What is broadband and how does it work?
Broadband is a faster way of connecting your computer to the internet (compared to the traditional 'dial-up' method over the telephone line). You can send and receive information at least 40 times quicker than you could before, pay a flat fee every month, and never have to worry about dialling up or disconnecting after set periods of time. Unlike with dial-up internet, you can use your telephone for voice calls at the same time as being online. Basically, it's the future, and it's already happening!ADSL versus cable
There are a few different types of broadband, but the main two are through ADSL or Cable.ADSL transforms your standard BT phone line into a high speed internet connection and there are loads of ISPs that use this technology.
Cable broadband works by a dedicated cable being provided to your home from a cable provider like NTL or Telewest. Cable and digital TV channels are usually provided over the cable too. Not all areas are capable of receiving cable, but you can check if your home can by using our broadband comparison search. Some providers offer satellite access, but these are still limited and relatively expensive.
Broadband speed
There are also speeds to choose from and generally the faster speed you want, the more you'll pay. 2Mb is standard nowadays but some services offer up to 24Mb. Broadband providers typically market their services as "up to XMb" as technically it is not possible to guarantee that speed 100% of the time. If you already have a broadband internet connection, you can get a rough idea of your current speed using a broadband speed test.What are the benefits of having a broadband connection?
- Speed - your websites, emails, music and video files, messenger applications, and anything else you can think of will work at many times the speed you have on a dial-up connection.
- Always on - you get a permanent connection to the internet, which means that you never have to worry about switching it on or off. This means that you can use the internet even when you're on the phone, or your computer can be downloading files even when you're out or asleep.
- One flat rate - you pay a fixed amount every month for your connection and can use it as much as you like, generally without having to worry about the bill. But beware, some providers will charge you extra if you go over your monthly broadband limit. More about download limits later.
- Free up your phone line - because it is a separate connection, you can make and receive calls at all times no matter what you are doing on the internet. So no more people not being able to reach you on the phone because you're online.
- New content and applications - broadband allows you to do stuff you could only dream of before high-speed internet. Listen to and download digital music from around the world, play online games, and watch high-resolution videos and higher quality radio. If you download voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP) software such as Skype you can make free calls over the internet to people all around the world with the same software.
Help with comparing broadband
The main things to consider when comparing broadband services include:1. Price. This usually consists of a one-off installation fee followed by a monthly charge.
2. Speed. Generally broadband connections are getting faster. In the old days 512k was the entry level speed but 2MB is more common these days. If you just use broadband for surfing the internet and email, this is probably all you'll need. Some providers offer up to 24Mb - useful if you downloads lots of music or film clips, watch videos or play games online or need to access a remote network such as one provided by your company. Generally, a broadband ISP will upgrade your speed when it upgrades its packages, so your connection will get faster without you having to change packages.
3. Download caps. Monthly usage caps are an increasingly important feature of broadband packages, and could be important if you download lots of large files (such as MP3s and videos). Some providers charge you extra if you go over your limit. If you don't do much downloading, just web surfing, then don't worry too much about usage caps.
4. Availability. Importantly, not all packages will be available to you and what is will depend on your postcode and whether you have a BT line. If you have a cable line from Telewest or NTL you're pretty much limited to taking broadband from these companies. So the first step should be to find out which broadband packages you can physically get. You can establish this by typing in your postcode in our broadband comparison search.
5. Extras. Price is affected by what 'extras' are included in the package, such a free firewalls, email addresses, and so on. Most packages come standard with an email address or two, and some give your security software.
6. Bundles. Several providers such as Telewest, TalkTalk, Orange, Homechoice and BT offer bundled packages where you pay one price for broadband, a phone line and phone calls and sometimes digital TV channels or a mobile phone contract. Sometimes these companies market the broadband as "free" with other services, but it's not really free, it's just part of a bundle.
7. Brand. Price is also affected, of course, by the brand name, so you might find that comparable services cost more from a household brand name because they have a track record and have built up a certain level of trust with the buying public.
