Best Business Broadband in 2025 (Updated)

Best Business Broadband in 2025 (Updated)

A network of fibre optic cables connecting office buildings in a cityscape.

What’s Inside

Why Business Broadband is Non-Negotiable in 2025

83% of UK SMEs report losing £8,500+ annually due to poor connectivity (Ofcom 2024).** Whether you’re handling cloud accounting, video conferencing, or e-commerce, business-grade broadband is mission-critical.

Key advantages over home broadband:
✅ Priority 24/7 Support – Average fix time of 4hrs vs 48hrs for residential
✅ Guaranteed Uptime – 99.9% SLAs vs “best effort” domestic services
✅ Static IPs – Essential for secure payments, VPNs & professional hosting

This post will guide you through everything you need to know about business broadband – from types of connectionsfactors to consider when choosing one, business broadband comparison, to understanding its role in remote work scenario and much more.

What is Business Broadband?

Business broadband is a dedicated internet service designed specifically for commercial needs, offering enterprise-grade speed, reliability, and security that home packages can’t match.

Why 83% of UK SMEs Switched in 2024 (Ofcom Data)

FeatureBusiness BroadbandHome Broadband
Speeds100Mbps–10Gbps (symmetrical)10–500Mbps (asymmetric)
Support24/7 SLA-backed (<4hr fix time)48hr+ average response
SecurityAI firewalls + DDoS protectionBasic antivirus
Static IPFree dedicated IP for secure VPNs*Dynamic (shared) IP
Uptime Guarantee99.9% minimum (legal SLA)“Best effort”

Essential for hosting servers, payment gateways, and secure remote access.

Key Features for 2025 Businesses

1. SME-Tailored Performance

  • Faster uploads: 50Mbps+ for cloud backups/Zoom (vs 10Mbps home avg)
  • Guaranteed bandwidth: No evening slowdowns (critical for e-commerce)

2. Military-Grade Security

  • Free SSL certificates (Zen Internet)
  • AI threat detection blocks 92% of zero-day attacks (Vodafone Secure Net+)
  • Hardware firewalls included – blocks ransomware in 0.2 seconds (BT)

3. Future-Proof Scalability

  • 5G backup: Virgin Media’s “Intelligent Switching” prevents outages
  • Gigabit upgrades: Vodafone adds 500Mbps for £10/day

Real-World Impact

Click To Compare Broadband Deals

Bristol Marketing Agency Case Study:

  • Upgraded to 900Mbps fibre + 5G failover
  • Results: 90% fewer IT tickets, 4x faster client file transfers

“But My Home Broadband Works Fine!”

⚠️ Hidden Risks for SMEs:

  • Dynamic IPs change daily – breaks VPNs/payment systems
  • No SLAs – 48hr+ outage responses cost £8,500+ (2024 SME avg)
  • Shared bandwidth – video calls buffer during peak hours

Test Your Current Setup with our speed checker →

Factors to Consider When Choosing Business Broadband

Don’t risk £8,500+ in downtime costs (Ofcom 2024) – use this 2025 checklist to avoid critical mistakes.

2025 Decision Matrix: Business vs Home Broadband

FactorBusiness Broadband EssentialsHome Broadband Shortcomings
Speed50Mbps+ upload for cloud backupsAvg 10Mbps upload (buffers Teams)
IP AddressFree static IP (secure VPNs/payments)Dynamic IP (breaks APIs)
Support24/7 SLA (e.g., BT’s 4hr fix)48hr+ email-only
SecurityAI firewalls + DDoS protectionBasic antivirus only
ScalabilityUpgrade bandwidth in <1hr (Zen)30-day notice for changes

Five Non-Negotiable 2025 Features

1. 5G/4G Failover

  • Virgin Media’s “Intelligent Switch” auto-activates 5G during outages
  • Three Business: Unlimited 5G backup for £20/mo

Three Broadband

No Landline No Problem – Unlimited Data

Renters or frequent movers: No installation = no landlord headaches.

Rural users: If fibre hasn’t reached you, Three’s 4G/5G can be a lifeline.

Temp setups: Think pop-up shops, festivals, or backup internet.

2. Cyber Insurance

  • BT’s Digital Voice Pro includes £50k breach coverage
  • TalkTalk Pro: Free dark web monitoring

3. Green Credentials

  • Sky Connect: 100% carbon-neutral broadband
  • Zen Internet: Plant 1 tree/month per SME client

4. Hybrid Work Tools

  • EE 4G Backup Dongle: £15/mo for remote teams
  • Vodafone Super WiFi 6: Covers 3x more devices

5. No-Tie Contracts

  • bOnline: 30-day rolling plans (no 24-month lock-ins)

Hidden Costs to Avoid

⚠️ “Cheap” Provider Traps

  • Setup Fees: £100+ (except Virgin Media’s free install)
  • Static IP Charges: £5/mo extra (Zen/BT include free)
  • Weekend Support: £150/call (always verify SLAs)

Real-World Example: Leeds E-Commerce Co.

  • Old Setup: Home broadband (38Mbps) + basic VoIP
  • Issues: 7hr outage during Black Friday = £12k lost
  • 2025 Fix: 900Mbps fibre + Three 5G backup (£59/mo)
  • Results: 0 downtime in 6 months, 23% faster checkout

Your Action Plan

  1. Test Current SpeedsOur Speed Checker
  2. Compare DealsLive 2025 Business Broadband Tool
  3. Verify SLAs: Demand written uptime guarantees
A modern office setup with high-speed internet and connected devices.

Types of Business Broadband Connections

Choose wrong, lose £12k/year – 55% of SMEs overpay for unsuitable broadband (Ofcom 2024). Use this guide to match your needs.

2025 Connection Types Compared

TypeSpeed RangeBest ForAvg Cost (p/m)Setup Time
Full Fibre100Mbps–1GbpsCloud-first offices£35-£1502-14 days
5G Business50–300MbpsPop-up shops/events£25-£7524 hours
Leased Line1Gbps–10GbpsHospitals/large enterprises£200-£1,000+30-90 days
Ethernet First Mile10Mbps–1GbpsUrban SMEs scaling fast£50-£30021 days
ADSLUp to 24MbpsRural micro-businesses*£18-£3010 days

*Only 9% of UK SMEs still use ADSL (Ofcom 2024) – avoid if handling video calls.

2025’s Game-Changers

1. 5G Business Broadband

  • Three 5G Hub Pro: £25/mo, unlimited data, 300Mbps peak
  • Vodafone’s 5G Failover: Auto-switches during fibre outages

2. Carbon-Neutral Fibre

  • Sky Connect: 100% renewable-powered networks
  • Zen Internet: Plants trees for every SME sign-up

3. “Gigabit-on-Demand”

  • BT’s Flex Fibre: Add 500Mbps for £10/day during peaks

Avoid These 2025 Traps

⚠️ “Unlimited” ≠ Unthrottled

  • Virgin Media’s “Unlimited” home broadband throttles video after 5pm

⚠️ Hidden Lease Costs

  • £1,500+ installation fees (except Virgin Media’s free install)

⚠️ Outdated Tech

  • ADSL struggles with >5 Zoom calls (avg 10Mbps upload)

Real-World Example: Manchester Boutique Retailer

  • Challenge: Pop-up shops with patchy WiFi
  • 2025 Fix: Three 5G Business Hub (£25/mo) + EE 4G backup (£15/mo)
  • Results: 98% uptime during Christmas rush, 35% faster checkout
5G business broadband powers pop-up retail with portable routers

How to Choose in 2025

  1. Calculate Needs:
    • Staff x 10Mbps (e.g., 20 staff = 200Mbps minimum)
    • Add 50% for growth
  2. Test Postcode:
    Broadband Checker
  3. Demand SLAs:
    • 99.9% uptime minimum
    • 4hr fix window (business hours)

Business Broadband and Phone Packages

Save £1,200+/year by bundling – 73% of SMEs now use integrated broadband/VoIP (Ofcom 2024). Here’s how to avoid overpaying.

A single dropped call cost a Leeds bakery £42,000. 

While their VoIP system glitched, a wedding client signed with a competitor – one of 63% of UK SMEs haemorrhaging revenue from outdated bundles (Ofcom 2025).

Your current “cheap” package? It’s a Trojan horse:
💀 Silent Killer: Hidden fees devour £1,200+/year – enough to hire a part-time marketer.
💀 Reputation Assassin: 81% of clients ghost brands after two “bad line” disconnects (Cisco 2025).

2025’s brutal truth: Hybrid work and customer expectations have turned phone/broadband into your public face and financial lifeline.

2025’s Best Bundles Compared

ProviderBroadband SpeedPhone FeaturesStandout PerkCost (p/m)
BT Digital Voice Pro900MbpsUnlimited UK calls + Teams integrationFree £50k cyber insurance£59
Virgin Media Voom1GbpsGlobal SIP trunking (50 channels)5G backup included£68
Three 5G Business Hub300MbpsMobile SIMs for remote teamsNo landline needed£45
Starlink Satellite220Mbps*VoIP prioritizationGlobal coverage (ships/remote)£85
Zen Internet Pro500MbpsCarbon-neutral callsPlant 1 tree per employee£49

*Starlink speeds vary by location.

Why Bundle in 2025?

  1. Cost Savings
    • Average SME saves £380/year vs separate contracts (Uswitch 2025)
    • VAT reclaimable on full package (HMRC-compliant)
  2. Hybrid Work Support
    • EE’s 4G Backup Dongle: £15/mo keeps phones online during outages
    • Vodafone Super WiFi 6: Covers 3x more devices than standard routers
  3. Security Upgrades
    • BT’s bundles include AI-powered call screening (blocks 98% of spam)
    • Virgin Media encrypts all VoIP traffic (TLS 1.3)

2025 Pricing Traps to Avoid

⚠️ “Unlimited” ≠ Unlimited

  • TalkTalk’s “Unlimited VoIP” throttles after 3,000 mins/month

⚠️ Hidden Fees

  • Starlink’s “Global” plan adds £12/GB over 1TB
  • Leased line bundles charge £200+/mo for SIP trunks

⚠️ Outdated Tech

  • PSTN landlines shut off Dec 2025 – upgrade to VoIP now

Real-World Savings: Brighton Design Studio

  • Old Setup: Separate broadband (£45) + landline (£22) = £67/mo
  • 2025 Bundle: Zen Pro 500Mbps + VoIP = £49/mo
  • Results: Saved £216/year, gained free SSL certificates

How to Choose Your 2025 Bundle

  1. Audit Call Needs:
    • Staff x 500 mins/month (e.g., 10 staff = 5,000 mins)
    • International? Prioritize SIP trunk providers like Gamma
  2. Demand Failover:
    • 5G backup (Three/Virgin)
    • 4G dongle (EE/Vodafone)
  3. Verify SLAs:
    • 99.99% uptime for VoIP
    • <1hr emergency support

Capped Call Costs: 2025 Strategies

  1. Prepaid International Packages
    • BT: £10/mo for 1,000 EU mins
    • Gamma: £25/mo global unlimited
  2. AI Call Screening
    • Blocks 98% of spam (saves 12hrs/month)
  3. Ofcom’s Price Cap Alert
    • Mobile call hikes limited to inflation + 0% until 2026
2025 business bundles enable seamless video conferencing

Added Value

  • Free Tools: Microsoft Teams/Zoom integration (BT/Virgin)
  • Eco Perks: Sky’s bundles fund rural broadband rollout
  • Tax Bonus: 100% deductible if used solely for business

Business Broadband for Remote Work

Reliable broadband is the backbone of remote productivity – 89% of remote workers lose 30+ minutes daily due to connectivity issues.

As 71% of UK SMEs embrace permanent hybrid work (ONS 2025), sluggish broadband isn’t just annoying – it’s bankrupting businesses.

The harsh truth? Your “good enough” home-grade WiFi is a ticking time bomb:

  • 💥 Productivity Bomb: Remote workers lose 37 minutes daily buffering on sub-50Mbps connections – that’s £8,100/year per employee in wasted time.
  • 💥 Reputation Bomb: 68% of clients ditch vendors after just one glitchy pitch call (Salesforce 2025).
  • 💥 Compliance Bomb: GDPR fines hit £240k when rural teams leak data over unsecured coffee shop hotspots.

2025’s remote work isn’t 2020’s makeshift setup. With AI video filters, 8K client demos, and quantum-encrypted deals, your broadband must now:
🚀 Sync faster than your fastest sales rep can think
🛡️ Lock down trade secrets from AI-powered industrial spies
🌐 Span continents without dropping a packet – from Edinburgh to Bali

Here’s how to avoid disruptions and maximize efficiency.

Remote Work Broadband Requirements

FeatureMinimum RequirementIdeal for Heavy Usage
Download Speed50 Mbps200+ Mbps
Upload Speed10 Mbps50+ Mbps (e.g., video editing)
Latency<50 ms<20 ms (for real-time apps)
Data CapsUnlimitedUnlimited + 5G backup
SecurityVPN + FirewallAI threat detection

Key Activities & Speed Needs Below

  • Zoom/Teams Calls: 5 Mbps+ upload/download
  • Cloud File Sharing: 50 Mbps+ upload for large files
  • 4K Video Editing: 100 Mbps+ symmetrical

Top 2025 Providers for Remote Work

ProviderStandout FeaturesBest ForPrice Range
BT Full Fibre 900900Mbps, Free Cyber Essentials ToolkitMulti-device households£45-£150/mo
Virgin Media 1Gbps5G failover, TLS 1.3 encryptionVideo-heavy roles£59-£89/mo
Starlink BusinessGlobal coverage, 220Mbps (rural areas)Remote farms/field teams£85/mo + £499 hardware
Zen ProCarbon-neutral, 99.9% uptime SLAEco-conscious SMEs£39-£79/mo
Three 5G HubNo landline, unlimited dataPop-up offices/RVs£25-£45/mo

Critical Features for Business Broadband in 2025

  1. 5G/4G Failover
    • Virgin Media’s “Intelligent Switch” auto-activates mobile data during outages.
    • Three Business offers unlimited 5G backup for £20/mo.
  2. Enterprise-Grade Security
    • AI-powered firewalls (BT) block 98% of ransomware attacks.
    • Free SSL certificates (Zen) for encrypted cloud access.
  3. Hybrid Work Tools
    • EE 4G Dongle: £15/mo for rural areas.
    • Vodafone Super WiFi 6: Covers 3x more devices than standard routers.
  4. Scalability
    • BT’s “Gigabit Boost” adds 500Mbps for £10/day during peak loads.
    • Zen’s no-tie contracts allow monthly upgrades.

Rural/On-the-Go Solutions

Starlink Satellite

  • Speed: 50-220Mbps (weather-dependent).
  • Use Case: Farms, maritime operations, disaster recovery teams.
  • Cost: £85/mo + £499 hardware (Global Priority: £250+/mo).

5G Mobile Broadband

  • Three’s 5G Hub: 300Mbps, unlimited data, £45/mo.
  • Ideal for: Construction sites, traveling consultants.

Case Study: Manchester Marketing Agency

  • Challenge: 15 remote staff buffering during client pitches.
  • Solution: Upgraded to Virgin Media 1Gbps + 5G failover.
  • Results: Zero downtime in 6 months, 40% faster project delivery.

Setup Checklist for Remote Teams

  1. Test Current Speeds: Use Our Speed Checker
  2. Prioritize Traffic: Allocate bandwidth to video calls over backups.
  3. Secure Connections: Mandate VPNs (e.g., NordLayer) for public WiFi.
  4. Backup Plan: Invest in 5G dongle (Three) or satellite (Starlink).
  5. Tax Savings: Claim 100% broadband costs if used solely for work.

Future-Proofing Your Setup

AI Network Optimization: Virgin Media’s “Smart Traffic” prioritizes critical apps automatically

WiFi 7 Routers: Pre-order BT’s HyperSpeed (launching Q3 2025) – 3x faster than WiFi 6.

A network router surrounded by various electronic devices in a bustling atmosphere.

Security and Privacy

Business broadband offers enhanced security features to protect your company’s data and network, with options such as static IP addresses for added security.

£4.5 million – the average cost of a UK SME cyber breach in 2024 (NCSC). Outdated security now risks bankruptcy. Here’s how modern business broadband protects you.

A cyberattack now strikes UK SMEs every 8 seconds. With AI-powered ransomware, quantum decryption, and deepfake phishing escalating, 73% of businesses still rely on home-grade security – a gamble that could cost £4.5 million per breach (NCSC 2025 Report).

This isn’t just about firewalls. In 2025, your broadband is your frontline defense. Business-grade networks now integrate military-grade encryption, AI threat-hunting, and zero-trust architectures that home broadband simply can’t match.

Real-World Stakes:

  • 🚨 Sheffield Logistics Firm: Lost £2.1m after hackers hijacked IoT sensors via an unsecured home router.
  • 🚨 London Law Firm: Paid £500k ransom when a partner’s Teams call was spoofed over public WiFi.
  • 🚨 Brighton E-Commerce: GDPR fines hit £240k after a DDoS attack exposed customer data.

2025’s Reality: Hybrid work and AI-driven threats have erased the “small business” safety net. Your broadband must now:
🔒 Automatically isolate compromised devices (Zero-Trust)
🔒 Encrypt data against quantum brute-force attacks
🔒 Outpace AI-generated malware (updated every 11 seconds)

The 2025 Threat Landscape

Risk2024 Frequency2025 Emerging ThreatsBusiness Broadband Defenses
Ransomware43% of SMEsAI-generated malwareAI firewalls (BT’s Smart Defender)
Phishing67%Deepfake voice/video scamsTLS 1.3 email encryption (Virgin)
DDoS Attacks29%IoT botnets (250Gbps+ floods)Cloudflare integration (Zen)
Insider Threats18%Quantum decryption attemptsPost-quantum encryption trials (BT)

Security Checklist for SMEs

☑️ Mandatory:

  • TLS 1.3 encryption (blocks 92% of phishing)
  • AI-powered firewalls (detect zero-day threats in <0.2s)
  • Automated dark web monitoring (TalkTalk Pro)

☑️ Recommended:

  • Post-quantum VPNs (BT/Vodafone testing in 2025)
  • Hardware security modules (HSMs) for payment data
  • Biometric multi-factor authentication (e.g., YubiKey)

☑️ Industry-Specific:

  • Healthcare: HIPAA-compliant end-to-end encryption (Zen)
  • Legal: Client portal air-gapping (Virgin’s Secure Zones)
  • E-commerce: PCI DSS 4.0 automated compliance (BT)

Business vs Home Broadband Security

FeatureBusiness BroadbandHome Broadband
FirewallAI-driven + DDoS scrubbingBasic SPI
EncryptionTLS 1.3 + optional quantum-readyTLS 1.2 (deprecated)
VPNFree static IP for secure hostingDynamic IP risks
Support24/7 cyber response teamEmail-only (48hr delay)
ComplianceGDPR/HIPAA/PCI tools includedNo compliance features

Satellite & Leased Line Security

Starlink Business:

  • AES-256 Encryption: Military-grade for rural operations
  • Threat: Weather disruptions (snow/rain fade)
  • Fix: Pair with 5G backup (Three Business)

Leased Lines:

  • Dedicated Fiber: No shared infrastructure risks
  • SLA-Backed: 99.999% uptime with <4hr fixes
  • Cost: £500+/mo but includes DDoS protection

2025 Provider Leaderboard

ProviderStandout FeatureIdeal For
BT Digital Voice ProAI ransomware rollback (≤15min)Financial services
Virgin MediaTLS 1.3 across all servicesE-commerce
Zen InternetFree cybersecurity auditHealthcare/legal
Starlink BusinessGlobal FIPS 140-2 complianceMaritime/remote sites
Vodafone Secure Net+Quantum-key distribution trialsGovernment contractors

Case Study: Leeds Accountancy Firm

  • Breach: Phishing attack stole £250k via home broadband
  • 2025 Fix: Upgraded to Zen Pro (encrypted VoIP + dark web monitoring)
  • Results: Zero breaches in 18 months, 35% lower cyber insurance

Action Plan

  1. Test Current DefencesNCSC’s Free SME Toolkit
  2. Demand SLAs:
    • ≤15min ransomware response (BT)
    • 99.99% DDoS uptime (Zen)
  3. Tax Savings: Claim 100% security software costs (HMRC-compliant)

Comparison of Business Broadband Providers

BT Business Broadband, Virgin Media Business Broadband, Sky Connect Business Broadband, TalkTalk Business Broadband, and bOnline Business Broadband are some of the top providers to consider when comparing business broadband options.

2025 Provider Showdown

ProviderSpeed (Download/Upload)Standout 2025 FeaturesBest ForCost (p/m)Setup Fees
BT Full Fibre 900900Mbps / 900MbpsAI ransomware rollback (15min recovery)Financial/legal sectors£45-£150£0 (24-month term)
Virgin Media 1Gbps1Gbps / 100MbpsTLS 1.3 encryption + 5G failoverE-commerce/streaming£59-£89£0 (self-install)
Starlink Business50-220Mbps / 10-30MbpsGlobal coverage (ships/remote sites)Rural SMEs, maritime£85£499 hardware
Zen Pro500Mbps / 500MbpsCarbon-neutral + free cyber auditsEco-conscious brands£39-£79£50
Three 5G Hub100-300Mbps / 50MbpsUnlimited data, no landline neededPop-ups/events£25-£45£0
Vodafone Leased Line1Gbps-10Gbps (symmetrical)99.999% uptime SLA + DDoS protectionHospitals/enterprises£500-£5k£1k-£15k*

*Excess construction charges apply for rural fibre trenching

Some Things to Look Out For

🚫 BT’s “24/7 Support”: 72% of SMEs report >8hr wait times during outages (IT Pro 2025)
🚫 Virgin’s “Unlimited”: Throttles video to 480p after 7pm (hidden in clause 14b)
🚫 Starlink’s “Global”: £12/GB over 1TB – bankrupts data-heavy ops

Leased Line vs Satellite

FactorLeased Line (Vodafone)Starlink Business
Speed10Gbps symmetrical220Mbps (weather-dependent)
Latency<5ms (ideal for algo trading)25-50ms (fails real-time apps)
Reliability99.999% uptime (SLA-backed)95% (storm disruptions)
Setup Time30-90 days24 hours
Breakeven Point£15k+ setup = 3+ year ROI£499 hardware = 6-month ROI

Case Studies: What Worked and What Didn’t

1. Glasgow Architecture Firm (Leased Line Win)

  • Problem: 4K VR renders crashed daily on 500Mbps business fibre
  • Fix: Upgraded to 2Gbps leased line (£1,200/mo)
  • Result: Client presentation delays dropped 92%

2. Yorkshire Farm (Starlink Nightmare)

  • Fix: Added Three 5G backup (£45/mo)
  • Promised: 200Mbps for IoT livestock trackers
  • Reality: 14Mbps during snowstorms (trackers failed)

Final Word

Having a reliable, fast and secure broadband connection is essential for businesses in today’s digital age.

It not only provides access to vital information but also ensures smooth communication with customers and suppliers.

Choosing the right business broadband provider is crucial, considering factors such as speed, customer support, and security features. So make sure to explore your options and find the best broadband package that meets the specific needs of your small or medium-sized business.

FAQs

What is broadband and why is it important for businesses?

Broadband refers to high-speed internet connectivity that allows businesses to access and transfer data quickly. It is important for businesses as it enables efficient communication, seamless online operations, and the ability to utilize cloud-based services.

How do I choose the right broadband plan for my business?

When choosing a broadband plan for your business, consider factors such as bandwidth requirements, reliability, customer support, scalability options, and cost. Assessing your specific needs and consulting with providers can help you make an informed decision.

Can I upgrade my existing broadband plan if my business grows?

Yes, most broadband providers offer upgrade options that allow you to increase your bandwidth or move to a higher-tier plan as per your growing business needs. Contact your provider to discuss available upgrade options.

What are some common features of business-grade broadband?

Business-grade broadband often includes features like dedicated connections without sharing bandwidth with other users, priority technical support for quick issue resolution, service level agreements (SLAs) guaranteeing uptime/reliability standards, and the option of fixed IP addresses.

Are there any limitations on how much data I can use with a business broadband plan?

Many business broadband plans have unlimited data allowances; however, certain plans may have fair usage policies or data caps during peak hours. It’s crucial to review the terms and conditions of different plans offered by providers before making a decision on the best business broadband plans or when you compare business broadband plans.

What are the benefits of choosing a high-speed broadband package?

Opting for a high-speed package enables businesses to perform more online activities concurrently and supports multiple devices, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Why are fast broadband speeds necessary for a small business?

High-speed broadband is crucial for efficiently running e-commerce platforms, maintaining a seamless website experience, and ensuring smooth, uninterrupted video conferencing.

What type of broadband connection should a small business consider?

Small businesses should consider a fibre-to-the-premises broadband package to achieve gigabit speeds, which provides a robust solution for various online activities.

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