In short: BT Business Ultra is the broadband package BT calls its most secure. It pairs business broadband at up to 900Mbps with a Cisco Meraki router and next-generation firewall, malware protection, content filtering across more than 70 categories, intrusion detection and prevention, up to three Meraki access points, 4G backup, expert set-up and Prompt Care. Static IP is not available.
What is BT Business Ultra?
Ultra is a business broadband package "powered by Cisco Meraki". Instead of the standard BT Business Smart Hub, BT supplies a cloud-managed Meraki security device that acts as your router and firewall, plus Meraki wireless access points.
Buying and running a separate firewall takes money and expertise that many small businesses do not have. Ultra bundles the hardware, the security services, installation and support into the broadband contract, so a small office gets a cloud-managed firewall at its internet edge without having to choose, configure and maintain one.
Security features
BT lists these protections on the Ultra service:
- Next-generation firewall on the Meraki appliance, controlling what comes in and goes out
- Anti-malware protection
- Content filtering that can block more than 70 categories of website and control access to social media. BT applies a template by default; you can ask for custom categories or block or allow individual sites. Filtering works on websites, not apps.
- Intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS), which spots and stops known attack patterns
- A cloud dashboard to monitor and track your network's performance
For a managed firewall on a dedicated leased line, the equivalent is BTnet Meraki. For other add-ons, from Web Threat Protect to antivirus, see BT business broadband security.
Wi-Fi, speed and resilience
Ultra also covers the rest of the connection:
- Speeds up to 900Mbps on full fibre, with lower tiers where that is what your address supports
- Up to three Meraki access points for Wi-Fi across the workplace. BT says each covers roughly a 10 to 15 metre radius, depending on walls and other obstacles. If the engineer finds more are needed, BT may supply up to three more at no extra charge.
- Guest Wi-Fi kept separate from your business network
- 4G backup: if the broadband fails, the service switches to the EE Business 4G network automatically, subject to 4G coverage at your site
- Expert set-up: a BT engineer visits to install and configure the kit
- Prompt Care: BT aims to fix reported faults by the end of the next working day
- Minimum speed guarantee, as on BT's other business broadband packages
Ultra compared with Pro
| Pro | Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Router | BT Business Smart Hub | Cisco Meraki security appliance |
| Security | Wi-Fi Security Controls with device threat detection | Next-generation firewall with IDS/IPS and anti-malware |
| Web filtering | Wi-Fi Security Controls by device or group | Content filtering of 70+ categories |
| Wi-Fi | Complete Wi-Fi Plus devices with a coverage guarantee | Up to 3 Meraki access points |
| Backup | Hybrid Backup available | 4G backup included |
| Static IP | Available | Not available |
| Fault fixing | Prompt Care | Prompt Care |
| Contract terms | BT's current offers are on 36-month terms | 36 or 60 months |
The static IP point matters. BT states that static IP addresses are not supported on Broadband Ultra. If you host services, need a fixed address for allow-listing, or terminate site-to-site VPNs on a known address, choose a package with a static IP or look at a BTnet leased line.
Who Ultra suits
- Firms handling personal or financial data: accountants, legal practices, recruiters, clinics
- Businesses working towards Cyber Essentials, where a properly configured boundary firewall is one of the five controls
- Small offices with no in-house IT that want a managed firewall and Wi-Fi from one supplier
- Retail and hospitality sites that need guest Wi-Fi kept apart from tills and back-office systems. See hospitality Wi-Fi.
If you already own a firewall you like, or need a static IP, Enhanced or Pro with your own firewall behind the hub may suit you better.
How we help
We check whether Ultra is available at your address, compare it honestly with Pro plus your own firewall, and handle the order and BT's installation visit. Forever Group's Cisco Meraki team can also advise on bigger Meraki estates. Contact us for a quote.
Why buy BT through Forever Communications
Forever Communications Ltd is a BT Business Partner, supplying BT Business connectivity, voice and mobile services to UK organisations. You get BT's network with a named team who knows your account.
- Impartial advice on the right BT product for each site, from Essential, Enhanced, Pro and Ultra business broadband to BTnet and BT Ethernet
- One point of contact for availability checks, orders, installations, moves, upgrades, faults and renewals
- Ready for the PSTN switch-off: digital phone lines, SoGEA, BT Cloud Voice, BT Cloud Phone and Digital Voice for Business, with your numbers kept where possible
- Multi-site and sector know-how for schools, GP surgeries, retailers, hospitality venues and growing offices
- Mobile and security too: EE Business mobiles from BT Group, Hybrid Backup on the EE Business 4G network, and BT security options alongside our wider Cyber Essentials help
We sell to businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations. We do not sell consumer or home products.
Want a BT Business quote for your sites?
Tell Forever Communications what you need and we will come back to you by email with options, not a hard sell.
Contact usFrequently asked questions
What is BT Business Ultra broadband?
It is BT's most secure business broadband package. It includes a Cisco Meraki router and next-generation firewall, malware protection, content filtering, intrusion detection and prevention, up to three Meraki access points, 4G backup, expert set-up and Prompt Care, with speeds up to 900Mbps.
Does BT Business Ultra include a static IP address?
No. BT states that static IP addresses are not supported on Broadband Ultra. If you need one, choose Enhanced or Pro, or a BTnet leased line.
Can I manage the Meraki firewall on BT Ultra myself?
You get access to the Cisco Meraki cloud dashboard to monitor and track network performance. BT sets the service up during the expert installation visit and applies a default content filtering template, and you can ask for custom categories or for individual sites to be blocked or allowed. We can explain what you can change and what BT manages.
Does BT Ultra have 4G backup?
Yes. If the broadband fails, Ultra switches automatically to the EE Business 4G network, as long as your site has 4G coverage.
Is BT Ultra enough for Cyber Essentials?
Ultra helps with the firewall control, but Cyber Essentials also covers secure configuration, user access control, malware protection and security update management on all your devices. Our sister site cyber-essentials-uk.net can help with the full scheme.