Can you advise me about getting broadband?

Considerations

What kinds of broadband are available in my area?

If you live in a city, built-up area or one of the "test-towns" that companies use for their new technologies, then it's very likely you will have access to nearly every package on the uSwitch site. If, however, you live in a more rural location, you should check which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operate in your area, and whether there are any limitations to what is on offer.

You can use the uSwitch broadband postcode checker to see which packages are available, but always double check with the provider as availability always changes.

Fast broadband?

With everyone talking about megabits and download times, you may think that speed is all there is to look for in a broadband package. That's true to a certain extent, but it's also worth remembering that connection speeds of over 2Mbps are easily sufficient to carry out most online activities without problems.

A regular broadband connection of 8Mbps will allow you to email, share pictures, YouTube, Facebook and play games. Fast broadband appeals mainly to those who download more or less constantly and have very demanding applications.

What do I need to get broadband?

Many ISPs offer free wireless routers with their packages, but others have really pushed the boat out by offering broadband and free gifts, including laptops and games consoles, to subscribers.

Do I need free phone calls with my broadband package? Bundling your telephone and broadband packages can save you money and time - take a look at our broadband and home phone packages.

Do I need digital TV with my broadband?

Some people aren't that fussed about digital TV, but others love the sheer range of viewing choice it gives them. If you identify yourself with the latter party, you would do well to consider a broadband and digital TV package.

What hardware do I need to get broadband?

As noted earlier, many ISPs provide free wireless routers with their packages. These are handy if you have multiple devices, such as laptops and gaming consoles, connecting to a single line.

What software do I need to get broadband?

Internet security should be a priority for everyone. With viruses able to infect computers from visiting dodgy sites, opening email attachments and downloading files, it is imperative to have a level of protection for your computer. As with wireless routers, security suites are included in most broadband packages.

To make a decision like this you should take three factors into consideration:

1. Speed - what do you want to do with your broadband? If you're constantly downloading lots of stuff like movies and music and hate all that buffering you're going to want something very fast.

2. Cost - how much money can you afford to pay for your broadband? If you want high speeds it'll probably cost you.

Chances are you're going to have to arrive at a compromise between 1 and 2, though if you only want to do occasional surfing and email cost will be your main factor, if you are dedicated to downloading and glued to your computer (as your comment "I don't want telly" would suggest ) then speed will be the deciding factor.

3. Regardless of cost and speed your most important factor is reliability. Chat to some of your friends who live in the area ask what broadband they have what it costs and above all how reliable it is. What you absolutely don't want is the stress of not knowing if your email will get through or that vital piece of information you need will be available when you need it. Personally I believe an unreliable internet connection is worse than no internet connection.

DSL - Digital Subscriber Lines - Broadband (always on) works good with dedicated speeds.

Pro= You get what you pay for.

Cons= Speeds vary and higher speeds are more pricey, 768k is only good for one person use.

Speeds are: 768kbps, 1.3mbps 3mbps 5mbps 10mbps notice how it just doubles up.

Cable - Broadband lines - Always on -

Pro= You can reach up to speeds of 20mbps.

Cons= You can go down to speeds of 1mbps as your on a Community network.

Speeds are: Business Lines (much faster) and Home Lines (fast).

WiMax - Broadband

Pro= You can use wifi were ever you go, as long as in the metro area... or your zone.

Cons= Expensive, and not always available.

Speeds comes through cell towers: 3g and 4g speeds.

I always prefer DSL... but sometimes Cable can blow your mind reaching speeds of 15-20mbps... but i just cant deal with the flaux of Cable going down and up....

Your call boss.