Broadband is the ‘newer’ means of connecting to the internet which has replaced dial-up. With broadband the computer is always connected to the internet, even when the computer is turned off, so there is no need to re-connect each time you turn on the computer.
Broadband is much faster than dial up with a starting basic speed of 512kbps, although most providers now offer 8,000kbps (8MBs) and in some areas you can receive a speed of 24MBs.
OFCOM have stepped into help consumers by forcing providers to give their consumers an estimate of the actual attainable download speed they will receive rather than the maximum it could potentially be.
Switching Suppliers
If you wish to change suppliers all you need is your MAC code (Migration Authorisation Code) ensuring you can switch easily from one supplier to another without being cut off. Ask your current provider for this code, and they will give it to you within 5 working days.
Ensure you read the terms and conditions of your old contract and are not subject to any charges for switching providers in which case the benefit of switching is reduced.
What to look for when Choosing a Provider
Speed
Speed is measured in kbps which is a measurement of how much information is being transferred per minute. The real benefit of an increased speed is for downloading videos or music.
Usage
This is not a measurement of how much time you spend online but a measurement of your download volumes. If you are downloading music everyday you will have a higher usage volume than a user who is simply surfing the internet.
Phone support
If you are likely to need a lot of technical help, it will be worth finding a provider with free or low cost technical support to ensure you don’t have to pay over the odds for assistance.
Traffic Shaping
Some ISPs will reduce the speed of the internet connection during peak time in order to guarantee a standard speed for all users. This isn’t a concern for most users but for heavy downloader’s the difference will be felt.
Package
A wide range of internet providers will offer free calls, internet usage and a phone line inclusive of their internet price, which could be useful for students. One price covers all their needs – reducing their outgoings further.
more
top^
Getting the Cheapest Package
The starting point when deciding your ISP is to use a comparison website such as:
You should decide whether you wish to take a combination package which includes both broadband and a phone line, which could be a pre-existing phone number or a new home phone line.
02 customers can recieve a 8MB unlimited connection for £7.34 a month, and recieve a free router.
TV Packages and Broadband
Sky and Broadband
Sky+: £16.50
Set Up Cost: £30
Extras: free sky box, £25 tesco voucher
Broadband Packages:
Sky Broadband Base - extra £5 (2MB speed and 2GB limit)
Sky Broadband Mid - extra £10 (8MB speed and 8GB limit)
Sky Broadband Max - extra £15 (16MB and unlimited)
Telephone Packages:
Sky Talk Freetime [free evening and weekend calls to UK landline] - free + free Sky Broadband Base
Sky Talk unlimited [unlimited calls to UK landline] - £5
Sky Talk Line Rental - £10
more
top^
Wireless Broadband
Wireless broadband allows your laptop to connect through airwaves to an ISP connection up to 30m away. You can set up a wireless connection within your own home, all you need is a broadband connection and a wireless router.
If you have a new laptop with pre-installed wireless technology you will be able to take advantage of free wireless which is available increasingly within high street cafes, restaurants and pubs. Most users will be able to connect to Wi-Fi networks for free especially in built up areas. Ensure if you are using free Wi-Fi it is a completely free wireless network not someone’s private connection. It is illegal and a criminal offence to use private connections without permission.
Fon.com is attempting to become the biggest wifi community in the UK by allowing users to have access to the internet via their own connection and via the connection of other fon users. BT has signed up with fon allowing existing BT broadband customers to access BT hotspots for free.
Myhotspots.com has information on free Wi-Fi available throughout the UK in public places as does, jiwire.com , free-hotspots.com and hotspot-locations.com. If you are using a ‘free internet connection’ be cautious of what sites you are using and in regard to any personal information you are entering via sites – i.e. internet banking. There have been high profile cases throughout the UK were consumers have been entering secure data while on a free network and have had this information copied.
Mobile Broadband
If you would prefer to use a guaranteed network, the majority of mobile phone companies now offer mobile broadband via a dongle USB stick. This broadband is not received via a landline but instead makes use of the established phone networks to send data. Connection is available wherever there is a network signal, and you don’t need a mobile to connect to the internet. Most of the packages come with a portable modem and although the strength of the signal does vary, 90% of the country can get at least the basic signal which is faster than dial-up internet.
Different providers have different rules in regard to download capabilities but all state that you will be charged if you go over your download limit. Certain sites can monitor your downloads to ensure you don’t go over the limit – this can be done at webuser.co.uk and rokario.com. If you are simply checking emails and surfing the internet then 1GB should be enough, if you are going to be downloading frequently you will need to increase your capability. How can I minimise my data use?
- Turn of any automatic updates
- Use a web based email such as hotmail or yahoo instead of Internet Explorer
- Get rid of any adware or pop-ups
- Turn off pictures when you are surfing via your ‘Tools’ setting
Top Mobile Broadband Packages:
3 Mobile Broadband Lite
Monthly Price: £10
USB Modem: £50 (free with 18 month contract)
Monthly Usage: 1GB
Contract Length 12 months
3 Mobile Broadband Max
Monthly Price: £15
USB Modem: free
Monthly Usage: 3GB
Contract Length 12 months
3 Mobile Broadband Plus
Monthly Price: £25
USB Modem: free
Monthly Usage: 7GB
Contract Length 12 months
Vodafone Mobile Broadband
Monthly Price: £15
USB Modem: free
Monthly Usage: 3GB
Contract Length 12 months
more
top^
