What is broadband?
Historically connecting to the internet was done via a dial up connection between the computers modem, using the landline, and the telephone exchange. Now ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) broadband connects to the internet via the landline with continuous connection meaning no need to wait to dial up each time. This type of connection also means quicker surfing between websites and much faster downloads and the landline is also free for you to make telephone calls.
There are many providers offering broadband and the delivery can be via landline, cable, wireless, mobile and satellite.
What product is right for me?
Bundling products and services
Factors affecting your broadband connection
What product is right for me?
Depending on how you intend to use the internet can affect the requirements of your chosen package.
Basic use
If you wish to just check emails and use the internet for information but have little or no need to download files then download limits will not be as important. The majority of basic broadband packages will cater for your needs.
Entertainment
If you are looking to use the internet for emails, surfing and occasionally music and video downloads then download limits and speed become more important. Check the download limit allows for the amount you may wish to use a month, as a guide 5Gb per month caters for most needs allowing for approximately 1000 music tracks or 5 movie downloads.
Performance
If you regularly download music and videos and do not want to worry about download limits then look for unlimited broadband. If you simultaneously download files higher speed broadband will help. Monthly cost maybe higher, however if you look to bundle landline this may save you money compared to separate services.
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Bundling products and services
Many providers offer other products or services combined with broadband, this is for simplicity of having services with one provider and could save you money.
The most common ‘bundle’ is combining broadband and landline, you can often see ‘inclusive broadband’ or ‘inclusive phone calls’ as part of this offer. Things to check to ensure you get the best deal include:
- Set up fee (connection set up to network)
- Line rental
- Length of time you will receive this offer (as some are short term introductory)
- Call costs outside of what’s included.
More recently providers are now offering even more as part of a bundle. This stretches to include TV and mobile phone and could go even further in the future.
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Factors affecting your broadband connection
Local area network coverage
The majority of the UK is able to access broadband however, some rural areas may still be out of range.
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Proximity to the exchange
The closer you are to the telephone exchange (where your connection is linked) the faster the speed, as there is less interference.
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Number of people connecting to the network
Simply, the more people that are downloading at one time the slower the download speed, as the network is handling more data. This mainly happens at certain times of the day which are busy periods such as evenings and weekends.
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