Our guide for beginners is an excellent resource to help you learn about broadband, which is a term used to describe any high-speed internet connection. We provide a clear explanation of what broadband is, how it functions, and the various types available, including different speeds. Additionally, we highlight the top five benefits of having a broadband internet connection, provide guidance on how to acquire one, and list the top five factors to consider when selecting a provider package. Finally, we offer suggestions on what to do next.
What Is Broadband & How Does It Work?
Broadband is a high-speed way of connecting your computer to the internet. Unlike traditional dial-up modems, broadband provides significantly faster speeds and allows for the quick downloading of large files such as audio and video. One of the main advantages of broadband is that it is always on and there is no need to worry about disconnecting or dialling up. Additionally, broadband enables simultaneous use of voice calls and internet browsing as it only uses a portion of the signal for internet data.
The Different Types Of Broadband
To access broadband services, you need to choose an internet service provider (ISP) that offers broadband in your area and provides a wireless router for your computer. With broadband now available to 99% of the UK population, the marketplace has become highly competitive, and most ISPs offer a free wireless router and connection as standard. There are two main types of broadband access currently available, which are ADSL (Copper) and Fibre.
ADSL broadband, also known as Copper broadband, is a popular type of broadband in the UK that covers nearly 99% of the population. It is sent through your existing telephone line using a modem or router provided by your internet service provider (ISP) and provides speeds of up to 17Mbps. Many ISPs, such as TalkTalk, BT, and Plusnet, offer ADSL broadband via your telephone line.
On the other hand, Fibre Optic broadband is much faster than ADSL broadband and can offer speeds of up to 200Mbps. It covers over 55% of UK homes and is being rolled out across the UK by providers such as Virgin Media and Openreach (a BT Group business) to meet the growing demand for faster wireless broadband, online gaming, social networking, and Internet-connected TV services like the BBCiPlayer and Netflix. Other providers like Sky, TalkTalk, and Plusnet also offer fibre optic broadband with speeds of up to 38Mbps.
Wireless broadband, or Wi-Fi, allows you to access your broadband connection around the house via your wireless router using your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or gaming device. You can also use public Wi-Fi locations, such as the 5 million hotspots provided by BT across the UK, to access the internet when out and about (charges may apply if you’re not a BT customer).
Mobile broadband gives you access to the internet using your laptop or smartphone with a suitable 3G or 4G mobile phone connection. In the case of laptop access, you may also need to plug in a separate USB modem or dongle provided by your mobile ISP. Mobile broadband provides the flexibility to use your broadband wherever you want, but connection speeds are typically lower, and data usage must be monitored.
Broadband Speeds
When selecting a broadband provider, you must consider the broadband speed you require. Currently, speeds up to 38Mb are considered standard in the market due to the ongoing deployment of fiber. Providers like Virgin Media offer speeds up to 152Mb, but you will pay more per month for faster speeds. It is worth noting that the term ‘up to xMb’ refers only to maximum download speeds, and upload speeds are typically slower. If your telephone line cannot support speeds up to a certain level, such as 38Mb, your chosen ISP will offer you the best speed/package that your line can support.
These are the top 5 benefits of having a broadband connection
- Faster Internet Speeds: With broadband, your favorite websites, music, video files, email, and messenger services will work at least 40 times faster than with a traditional dial-up modem. This means a more enjoyable internet experience with quicker page loads, streaming, and downloads.
- Always-On Connection: Broadband provides an always-on connection, so you don’t need to worry about dialing up or disconnecting after a set period of time. This feature allows you to make normal telephone calls simultaneously with your internet connection.
- Fixed Monthly Cost: With broadband, you pay a fixed fee per month for your connection, and in most cases, you can use it as much as you want. However, some packages may have monthly download limits, so you should monitor your usage to avoid additional charges.
- Phone Line Availability: Unlike dial-up, broadband does not occupy your phone line, so you can make and receive phone calls while using the internet.
- More Entertainment: Broadband opens up a world of entertainment options, such as downloading music and videos, listening to your favorite radio stations, playing online games with people from around the world, and watching movies and documentaries on demand.
Choose a broadband package
When choosing a broadband package, there are several factors you should consider:
- Cost: Look at the fixed monthly fee, as well as any one-off fees for installation or delivery of the wireless router.
- Speed: Depending on your needs, different broadband speeds may be appropriate. ADSL copper broadband speeds up to 17Mbps are sufficient for basic usage like online shopping and email, but for multiple households streaming TV, downloading films, gaming, and social networking simultaneously, fibre optic broadband with speeds up to 38Mbps or higher is recommended.
- Download Limits: Some broadband providers offer unlimited monthly download usage, while others impose a cap. Consider your usage habits and the broadband speed to determine if a download limit is important to you.
- Package Bundles: Many providers offer bundled packages that include broadband, TV, and calls, with some even including mobile SIMs. Consider whether these bundle packages are relevant to your needs.
- Contract Length: Most broadband providers offer 12 or 18 month contracts, but some offer no minimum term contract tie-ins, allowing for more flexibility.
Considering these factors will help you find the broadband package that best meets your needs and preferences.