This page offers simple, step by step advice on how to choose the right broadband service provider for your needs. Once you have decided which package is best for you, you have the convenience of being able to sign up online.
We cannot tell you which broadband provider you should choose. However, the advice below will help you decide which broadband supplier offers the best service for your needs.
Step by Step Guide to Choosing the Right Broadband Provider
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What do you use the Internet for?
First of all, think about what you use the Internet for. Do you just send/receive the occassional email? Do you download large files such as mp3's? Do you browse websites regularly? Do you play interactive games over the Internet?
With this information in mind, you can make decisions below as to which aspects of the broadband services available are most important.
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Speed
A high speed internet connection is probably the main reason why you are looking for a broadband supplier. The question is, what speed should you opt for? A 512kbps broadband connection speed offers internet speeds of up to 10 times a dial up connection. This is fast enough for most people's needs.
However, if you regularly download large files, such as mp3's and videos, or you enjoy playing graphical games over the Internet, it may be worth considering a faster connection for the conveneince of shorter download times or a more satisfying gaming experience.
On the other hand, if your Internet activity is restricted to things such as sending/receiving email and occassionally visiting websites, a slower speed of 2556kbps or even 150kbps may be acceptable to you. The only advantage of opting for a slower internet connection is the lower costs that are usausally associated with these packages.
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Contract
Do you mind being tied in to a contract? Most broadband providers require you to sign a 12 month contract. However, there are a couple of providers that do you not require you to sign a contract, as detailed in our broadband comparison table. Unfortunately, no contract often means you have to pay an intial set up cost.
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Connection Type
There are three types of broadband Internet connection. ADSL, cable and satellite. You can learn more about each of these by clicking the links.
The main factor in deciding which of these connection types to opt for is availability. You should ony really consider satellite broadband if you are in a remote location where there is currently no ADSL or cable broadband service, simply because it is more expensive and involves a satellite dish being placed in your garden or on your property.
Cable broadband is currently limited to two suppliers in the UK - Telewest Blueyonder Broadband and NTL. If you already use one of their other services, for example a Telewest TV package, you may be eligable for a discount if you get the Telwest broadband service as well.
The restriction on being able to choose ADSL, in addition to your location, is the need to have a BT phone line.
You can find out the availability of broadband providers by visiting their sites. (Links are available from our table of broadband services. They each allow you to enter your post code in order to determine whether their service is available in your area.
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Additional Features
Each broadband provider bundles different features with their services, such as pop-up blockers, parental controls, email addresses and webspace. However, the majority of these features are available free of charge from many other sources on the web. (For example, do a search in Google for 'free email").
So, the additional features offered should only be an influencing factor if you want the convenience of being given these things without having to find them, or your knowledge on these subjects is limited and you are concerned that you will not be able to set them up yourself.
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The Cost
OK, we've left this until last, but it's probably one of the most influential factors in your decision making process. As with anything you buy, whether it's a television or a pair of trousers, you need to balance what you want / need against what you can afford. The ball is in your court with this one! At least our table of broadband providers will allow you to quickly determine which services offer the best value.
