Broadband
Broadband
Broadband Internet access is high speed Internet access, compared with dial-up access over a modem. Dial-up modems are generally only capable of a maximum bitrate of 56 kbit/s and require the full use of a telephone line. Broadband is called high speed internet because it usually has a high rate of data transmission - anything over 256 kbit/s.
The standard broadband technologies in most areas are DSL and cable modems. Newer technologies are pushing optical fiber connections closer to the subscriber, which is playing a crucial role in enabling Broadband Internet access by making transmission of information over larger distances much more cost-effective than copper wire technology. In a few areas not served by cable or ADSL, some cities and towns are installing Wi-Fi networks (wireless networks).
Traditionally, ISPs have used an "all you can eat" or flat rate pricing model, with pricing determined by the maximum bitrate chosen by the customer. However the use of high bandwidth applications is increasing rapidly, with increased demand for streaming content such as video on demand.
Why choose broadband?
- Broadband is faster because it uses a wider bandwidth connection that allows more data to be transmitted in a shorter space of time, so you no longer have to wait hours to download software or music files like you used to with dial-up internet.
- Broadband is always on and there's no need to "dial-up" anymore as your broadband connection is ready to use when you log onto your computer, so you no longer have to wait ages for your internet connection to "dial up" each time.
- Broadband gives you access to a whole new world of media rich content such as films, music, video and file sharing, which just isn't possible with a dial-up internet connection.
- Broadband doesn't have to be expensive as you can sign up to a set monthly subscription and use the internet as much as you want without having to worry about large phone bills.
- Broadband lets you keep your phone line on as it uses connection filters that allow your phone and internet to share the same connection, meaning you can use the phone and the internet at the same time.
- Broadband is available to 99% of people as BT has been carrying out work to ensure that ADSL broadband services can reach 99% of all UK homes and businesses. Cable broadband is available to 46% of homes in the UK and Virgin Media has plans to develop their network further.
How do you connect to
broadband?
You can receive broadband in the following ways:
- ADSL broadband - your analogue BT line is converted into an ADSL line via a modem at your home and the BT phone exchange
- Cable broadband - your home computer is connected to the internet via a high-speed cable modem using a cable network
- Mobile broadband - this is a type of wireless high speed internet access through a portable modem, telephone or other device. O2, 3 Mobile, Vodafone, T-Mobile and Orange all offer mobile broadband services and typically focus on marketing mobile broadband to laptop users who have a choice of USB hardware to enable their laptops to use the mobile broadband service.
How do I switch?
If you're migrating
from cable broadband to ADSL broadband you'll need an active BT line, a new
modem which is compatible with an ADSL connection and a microfilter. You'll be
able to keep your cable line running until your new ADSL broadband service is
activated and it usually takes 10 days for the ADSL broadband service to be up
and running. With ADSL, you receive a start-up package in the post containing
everything you need to set up broadband, with the broadband provider activating
your connection themselves.
If you're migrating
from ADSL broadband to cable broadband you don't need anything as the cable
provider will supply all the equipment and come to your home to install your
broadband equipment. The switch won't
affect your phone service and you can continue using your BT line. Cable
broadband usually takes 7 days to install. You will also be able to keep your ADSL
broadband running until cable broadband is installed.
If you're migrating
from one ADSL broadband provider to another, you'll need a standard BT ADSL
connection and your individual MAC code, which you need to obtain from your
existing ADSL broadband provider. You'll need to let your new ADSL broadband
provider have the MAC code and they'll contact your existing provider and BT to
arrange for the transfer of your broadband. On the day your broadband is
switched over your broadband will be unavailable for around 20 minutes while
it's transferred over.
You can also upgrade
your broadband package with your existing broadband supplier within minimum
downtime. You'll need to check the terms of your broadband contract to see if
there's a minimum term before you can upgrade or if there's any charge for
upgrading.
What to do next
Take a look at our more detailed guides on ADSL Broadband,
Cable Broadband, Mobile
broadband and how to save money on broadband.
Or, go straight ahead and Compare all the Broadband
suppliers and prices for your area.
