Broadband Basics
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 two main ways in which you can
receive broadband are through your telephone line, or through a cable
connection.
More About Cable & Telephone Broadband
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.
If you currently don't have Broadband
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 comparison we suggest that you ask friends and
family which they use, and establish what your own internet needs
actually are.
P
= yes
O
= no
PO
= could be either, depends on which package you use.
| Issue |
Dial-Up |
Broadband |
| Always on connection |
O |
P |
| Can
use telephone at the same time |
O |
P |
| Easily & quickly
brows multiple sites at once |
O |
P |
| Fast
internet connection capable of downloading large files in
seconds |
O |
P |
| No need to worry
about how much your time online will cost |
O |
P |
| Only
get one bill for telephone and internet connection |
PO |
PO |
| Pay a monthly bill
which does not vary with the amount of time you spend online |
PO |
P |
| Pay
only for the amount of time you are online |
P |
O |
| Average time spent
online by user p/month |
7.5
hours |
35.6
hours |
| Normal
contract length |
1
month
or no contract |
1
- 24 month contracts |
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.
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.
