Broadband is a high speed internet connection allowing you to surf the web faster, send emails more quickly and download music, software and films without waiting all day! If you already have an internet connection and it’s not Broadband then you’re probably using dial-up. There are many benefits of upgrading to Broadband; you will find them all listed in the section below.

Benefits of Broadband

• Broadband is much faster than dial-up (56k), a typical 1Mb connection is 20 times faster, so no more waiting for those pages to load!
• Broadband is generally charged on a fixed monthly basis and often works out cheaper than ‘pay as you go’ dial-up.
• Broadband is always on, so no more waiting for your modem to connect.
• Broadband allows you to use your phone line at the same time as your internet connection.
• Download music, video clips and films much faster, listen to radio, play online games and make free phone calls through your computer.
• Send and receive emails with large attachments (like photos) more quickly.
• With a wireless router, multiple users can access the internet via one connection at the same time.

Broadband Download Speed

Download speed is the speed in which data is transferred from the internet to your computer. Download speed is measured in megabits per second, commonly abbreviated to Mb. Broadband speeds on offer can vary greatly; it is currently available from 512k (0.5Mb) to 22Mb. A 512k connection is still 10 times faster than dial up and will be fine when generally surfing the net and sending emails. However, if you like downloading lots of music or video and playing games online, you might want to consider a faster connection. In general, a 1 or 2Mb connection will offer you the best balance between performance and price.

Download Speed – Important Considerations

It is important to note that you may not always get the speed you’re expecting. The speed you are quoted should be considered as the maximum possible. With ADSL, the actual speed is dependent on a number of factors, the most common limitation is the distance of your house from the nearest telephone exchange. Some ISP’s will tell you the speeds you are likely to achieve.

Download Limits/Caps

An important factor to consider when selecting your Broadband package is the monthly download limit or cap. For general surfing and emailing this need not be a concern, as you would have to view over 20,000 pages in a month to reach a 2Gb limit. However, if you like playing games online or downloading lots of music and video, you may need to opt for a package with higher limit. For example, 2Gb is equivalent to downloading around 400 music tracks or 100 hours of online gaming. The number of users in your household should also be taken into account.

FAQ’s

Is Broadband difficult to install?
No, not at all. For ADSL Broadband, once your connection has been activated you will be sent your equipment via post. Simply connect your high speed modem or wireless router to your computer, following their instructions and away you go! (Most providers offer telephone technical support if required). Cable Broadband requires a separate line to be installed in your home, so this is all carried out by an engineer

Is the specification of my computer good enough for Broadband?
If your computer is less than 5 years old, the answer should be yes. The minimum specification usually requires a Windows 2000 or XP operating system and a Pentium 350Mhz processor. Some providers may require your computer to have a network card and/or a USB connection.

Is Broadband available in my area?
ADSL broadband is readily available in about 80% of the UK, whereas cable currently has far less coverage. Go to our Compare Broadband Deals section to see all the offers available in your area.

Which Broadband provider should I choose?
There are dozens of different options available. Choosing the right option depends on how you intend to use your connection. If you know what type of package you want but just want to find the cheapest deal in your area, go to our Compare Broadband Deals section. If you’re not sure what you need, use our Broadband Wizard to find the type of package most suited to your usage.

If I already have Broadband how easy is it to switch to another provider?
Switching Broadband provider is easier than you might think. Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) sign up to a voluntary code designed to make switching from one provider to another simple. Our guide to Switching Broadband Provider explains the process.