BROADBAND SERVICES INFORMATION

What is Broadband?

In simple terms Broadband is a way of delivery high-speed internet access to users via a normal phone line or cable connection. Information is transferred much faster than a dial-up (ie internet access via a normal phone connection) and so looking at sites, downloading files, movie clips, music and emails is much quicker and more efficient. It means a far better internet experience and these days would be considered a virtual necessity for any web user. A broadband connection is 'always on' so you have internet access 24 hours a day and generally will connect automatically when you switch your computer on.

What are the Different Types of Broadband Connection?

There are two main forms of Broadband access – ADSL and Cable (whilst satellite is technically available it demands specialist equipment and is expensive.) An ADSL line (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a broadband connection that runs through a standard phone line. You can go through a number of providers – it doesn't need to be BT, though you will have to have a live phone line.

If you have cable television already or live in an area which has cable access you can have your broadband internet connection through a cable line. This usually delivers the fastest connection and you can often save money by buying a bundled package, in other words ordering TV and internet together.

Is Broadband Available in my Area?

Although there are various providers and ways to get your broadband internet connection, as long as you have a standard phone line, 99% of UK homes and businesses can now receive broadband through an ADSL line. If you want a cable package, this depends on the cable availability in your area. All broadband providers will have a postcode checker to see whether their service is available in your area.

Which Broadband Package should I get?

Broadband providers usually offer 2 or 3 packages to consumers depending on what service they need, how often and for what they use the internet for. Each package will have a different download limit (IE how much information can be downloaded per month) and download speed (the speed at which the information is downloaded.) To make it easier to choose the right package for you we have labelled each offering as light, medium and heavy usage.

Light usage is for those users who use the internet to view their emails, browse the net and will probably not download a lot of heavy files such as movies and music. Medium usage is for customers who are likely to get on the web every day and will want to download clips, tunes and do a lot of surfing. Heavy usage packages usually offer unlimited downloads, the highest speed and are best for businesses, connections which have multiple heavy users (EG big families etc) or severe internet addicts who need ultra-rapid speed , play games online and download many files. Price increases with a heavier connection, so choose the package that suits your usage. A medium package is suitable for the average user.

What is WI-FI Broadband?

Wi-Fi stands for 'Wireless Fidelity' and is simply a way of getting data from your internet connection without actually having a line connected directly to your computer. Data is transmitted via radio frequency technology and means that as long as you have a compatible PC (most PCs are these days, but if not you can buy an accessory you plug into your USB port) you can have a number of users in any part of the house. As you do not need to be connected by wire you can even use your laptop anywhere in the house, even in the garden as long as your signal reaches the PC.

What is Mobile Broadband?

A lot of firms now offer mobile broadband which allows laptop users to receive broadband wherever they are (as long as the service is available – most providers cover over 90% of the UK.) Speeds vary on what area you are in, but generally you can get speeds of between 1.8 and 7.2 MB depending on which package you buy. The modem arrives either in the form of a data card or what is called a 'dongle' (a USB connected small modem about 3 inches long.)

Can I get Broadband, Digital TV and Phone Bundles?

If you are signed up or want to sign up to a digital TV provider you can usually purchase a 'bundle' which will save you money. This would be a TV and broadband package (and many will also offer you a phone line) which would likely save you money rather than buying all three separately. Additionally mobile customers can sometimes get discounts on their broadband if they are with a specific network.

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