Need help choosing the right broadband package...?
The days of dial up are almost over and most internet users in the UK are enjoying the speed of broadband. When choosing a broadband provider thereís a number of things to consider, where you are in the country, what you want to use it for and how you want to access it, at home, or on the move with mobile broadband .
Broadband at home
While dial up and broadband both come through your telephone line, thatís where the similarities end. Broadband is available 24 hours a day, with normally a flat monthly charge payable no matter how often you use the internet. The big difference is the speed, which allows users to do a whole host of things that are simply impractical with dial up. These include watching video clips and listening to music in real time, playing games, downloading films and other large files quickly.
For fixed-line broadband, the choices available are largely dependent on where you live. In most cases you will have a choice between ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and Cable.
ADSL coverage is available to around 80% of the UK. Unless you live somewhere remote, or cable is available, this is likely to be your choice. Delivered through existing BT telephone lines, using a special modem or router, there is no need for an additional telephone line to be installed and this wonít affect your ability to make calls while surfing the web (unlike dial up). ADSL is available through BT, plus a wide range of other providers.
For those already have Cable TV, or who live in area where itís available, broadband cable internet connection may be an option. Most cable companies offer packages which include telephone, TV and broadband.
In terms of performance both formats deliver, itís just a question of how good the supplier is and the different deals available. Using a broadband comparison site, such as Broadband Genie, will help you find the best prices in your area.
Where ADSL and Cable arenít available, often in remote parts of the UK, increasingly internet providers are delivering local coverage using wireless technology. No phone line is required, just a small antenna fixed to the outside of your house.
If you really live in the sticks, satellite can provide a last resort. Available throughout the UK, you will need to install a special satellite dish to access.
For businesses that send large amounts of data, it might be worth considering a Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL). Unlike ADSL, this allows you to upload and download files in an equally speedy way and ADSL is slower for uploading. SDSL requires an extra telephone line, so is not popular for the home user.
Broadband on the move
For broadband on the move, there are a couple of options. Using either a Smartphone or laptop, the principle is the same - provided via the mobile phone network, going online should be possible wherever a phone signal is available.
With a lap top, mobile broadband can be accessed through a dongle or on-board modem. Dongles use the same principle as phones, offering pay as you go mobile broadband , or a fixed monthly fee, allowing for a certain amount of usage. Contracts are also available, with the lap top provided free in some instances.
Smartphones come with a wide range of functionality, they can be expensive to buy outright, so most people opt for the contract option, with a certain amount of internet usage. This is often unlimited, provided as part of the phone contract.
Get the best broadband deal
Whether accessing broadband in the comfort of your own home, or on a mobile device, itís important to know your options, to get the best deal to suit your particular needs.
Speed is a big factor, particularly if you want to download lots of music and films. With fixed-line broadband, you will have more control of this, but mobile broadband, unfortunately, is still pretty slow. Mobile is really best for just looking at web pages and checking your emails.
If youíre really into gaming, particularly if you want to connect your Playstation or X-Box to the internet, then choose the fastest connection you can afford. Most providers will allow you to upgrade at any time.
For the majority of internet users, the best all-rounder is a 1Mb deal, which will give you a balance between price and performance.
If youíre going to download lots of data, or if the internet is shared between a few machines, then it might be worth considering higher-end connection, 4Mb or more. If films and music are your thing, then make sure you broadband deal has a high or unlimited limit.
There are a number of broadband comparison sites, such as Broadband Genie, which will help you choose the best broadband provider to suit your particular needs.
About the author: Jessica Lowe writes on behalf of www.broadbandgenie.co.uk, the independent comparison website for broadband and mobile broadband
