| Broadband is the high speed alternative to the | | | | When deciding which deal is the right one for you, |
| slow and laborious method of internet access | | | | consider that broadband offers are packaged by |
| known as 'dial-up', where the telephone connection | | | | features offered, the widest being business, home |
| is used to dial into the internet. Dial up is not ideal | | | | and mobile broadband. Check your postcode to |
| as the phone is required to be out of service for | | | | ascertain which providers fall within your locality. |
| the duration of time that the internet is being | | | | Your area will denote whether you will have |
| used. | | | | access to ADSL2 and/or cable. These facilities are |
| A broadband internet facility affords high speed at | | | | limited to certain areas with proximity to a phone |
| a minimum download speed of 768KB and it is | | | | exchange. |
| provided either through phone lines which might | | | | Some people prefer to combine their broadband |
| be fibre optic cabling or via cables. This cabling | | | | service with their television service provider such |
| might be also utilised for phone and television. | | | | as Sky. Discounts are available provided certain |
| Satellite broadband connection is not yet available | | | | criteria is met and there are deals that might be |
| in Britain. | | | | offered over a certain length of time and include |
| Although the UK has made this service available | | | | certain equipment. For those who wish to change |
| quicker and more accessible than in other parts of | | | | their supplier, it is now possible to do so relatively |
| the World, speed has been a bit of an issue, | | | | seamlessly and with little disruption to service. |
| although Virgin Media and also O2 have current | | | | If you are considering changing your supplier, |
| programmes in hand to offer technologically | | | | always check the terms of your contract as |
| improved systems for a faster broadband | | | | sometimes cancellation penalties are applicable. Find |
| service. | | | | out what your MAC (Migration Authority Code) is |
| The population of broadband providers has grown | | | | from your provider; this will allow you to have |
| in recent years along with the variety of options | | | | your new provider authenticate a transfer from |
| available from each. The most sensible | | | | your original provider. Remember to ask about |
| combination of options should include those that | | | | the date of actual transfer. The last step is to |
| are most needed by the individual user. One | | | | inform your old provider of your cancellation. |
| consumer may be more concerned with price, | | | | Never do this as a first step in the process as |
| download limit or length of contract; another might | | | | you can cause all kinds of disruption to your |
| be primarily interested only in speed and set up | | | | service. |
| time. | | | | |