| Broadband can be defined as a technology that | | | | provided with better quality service. The problem |
| can offer faster access to internet. The earlier | | | | is that in this system subscriber cannot change |
| method of dial up system is a slow process and | | | | the service provider without incurring additional |
| has some drawbacks. The subscriber cannot | | | | expenses. |
| make use of telephone while accessing internet | | | | One of the most popular and widespread modes |
| and consequently it became imperative to have | | | | is mobile broadband. Those who want internet |
| separate telephone for talking and accessing | | | | access to mobile devices as well as stationary |
| internet. Broadband came as a boon to the | | | | units like PCs can opt for a mobile broadband |
| consumers as its splits the telephone line to | | | | connection. Laptops or PC users can gain access |
| provide both voice and data simultaneously. UK is | | | | to internet using USB dongle or modem through |
| a country with 20 percent of population having | | | | mobile phone network. Mobile phone users can |
| fast internet accessibility and also one of the | | | | choose broadband connectivity either under a |
| countries where consumers have the privilege of | | | | monthly payment scheme or can opt for pay as |
| having most economic subscription rates. | | | | you go scheme. 3G/HSPA signals are offered |
| Broadband market is highly competitive. Several | | | | through mobile phone network. In UK service |
| internet service providers offer variety of | | | | providers have many comprehensive packages |
| packages to the consumers who therefore have | | | | for subscribers with both fixed lines and mobile |
| wide choices to pick and choose from them. The | | | | broadband connections. Such comprehensive |
| service providers offer many incentives or gifts | | | | packages will make the deals cheaper for |
| especially for those who opt for long term | | | | subscribers. |
| contracts. | | | | Internet service providers are functioning in a |
| There are several types of contracts available to | | | | highly competitive environment as already |
| suit diverse needs of the subscribers. Most | | | | mentioned, and as such the quality of service will |
| common type is Asymmetric Digital Subscriber | | | | be reasonably good. However the quality of |
| Line (ADSL). Faster downloads is possible in this | | | | service will depend on the location of the |
| system, but upload speeds will be slower. Then | | | | subscriber. Generally urban areas receive better |
| there is Symmetric Digital Subscriber System | | | | and reliable services than rural areas. Efforts are |
| (SDSL) in which both upload and download speeds | | | | being taken to improve the broadband service by |
| will be equal. SDSL broadband system is a | | | | upgrading the technology and also by making the |
| cheaper option. Consumers have to pay the | | | | service providers accountable to the quality of |
| telephone rental charges plus the broadband | | | | service offered by them. Authorities are initiating |
| subscription rate as applicable to the individual | | | | plans to force the service providers to notify the |
| connections. Cable broadband is another option | | | | exact speed they can provide to the subscribers. |
| available to the subscribers in which connectivity is | | | | Such actions are adopted in view of the |
| obtained through fibre optic broadband cables. | | | | complaints that the speed of the system |
| Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) is a system, wherein | | | | received at the consumer end is found much less |
| the service providers use their equipments to | | | | than what is offered under the contract. |
| enhance the speed of the service. Subscribers are | | | | |