arrangement: a line leased for your exclusive use. "Dedicated internet access" describes what the line does: give you internet access that is not shared. Read what is a leased line for the longer explanation.
Dedicated line vs leased line
People often ask about the difference between a "dedicated line" and a "leased line". The useful distinction is not the name but where the line goes:
| Type of service | What it connects | Example use |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated internet access (a leased line for internet) | Your site to the provider's network and the internet | Office internet, cloud apps, calls, remote access |
| Private point-to-point circuit | Two of your own sites, without going to the internet | Linking a head office to a warehouse or data centre |
BTnet is dedicated internet access. If you have several sites, you can put BTnet at each one and link them with VPNs, which the static IP addresses make easier to set up. See BTnet for multi-site organisations.
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Tell us what you need and we will recommend the right option for your organisation, with a quote.
Dedicated vs shared internet
The opposite of dedicated is shared, or contended, internet: ordinary broadband and full fibre broadband. Shared services pool capacity between customers, which keeps prices low but means speeds can drop when the network is busy, and upload is often lower than download.
| Shared internet (broadband) | Dedicated internet access (BTnet) | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Pooled between customers | Reserved for your site; BT describes BTnet as 100% uncontended |
| Upload | Often lower than download | Symmetrical as standard |
| Service levels | Usually best efforts | BT's SLA for availability, on-time delivery and latency |
| Data use | Varies by package | No fair usage policy, according to BT |
| IP addresses | Varies by package | Static IPv4 addresses as standard |
See contended vs uncontended and leased line vs broadband for more.
How BTnet delivers dedicated internet access
Under BT's terms, BTnet includes an access line from your site, uncontended and symmetrical bandwidth, static IPv4 addresses, static or dynamic routed IP addresses and BT's Business Premium Care support level. Port speeds run from 2Mbps to 10Gbps, and you can flex the bandwidth within your bearer as needs change.
You choose how much equipment BT looks after:
- BTnet wires only: BT's responsibility ends at the network terminating unit and you use your own router or firewall
- BTnet + Cisco router: a fully managed Cisco router from BT; you run your own security
- BTnet Meraki + BTnet Security: managed Cisco Meraki equipment with BTnet Security layered on
BT also offers BTnet into data centres, using data centre access bearers, where BT's responsibility ends at the patch panel in the co-location room. See BTnet leased line plans for the full comparison.
Is BTnet the right fit for you?
We will check it against your systems and requirements and recommend the right option.
Who needs dedicated internet access?
DIA is worth considering when your connection is business-critical rather than a convenience:
- Teams that work in cloud apps and Microsoft 365 all day
- Businesses moving their phones to the cloud and wanting dependable call quality
- Sites that upload a lot: backups, large files, CCTV
- Organisations that need static IP addresses for VPNs, servers or allow-listing
- Busy sites where many people and devices share one connection, such as schools, clinics, hotels and offices
Browse leased lines by sector for examples.
What to check in any DIA service
Dedicated internet access services differ in the detail. Before you order BTnet, it helps to be clear on these points, all of which we cover on other pages:
| Question | Why it matters | Where we explain it |
|---|---|---|
| What bearer and port speed? | The bearer sets the ceiling; the port speed is what you pay for | Leased line bearers |
| How much room to flex? | A bearer with headroom makes upgrades a simple change | Bandwidth Flex |
| Who manages the router and firewall? | It decides where the provider's responsibility ends | BTnet leased line plans |
| What service levels apply? | Availability, delivery and latency commitments, and how to claim | BTnet SLA |
| Do you need a second line? | One access line is still a single point of failure | Resilient BTnet |
| What is the minimum term? | Ending early carries termination charges | BTnet contract terms |
| How long will it take? | A survey sets the route and the committed date | Lead times |
Our questions to ask before you order checklist goes through the full list.
Talk to us about DIA for your site
Forever Communications is an Authorised Supplier for BT and supplies BTnet dedicated internet access to businesses and organisations. We help you choose the bandwidth, the plan and any resilience, and explain the survey and installation steps before you commit. Contact us with your postcode and what you use the connection for, or read what is a BT leased line first.
Why buy BTnet from Forever Communications
Forever Communications is part of Forever Group and an Authorised Supplier for BT. We supply BTnet, BT's dedicated leased line internet service, to businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations, and we help with each step from first enquiry to go-live.
- The right BTnet option for you: we help you choose a speed, bearer, router and resilience option that fits how your sites actually work, from BTnet plans to BTnet speeds
- A clear quote: BTnet is priced per site, so we check availability at your address and set out what is included; see leased line cost
- Installation managed with you: we explain the survey, any wayleave or construction steps and the installation process, and keep you updated on progress
- Connected services in one conversation: phones with BT Cloud Voice, Wi-Fi, firewalls and backup lines, so the whole set-up is planned together
- Help after go-live: we can help with faults, changes and upgrades, with the support arrangements confirmed in your quote
BTnet is a business service. Service levels, lead times and features are BT's and are confirmed at order.
Frequently asked questions
What does DIA stand for?
DIA stands for dedicated internet access: an internet connection whose access line and bandwidth are reserved for one customer site.
Is dedicated internet access the same as a leased line?
In UK business use, mostly yes. A leased line for internet is dedicated internet access. BT lists its BTnet leased line under dedicated internet access.
What is the difference between DIA and broadband?
DIA is dedicated, uncontended and symmetrical, with service levels in the contract. Broadband shares capacity between customers, often has lower upload and is usually best efforts.
What is a DIA line?
It is the dedicated access line, usually fibre, that connects your premises to the provider's network for internet access. On BTnet it ends on BT's equipment at your site: the managed router, or BT's network terminating unit if you take wires only.
Does dedicated internet access include static IP addresses?
On BTnet, static IPv4 addresses are included as standard under BT's terms. See static IP addresses on BTnet.
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