The word "broadband" generally refers to a high speed
connection to the internet. Your broadband connection will be
"always on" which means there is no need to connect to the
internet each time you need it. You pay a once per month fee which
covers all your usage, so you pay the same if you are online for 3
minutes per day or 30 minutes. The three main ways in which you can
receive broadband are through your telephone line (also known as ADSL), or through a cable
connection, or through a mobile internet dongle or
datacard.
BT
HomeHub, ADSL telephone
line based broadband.
Virgin
Media Netgear DG834
cable broadband router
Orange
Icon 225 mobile
broadband dongle.
Telephone broadband basics
Receiving your broadband through the telephone infrastructure is the
most common method. It works by using filters which create two separate
streams of information in your phone line, voice (telephone calls), and
data (your access to the internet). Because broadband works in this way,
it enables you to browse the internet and use the telephone at the same
time, with no loss of quality from either.
If you wish to connect to the internet
via cable, you will need to be in an area where this is available.
Currently there are only 12.5 million homes which can access cable, this
represents approximately a third of the total homes in the UK. If you do
live in one of these areas then you can receive your broadband,
telephone, and TV through this method, but you do not have to get all of
the services. Why not use our post
code checker to see what's available in your area?
Mobile broadband is a relatively new concept, only going
mainstream in 2008. Mobile broadband works by utilizing
the 3G signal as used by mobile phone operators. In order
to utilise the service you need to plug a dongle or data
card into your Desktop or Laptop PC, this then allows your
computer to communicate with the mobile network. Mobile
broadband is great if you need broadband on the go as it
can be used anywhere there is a 3G signal. It's a little
more expensive than other forms of broadband so if you
don't need access on the go, look elsewhere. If you need
more in-depth information why not check out our Mobile
Broadband Guide.
If you
currently do not have an internet connection (or connect
using dial-up) and are viewing this page from a public
library, internet cafe, or from a friend or relatives
computer, and cannot decide if you want broadband or
dial-up internet, help is at hand. Although we cannot make
your mind up for you, we can explore the 'pros' and 'cons'
of both types of connection.
As well as using our broadband
comparison tool we suggest that you ask
friends and family which they use, and establish what your
own internet needs actually are.
Fast
internet connection capable of downloading large files in
seconds
-
No need to worry
about how much your time online will cost
-
-
Only
get one bill for telephone and internet connection
-
Pay a monthly bill
which does not vary with the amount of time you spend online
-
-
Pay
only for the amount of time you are online
-
-
Average time spent
online by user p/month
7.5
hours /
week
24
hours /
week
38
hours /
week
40+
hours /
week
Normal
contract length
1
month or no contract
pay
as you go up to 24 month
12-24
month contract
12-18
month contract
Which type of broadband is most suitable?
Dial-Up is ideal for users who check their emails occasionally,
make the occasional purchase, and use the internet for less than 7.5
hours p/month.
Mobile broadband is ideal for users
who want the internet 'on the go' or who do not have
access to either cable or phone line based ADSL internet.
ADSL broadband is ideal for users who
want to download music & films, buy goods online, compare prices,
book cinema & concert tickets, use webcams, send emails, and use the
internet often.
Cable broadband is ideal for users who
want to download music & films, buy goods online, compare prices,
book cinema & concert tickets, use webcams, send emails, and use the
internet often and have a real thirst for speed.
