Broadband Buying Tips

With umpteen number of Broadband providers in the market, ranging from regional, nationwide, cable television companies and even supermarkets offering their broadband services, you can go in endless circles trying to choose the best. The choice becomes a lot clearer if you understand what your needs are.

Here, we have listed the most essential factors that you definitely should give a thought about, before choosing a broadband service.

1. Broadband Internet Connection Types

Before looking for a broadband package and deciding to whose services you can sign up for, it is most important to know what kinds of broadband connections are available in your area as there is little point in comparing services and prices if you can't actually receive them. There are 6 main connection types.

ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line

ADSL enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines. Using a special modem or router, ADSL broadband is delivered through your existing BT telephone line.

You will be able to receive and make calls while surfing the web and there is no requirement to install an additional telephone line.

Cable

The Cable form of broadband internet access uses the cable television as its base. The cable internet connection might be your choice if you are using a cable TV service already or if your area is served by a cable operator.

Cable Internet connection needs special modems that will be connected to the cable along with the existing cable TV box. Most cable providers offer bundles that include telephone, TV and broadband connection.

Wireless

As the name suggests, wireless connectivity requires no telephone lines to be installed. In areas where ADSL and Cable Internet connections are unavailable, certain internet providers offer local coverage using wireless technology. Wireless services are estimated to have an access range of 50 km from a tower station.

For wireless broadband access, a small antenna will be installed on the outside of homes. The antenna sends signals to a connection point on the inside, which in turn is connected to the computer.

SDSL - Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line

While ADSL connection offers faster download speeds when compared to uploading, SDSL offers equally fast uploading and downloading speeds. SDSL supports data only on a single line, meaning that it requires an additional telephone line, different from the one used for voice calls. SDSL is simply a special option for certain businesses that employ large data transmission.

Satellite

Satellite Internet services are used in locations where normal internet access is unavailable and also for users who shift frequently. Satellite connections require installation of a special satellite dish. A satellite connection can be one-way or two-way.

A one-way connection type is where you will be able to receive data but can only send data by using dial-up modems via telephone lines. Hence they are deemed unsuitable for interactive applications.

Two-way satellite Internet service involves both sending and receiving data, and using this service can cost you over £750.

LLU - Local Loop Unbundling

Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) provides a direct connection to BT’s local network. LLU allows Communications Providers to offer a complete range of broadband and voice services without

having to route through BT’s main network. Operators are then able to upgrade individual lines.

ADSL is the most widely available type of connection, with cables being the second.

2. Price

For those who think price is the deciding factor, you may get a cheaper service by just opting for the supplier you are already using, for an other service like TV or mobile phone. The price usually includes a monthly charge and in some instances a one-off fee for a modem, wireless router or any installation. Most suppliers offer a free wireless router or a modem and recover the cost in the monthly fee.

If you choose a package which has a fixed monthly download limit and you go over that limit, your regular monthly fee may increase. Some internet service providers offer incentives like a reduced fee for the first 3 or 6 months or a first month free deal. If cost is your number one purchase criteria, it is worth considering what the total cost will be for your first year.

3. Bundles and Packages

Bundles are an increasingly common feature with broadband packages. You have to decide if you need a broadband only package or a broadband plus TV or phone bundle.

There are four types of packages

• Broadband only deals

• Broadband and phone deals

• Broadband plus TV deals

• Mobile broadband

Some providers also offer broadband, TV and phone package. These can sometimes work out to be a cheaper alternative and again depends on what and how much you will use. You can compare the total cost that you pay for services like phone calls, TV, mobile, phone line rental and broadband with that of the bundle offers. It is worth keeping an eye on the small prints though.

4. Broadband Contracts Lengths

Long Term: The longer the contract, the cheaper is the monthly charge. Most broadband providers offer 12 or 18 month contracts, to counterbalance the costs of providing incentives such as a free wireless router or initial reduced costs.

Short Term: If you are in an impermanent accommodation, or if you are after some flexibility, you might consider short term contracts like 3 months or one month. Some providers also offer a no minimum term contract tie, in which you can switch to their new service and bring along your own wireless router or modem.

5. Speed

Decide which speed is best for you after considering what you will be using the Internet for and the probable number of people sharing one Internet connection. The term 'up to xMb' where 'x' is a number, refers to the maximum download speed of the broadband deal.

For sending emails, simple web browsing and to run simple applications like the BBC iPlayer, a slower connection will be adequate and "Up to 8Mb" broadband has become a standard in the market.

You may have to consider faster speeds if you are an ardent online gamer or regularly download chunky files. Most providers offer up to 24Mb and some even go up to 50Mb in certain areas. If you are looking for a balance between price and performance, a 1Mb should do best.

6. Download Limits

You must consider what kind of data you will be downloading and how much you will be using the Internet. While some broadband providers offer unlimited monthly downloads, some impose a download usage cap or a download limit.

If you don't do much downloading and mainly use the web to just surf through, then there is not much to worry about download caps. If you have to download large amounts of data, for instance, to download lots of video and music files, then its worth considering the monthly usage or download limits, as you may be charged for every kilobyte that is over the limit. Such users may opt for Unlimited Broadband packages after knowing their fair usage policies.

7. Customer Support

It truly helps to know what level of assistance your broadband provider will render in case of any technical issues. It is good to keep yourself informed of the duration they might take to fix it and also know if there are any charges involved.

What Next?

You should now have a fairly good idea of what your deciding factor is – the package price, broadband speed etc. Now you can search through our providers listing and choose the broadband package or deal that is right for you. You can compare download limits, speeds, price, offers, contract lengths of all packages and bundles from different providers.