Broadband is a form of high-speed internet connection that often involves phone lines or digital TV cable network while the technological advancements made in recent years have also made it possible to be accessed via wireless or mobile networks or even satellites. In other words, the internet revolution that has taken place globally would not have become possible without broadband.
Standard broadband uses telephone and cable network
A standard broadband connection can offer a minimum bandwidth of 512 Kbps which is nearly 10 times faster than a dial-up connection. Broadband differs sharply from the old dial-up connection in two ways - it is always there 'n' meaning once connected, it rarely goes off. Secondly, it allows the internet access and telephony to go hand in hand on a telephone wire, so the better use of your telephone line. This kind of broadband, generally known as ADSL, can offer download speeds up to 8 Mbps (mega bits per second) and upload speeds up to 448 Kbps
Typically, cable broadband allows the co-axial or fibre optic wires to carry data, voice and digital TV signals to the end users. Speeds could be much faster depending on the quality of wire used. Although both ADSL and cable technologies split the line into various channels for the transmission of data, they use different modems and other hardware meaning you cannot use ADSL modem for cable broadband or vice versa.
To get ADSL broadband, first, you must check whether BT lines are available in your area. According to a report, BT lines are available to 99.8 percent of households in the UK. As for cable network of Virgin Media, though it has coverage of over 60 percent, its network is largely concentrated in urban areas. So, you need to check its availability in your area to use cable broadband.
New forms of broadband
In recent years, the use of wireless and mobile networks for broadband access is rapidly increasing. These new forms of broadband are bringing hope to the residents of rural & remote areas of the UK who are unable to get ADSL or cable broadband as BT lines or Virgin Media cable network are yet to reach these areas. They also offer greater mobility and freedom to access internet access without being tied up to a place. Currently, though expensive, the prices of these types of broadband access are expected to become cheaper in future with growing competition.
For more information on alternate broadband types, read Broadband Technologies.
