Static IP Business Broadband: The 2026 Guide (Benefits, Costs & Best Deals) Quick answer:
A static IP is a fixed public internet address that does not normally change when your broadband reconnects.
It can be useful if your business needs:
remote access to on-site systems
site-to-site VPNs
IP allowlisting
externally accessible CCTV
on-premises servers
hosted services
some SIP or firewall configurations
But most businesses do not automatically need a static IP.
If you mainly use:
Microsoft 365
Google Workspace
cloud CRM
cloud accounting
hosted VoIP
standard web browsing
a normal dynamic public IP may be perfectly adequate.
Your setup Static IP likely needed?
Cloud-only small business
Usually no
Hosted VoIP
Usually no
Site-to-site VPN
Often yes
Remote CCTV access
Often useful
On-premises server
Often yes
IP allowlisting
Yes
Remote desktop gateway
Often useful
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How do we work?
Our comparisons are researched and reviewed by the Compare Your Business Costs editorial team using provider information, pricing data and UK business buying criteria. See how Compare Your Business Costs works .
Authored by: Ally Cox – Business Technology & B2B Services Specialist, 10+ years’ experience.
Reviewed by: James Ward .
Last Updated: September 2026
Key Takeaways
A static IP is a fixed public IP address assigned to your broadband service.
Most businesses do not automatically need one.
They are particularly useful for VPNs, servers, CCTV and IP allowlisting.
Many hosted cloud services and VoIP systems work without a static IP.
Some business broadband providers include one as standard.
Others charge extra depending on package and number of addresses required.
Multiple static IPs cost more than a single address.
A static IP does not make broadband faster.
A static IP is not automatically more secure; security depends on firewall and network configuration.
Check whether you actually need one before paying for the add-on.
What Is a Static IP Address? An IP address identifies your internet connection on the public internet.
There are two main types:
Dynamic IP A dynamic IP can change when your broadband connection reconnects or when your provider reallocates addresses which is suitable for most standard business internet use.
Static IP A static IP remains fixed, giving your business a consistent public internet address which can make it easier for external systems to reliably connect back to your network.
Static IP vs Dynamic IP
Feature Static IP Dynamic IP
Public address changes?
No / normally fixed
Can change
Good for basic browsing/cloud apps
Yes
Yes
Good for servers
Better
Less convenient
Good for site-to-site VPN
Often preferred
Can be more difficult
Cost
May cost extra
Usually included
Security
Depends on configuration
Depends on configuration
Do Businesses Need a Static IP? Not every business does.
You are more likely to need one if you:
host a server on-site
operate a site-to-site VPN
allow remote access into your network
use IP-based firewall rules
use applications that allowlist public IP addresses
need remote access to CCTV or specialist equipment
You are less likely to need one if your business primarily uses:
SaaS applications
cloud storage
browser-based CRM
hosted email
hosted VoIP
mobile apps
Which UK Business Broadband Providers Offer Static IPs?
Provider Current static IP position
Zen Business 1 static IPv4 address included with current business full-fibre packages
Virgin Media Business Included on higher Voom tiers; paid add-on on lower tiers
BT Business Available on business broadband; free on selected Enhanced plans
TalkTalk Business Static IP available on business fibre
Availability, pricing and the number of addresses included depend on the package.
Zen Business Static IP Zen currently includes one static IPv4 address as standard with its business full-fibre broadband packages and their current business FTTP plans include:
Full Fibre 100
Full Fibre 300
Full Fibre 500
Zen says additional addresses can also be provided where a business needs more than one which makes Zen particularly relevant if a fixed public IP is an important buying requirement.
Virgin Media Business Static IP
Virgin Media Business currently varies static-IP inclusion by package.
Package Static IP position
Voom 200
Dynamic IP included; 1 static IP +£5/month
Voom 400
Dynamic IP included; 1 static IP +£5/month
Voom 600
1 static IP included
Voom Gig1
1 static IP included
Voom Gig2
1 static IP included
Virgin also currently offers:
5 static IPs for +£10/month
13 static IPs for +£15/month
That makes Virgin one of the clearest providers for businesses needing multiple public IP addresses.
BT Business Static IP BT Business allows customers to order static IP addresses with its broadband products and their current Enhanced broadband proposition also advertises a free static IP address as part of the package.
BT supports:
a single static IP
multiple-address ranges
Businesses needing several public addresses should confirm the exact package and addressing configuration before ordering.
TalkTalk Business Static IP
TalkTalk Business currently advertises static IP availability with its business fibre products and they specifically positions static IPs as useful for:
VPNs
hosted services
remote access
Check whether it is included or charged separately on the package you are considering.
How Much Does a Static IP Cost?
There is no single standard UK price.
Current provider examples show three common models:
Pricing model Example
Included as standard
Zen Business
Included on premium broadband tier
Virgin Voom 600/Gig1/Gig2
Monthly add-on
Virgin Voom 200/400: +£5/month for one IP
Included with enhanced broadband package
BT Enhanced
So instead of assuming a static IP always costs £2-£10/month, compare:
whether one is already included
how many addresses you need
whether a more expensive package includes it
what other features that package adds
Do You Need More Than One Static IP? Most small businesses only need one but you might need several if you operate:
multiple public-facing servers
complex firewall configurations
separate services requiring different public IPs
hosting infrastructure
advanced VPN setups
Virgin Media Business currently offers blocks of 1, 5 or 13 public addresses on relevant packages.
Static IP for VPNs A static IP is particularly useful for site-to-site VPNs because the other location always knows the public address to connect to, and can also help with:
remote-access gateways
firewall rules
trusted network allowlists
However, not every employee VPN requires a static public IP at the user’s premises.
Static IP for CCTV A static IP can simplify remote access to CCTV systems hosted at your premises.
However, many modern CCTV systems use cloud relay services and apps that work without a static IP.
Check how your specific CCTV platform connects before buying a static IP purely for cameras.
Static IP for VoIP Most hosted VoIP systems do not automatically require a static IP.
Some setups may benefit from one, including:
SIP trunks
IP allowlisting
firewall rules
on-premises PBX systems
Virgin Media Business itself notes that some IP-based phone and audio applications connect via external servers and may therefore not need static addressing.
See our Business Broadband for VoIP guide .
Static IP for Remote Working
A static IP does not automatically make remote working better and is most useful when staff need to connect back into resources located at the business premises.
Examples include:
on-site file servers
remote desktop gateways
VPN concentrators
specialist applications
If everything your staff use is cloud-hosted, a static IP can provide little benefit.
Does a Static IP Improve Broadband Speed? No.
Static and dynamic IP addressing does not determine your broadband speed, and your speed depends on factors such as:
connection type
FTTP availability
package speed
line quality
network congestion
internal Wi-Fi
Does a Static IP Improve VoIP Quality? Not by itself.
A static IP does not reduce latency or automatically prevent dropped calls and your VoIP quality is more strongly affected by:
latency
jitter
packet loss
upload capacity
router quality
Wi-Fi
Is a Static IP More Secure? Not automatically.
A fixed public IP makes allowlisting and network-access rules easier, but the address is also consistently reachable – but good security still depends on:
firewalls
VPNs
authentication
patching
network segmentation
access controls
Static IP vs Dynamic DNS Dynamic DNS can sometimes provide an alternative where your IP changes, and works by updating a hostname when the public IP address changes.
This can suit:
basic remote access
small technical setups
non-critical services
But a true static IP is usually simpler for:
firewall allowlisting
site-to-site VPNs
business-critical server access
IPv4 vs IPv6 Static Addresses Most discussions about static business IPs still refer to public IPv4 addresses.
IPv4 address space is limited, which is one reason providers may charge for additional public addresses.
IPv6 provides a vastly larger address space, but business applications, firewalls and external systems still vary in their IPv6 support.
Check what your specific application requires rather than assuming IPv6 removes the need for a fixed addressing strategy.
What to Ask a Broadband Provider About Static IPs
Is a static IPv4 address included?
If not, what does one cost?
Can we add it later?
How many static addresses are available?
Do we need a different router for multiple IPs?
Will the static IP continue during 4G/5G failover?
Does our VPN or firewall require one?
Does our VoIP setup actually require one?
Will our CCTV work without one?
Does the broadband package include FTTP?
What is the total monthly cost including the IP option?
Our Verdict: Is Static IP Broadband Worth It? A static IP is worth paying for when your business has a clear technical reason for needing a fixed public address.
Good reasons include:
site-to-site VPN
IP allowlisting
on-premises hosting
remote access infrastructure
specialist CCTV or security systems
But many small businesses using cloud applications, hosted email and cloud VoIP do not need one.
Our recommendation: do not choose broadband based on static IP availability alone. Compare the whole package… speed, upload capacity, backup, support, contract cost and whether the static IP is included.
Compare Static IP Business Broadband
Frequently Asked Questions What is a static IP?
A static IP is a public internet address that remains fixed rather than being periodically reassigned by your broadband provider.
Does every business need a static IP?
No. Many cloud-based businesses can use a dynamic IP without any problem.
How much does a static IP cost?
It varies by provider. Some include one free, while others charge a monthly add-on. Virgin Media Business currently charges £5/month for one static IP on selected lower-tier Voom packages.
Which providers include a static IP?
Zen currently includes one static IPv4 address with its business full-fibre packages. Virgin includes one on higher Voom tiers, while BT includes one on selected Enhanced plans.
Do I need a static IP for VoIP?
Usually not for a standard hosted VoIP service, although SIP trunks and some more complex configurations may require one.
Do I need a static IP for CCTV?
Not always. Some CCTV systems need fixed external access, while modern cloud-connected systems may work without one.
Do I need a static IP for a VPN?
It is often useful for site-to-site VPNs and systems using IP allowlisting. Basic employee VPN services may not require one.
Does a static IP make broadband faster?
No. It affects addressing, not connection speed.
Is a static IP more secure?
Not inherently. It can make access-control rules easier, but strong firewalling and authentication are still essential.
Can I have multiple static IP addresses?
Yes. Some providers offer blocks of addresses for businesses that need several public-facing services.
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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.
