Ethernet Access Direct UK 2026: EAD Costs, Benefits, Providers & Alternatives Quick answer
Ethernet Access Direct, often shortened to EAD , is a dedicated Ethernet connectivity service used by UK businesses to connect sites, exchanges, data centres, providers or network endpoints.
As a super quick summary- EAD is a dedicated point-to-point Ethernet access circuit.
It is often used for:
dedicated business connectivity
point-to-point site links
leased line access
Dedicated Internet Access underlay
WAN connectivity
data centre connectivity
cloud connectivity
carrier access
Ethernet circuits
high-capacity business networks
provider network access
private site-to-site connectivity
EAD is not always the same as “business internet”.
An EAD circuit may be used to deliver internet access, but it can also be used for private Ethernet connectivity, WAN access or point-to-point circuits.
As a simple guide:
Option Best for
Ethernet Access Direct
Dedicated point-to-point Ethernet access
Used as an access circuit or private Ethernet link
Dedicated Internet Access
Dedicated internet connection
Internet access delivered over a dedicated circuit
Leased line
Dedicated connectivity circuit
Often used for DIA or point-to-point services
Point-to-point leased line
Connecting two locations privately
Site A to Site B private connection
Ethernet services
Wider Ethernet connectivity products
May include EAD, E-LAN, E-Line, data centre access or Ethernet WAN
Business broadband / FTTP
Lower-cost business internet
Shared or broadband-style internet access
SD-WAN
Traffic management over multiple links
Uses connectivity such as DIA, broadband, MPLS or EAD underneath
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Compare Ethernet Access Direct in the UK Use this guide if you are comparing:
Ethernet Access Direct
EAD
EAD UK
Ethernet Access Direct UK
EAD connectivity
EAD leased line
EAD circuit
EAD fibre
EAD costs UK
EAD providers UK
Ethernet access services
dedicated Ethernet connection
point-to-point Ethernet
business Ethernet connectivity
Ethernet leased line
Ethernet WAN
Ethernet data circuit
dedicated point-to-point fibre
DIA over Ethernet
leased line access circuit
data centre Ethernet connectivity
WAN Ethernet access
cloud Ethernet connectivity
private Ethernet circuit
EAD vs DIA
EAD vs leased line
EAD vs FTTP
Ethernet business broadband
How do we work?
Transparent, impartial, and data‑driven reviews made by a team of expert humans, never AI generated – here’s exactly how Compare Your Business Costs helps you find the best deals from trusted UK providers: click here
Authored by: Ally Cox (Business Technology & B2B Services Specialist 10+ Years’ Experience)
Reviewed by: James Ward (Telecoms Specialist, 12+ Years Experience)
Last Updated: August 2026
Contents:
EAD Providers in the UK
What Is Ethernet Access Direct (EAD)?
Does Your Business Need Ethernet Access Direct?
Our Thoughts on EAD
What to Consider When Choosing an EAD Solution
FAQS About Ethernet Business Broadband
Key Takeaways
Ethernet Access Direct is a dedicated Ethernet access service.
EAD is commonly used for point-to-point connectivity, leased line access, DIA underlay, WAN access and data centre connectivity.
EAD is not always the same as internet access. It depends what service is delivered over the circuit.
BT Wholesale describes EAD as dedicated, uncontended, point-to-point data connectivity between sites at up to 10Gbps.
EAD can be useful for businesses that need predictable performance, private connectivity, high upload capacity or strong service levels.
EAD can support wider connectivity services such as DIA, managed WAN, cloud connectivity and SD-WAN.
It is usually more expensive and slower to install than standard business broadband or FTTP.
The right quote depends heavily on postcode, access availability, speed, bearer, installation, SLA, resilience and provider route.
Do not compare EAD only by monthly price. Check what the circuit is being used for and what service sits on top of it.
What is Ethernet Access Direct?
Ethernet Access Direct is typically used to provide a direct fibre-based Ethernet connection between a business site and another network point.
That network point could be:
another business site
a provider network
a BT exchange
a data centre
a cloud connectivity service
a WAN provider
an internet access platform
a carrier network
TL;DR:
EAD gives a business a dedicated Ethernet path that can be used for internet, WAN, site-to-site or data centre connectivity.
EAD Providers in the UK
Provider or route Why businesses compare it Best suited to
BT Wholesale / BT Business routes
UK Ethernet portfolio including EAD, DIA and Ethernet services
Businesses needing wide UK Ethernet reach through providers and resellers
Openreach-based providers
EAD access through the Openreach network
Sites where Openreach EAD is the best available access route
Neos Networks
Business Ethernet, DIA, dark fibre, optical wavelengths and cloud connectivity
High-capacity UK business connectivity and data centre access
Virgin Media O2 Business
Ethernet and leased-line-style business connectivity
Businesses in strong Virgin Media O2 network areas
Colt
Enterprise Ethernet, DIA, IP VPN and high-capacity network services
Urban, data-heavy and enterprise sites
TalkTalk Business
Ethernet, leased line and business connectivity
SMEs and reseller-led connectivity
Gamma partners
Business connectivity and managed networking
SMEs wanting provider-led support
Daisy Communications
Connectivity, telecoms and managed IT
SMEs wanting bundled business connectivity
Local fibre providers
Regional Ethernet and leased line alternatives
Postcode-specific connectivity comparison
Managed service providers
EAD, DIA, WAN, routers, firewall and support
Businesses wanting one managed service provider
How Does Ethernet Access Direct Work? A simplified EAD setup works like this:
A fibre Ethernet circuit is installed at the business premises.
The circuit connects to a provider network, exchange, data centre or other endpoint.
The provider delivers an Ethernet service over that circuit.
That service may be DIA, point-to-point Ethernet, WAN access or another managed network service.
The business gets dedicated connectivity with agreed bandwidth and service levels.
For the buyer, the key point is:
EAD is the dedicated access route. You still need to know what service is being delivered over it.
EAD used for What the business gets
EAD for DIA
Dedicated internet access
EAD for point-to-point
Private link between two locations
EAD for WAN
Access into a private or managed WAN
EAD for cloud connectivity
Dedicated path to cloud or data centre services
EAD for carrier access
Connectivity into a telecoms/network provider
EAD vs FTTP FTTP, or Fibre to the Premises, is full-fibre broadband access.
EAD is dedicated Ethernet access.
Feature EAD FTTP business broadband
Service type
Dedicated Ethernet access
Full-fibre broadband
Cost
Usually higher
Usually lower
Installation
More complex
Usually simpler
Performance
More predictable
Good, but product-dependent
SLA
Usually stronger
Usually lower than dedicated Ethernet
Best for
Critical, private or high-capacity links
SMEs, branches and general cloud use
Used for WAN?
Yes
Can be, especially with SD-WAN
Used for DIA?
Yes
Some providers offer DIA over FTTP access
Who needs Ethernet Access Direct? EAD may be worth comparing if your business needs:
dedicated Ethernet access
dedicated point-to-point connectivity
private site-to-site traffic
data centre access
cloud connectivity access
high upload and download capacity
predictable performance
low-latency connectivity
a stronger SLA than broadband
access into a WAN or managed network
critical connectivity for a head office
a circuit for DIA
private connectivity between operational sites
EAD is more likely to suit:
multi-site businesses
data-heavy businesses
professional services firms
media and creative businesses
manufacturers
warehouses
logistics companies
healthcare and care groups
financial services businesses
businesses using hosted desktops
businesses with data centre or colocation needs
businesses with cloud or WAN projects
EAD vs Ethernet services Ethernet Access Direct is part of the wider Ethernet services family.
Ethernet services can include:
EAD
Ethernet over FTTP
Ethernet First Mile
point-to-point Ethernet
point-to-multipoint Ethernet
Ethernet WAN
Ethernet VPN
data centre access
exchange connect
optical services
dark fibre
wavelength services
As the buyer, ask:
Do we need EAD specifically, or do we need an Ethernet service that achieves the business outcome?
Who probably does not need EAD? EAD will be unnecessary if:
you only need basic internet
you have one small site
FTTP business broadband is enough
you do not need dedicated performance
you do not need site-to-site connectivity
you do not need data centre access
you do not need a private circuit
cost is the main priority
downtime risk is low
a broadband-plus-backup setup would be enough
For smaller or lower-risk sites, compare:
business broadband
FTTP
DIA over FTTP
4G/5G backup
VPN
SD-WAN over broadband
Ethernet Access Direct benefits Dedicated connectivity
EAD provides a dedicated Ethernet access route rather than ordinary broadband-style access which can support more predictable performance for critical services.
Point-to-point use cases
EAD can support private links between sites or into provider networks which is useful for:
head office to data centre
site-to-site traffic
private WAN access
cloud connectivity
Ethernet WAN
colocation access
disaster recovery links
High-capacity options
EAD and wider Ethernet services can support high-capacity business connectivity.
Better performance than ordinary broadband
EAD is usually more predictable than ordinary broadband because it is a dedicated Ethernet access service which can matter for:
large file transfers
hosted desktops
backups
data replication
VoIP
video
cloud access
time-sensitive systems
Supports wider WAN and cloud designs
EAD can be part of:
DIA
leased lines
WAN
managed WAN
SD-WAN
cloud connectivity
hybrid WAN
data centre interconnect
private cloud networking
Ethernet Access Direct limitations It is more technical than broadband
Most SMEs do not need to buy EAD by name.
It can cost more than FTTP
EAD is usually more expensive than business broadband or FTTP because it is a dedicated Ethernet access service.
Installation can take longer
EAD may involve surveys, wayleaves, fibre build, excess construction charges or site-specific engineering.
It is not automatically internet access
EAD is not always an internet service by itself so check what the provider is delivering over the circuit.
It is not automatically secure enough
A private or dedicated circuit still needs security controls such as:
firewall
access control
encryption where needed
monitoring
endpoint protection
segmentation
secure remote access
Ethernet Access Direct costs UK EAD costs are usually quote-based so your pricing depends heavily on location, speed, access route, provider, installation and service wrapped around the circuit.
What affects EAD pricing? EAD pricing is affected by:
postcode
access availability
distance to network
speed
bearer size
bandwidth
service type
provider network
installation complexity
wayleave requirements
excess construction charges
contract length
SLA
support level
router or CPE
resilience
data centre or exchange endpoint
cloud connectivity needs
managed service requirements
EAD for Dedicated Internet Access EAD can be used as the access circuit for Dedicated Internet Access which can suit:
head offices
call centres
cloud-heavy offices
hosted desktop users
VoIP-heavy teams
payment-critical sites
data-heavy businesses
businesses needing stronger SLA-backed internet
EAD security considerations EAD is a dedicated access service, but it still needs proper security so check:
firewall
managed router
encryption requirements
endpoint protection
monitoring
access controls
segmentation
remote access
DDoS protection
incident response
data centre controls
cloud security
backup and recovery
Questions to ask EAD providers Before accepting a quote, ask:
is this EAD, DIA, leased line, Ethernet WAN or point-to-point?
what service is delivered over the EAD circuit?
is internet access included?
what endpoint does the circuit connect to?
what speed is included?
what bearer size is included?
is bandwidth dedicated?
is the service uncontended?
what SLA applies?
what is the target fix time?
what installation work is needed?
could excess construction charges apply?
are wayleaves required?
is the router or CPE included?
is managed router support included?
is firewall included?
is backup connectivity included?
can speed be upgraded later?
what contract length applies?
what happens if we move premises?
what are the exit charges?
what is the total monthly cost?
what is the total contract value?
When to review EAD or Ethernet connectivity Review your Ethernet connectivity if:
your leased line contract is ending
your DIA contract is ending
your WAN contract is ending
cloud apps are slow
hosted desktops lag
uploads are slow
backups take too long
site-to-site traffic is unreliable
you are connecting a data centre
you are moving to private cloud
you are opening more sites
you are reviewing SD-WAN
you need better resilience
you need a dedicated point-to-point link
you are paying for an old circuit without understanding what it supports
Our Thoughts About Ethernet Access Direct EAD can support:
DIA
leased lines
point-to-point circuits
WAN access
data centre connectivity
cloud connectivity
hybrid WAN
SD-WAN underlay
private Ethernet services
but for your business, the right option depends on:
site location
speed
endpoint
application needs
cloud usage
private connectivity requirements
SLA
installation
support
resilience
total monthly cost
Other useful links about EAD:
Frequently Asked Questions About EAD What is Ethernet Access Direct?
Ethernet Access Direct is a dedicated Ethernet access service used to connect a business site to another network point, provider service, data centre or business location.
What does EAD stand for?
EAD stands for Ethernet Access Direct.
Is EAD the same as DIA?
No. EAD is an Ethernet access circuit. DIA is Dedicated Internet Access. DIA may be delivered using an EAD circuit.
Is EAD the same as a leased line?
Not exactly. A leased line is a broader term for dedicated connectivity. EAD is a specific Ethernet access product that may be used as part of a leased line or DIA service.
Is EAD the same as point-to-point Ethernet?
EAD can be used for point-to-point Ethernet, but it can also be used as access into DIA, WAN, cloud or provider services.
Is EAD internet access?
Not by itself necessarily. EAD may be used to deliver internet access, but you need to confirm what service sits on top of the circuit.
What is EAD used for?
EAD is used for dedicated Ethernet access, DIA, leased lines, point-to-point connectivity, WAN access, data centre connectivity and cloud connectivity.
What speeds does EAD support?
BT Wholesale describes EAD as supporting point-to-point connectivity at up to 10Gbps, and Openreach lists a 10Gbps EAD variant.
How much does Ethernet Access Direct cost?
EAD is usually quote-based. Costs depend on postcode, speed, access route, installation, bearer size, SLA, provider and the service delivered over the circuit.
Is EAD better than FTTP?
EAD is usually better for dedicated, private or SLA-backed connectivity. FTTP is often better value for ordinary business internet and lower-risk sites.
Is EAD better than broadband?
EAD is usually more suitable for dedicated business connectivity, while broadband is better for lower-cost general internet access.
Can EAD be used for WAN connectivity?
Yes. EAD can be used as access into WAN, managed WAN, Ethernet WAN or hybrid WAN services.
Can EAD be used for SD-WAN?
Yes. EAD or DIA can be used as one of the underlay connections in an SD-WAN design.
Can EAD connect to a data centre?
Yes. EAD and other Ethernet services can be used for data centre, colocation, private cloud and provider network connectivity.
Does EAD include a router?
Sometimes. Router or CPE arrangements vary by provider and service. Always check whether equipment, monitoring and support are included.
How long does EAD installation take?
Installation depends on site survey, fibre availability, wayleaves, excess construction and provider lead times. Dedicated Ethernet circuits usually take longer than standard broadband.
What should I compare in an EAD quote?
Compare endpoint, speed, bearer, SLA, installation, excess construction, router/CPE, support, backup, security, contract length and total monthly cost.
Related connectivity, WAN and SD-WAN guides Dedicated connectivity Dedicated Internet Access https://compareyourbusinesscosts.co.uk/dedicated-internet-access
Leased Line Costs UK https://compareyourbusinesscosts.co.uk/leased-line-costs
Leased Line Providers UK https://compareyourbusinesscosts.co.uk/leased-line-providers
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WAN Providers UK https://compareyourbusinesscosts.co.uk/wan-providers-uk
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Hybrid WAN Architecture https://compareyourbusinesscosts.co.uk/hybrid-wan-architecture
SD-WAN cluster SD-WAN Providers UK https://compareyourbusinesscosts.co.uk/sd-wan
Managed SD-WAN Services https://compareyourbusinesscosts.co.uk/managed-sd-wan-services
SD-WAN Costs UK https://compareyourbusinesscosts.co.uk/sd-wan-costs
SD-WAN vs MPLS https://compareyourbusinesscosts.co.uk/sd-wan-vs-mpls
SD-WAN Solutions https://compareyourbusinesscosts.co.uk/sd-wan-solutions
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Hi, I’m Ally Cox , a senior copywriter and blogger at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, the UK’s trusted platform for comparing business services.over a decade of experience in the B2B sector, I specialise in simplifying complex topics like leased lines, VoIP, business energy, HR and payroll solutions, accounting software, and EPOS systems .HR, copywriting, and business operations- from clocking-in systems to card machines and office technology .informed, confident decisions when choosing products and services that improve efficiency and save money.