Broadband providers now provide speeds of upto 24mb (thanks to the addition fire optic cabling). With the increase of online media such as audio and video streaming and online gaming, Broadband providers are under constant pressure to provide the most competitive and fastest broadband speeds. This is great news for the consumer.But before deciding which Broadband provider to choose, you should consider the following options
What Purpose Is The Broadband Used For One of the first questions to ask yourself is what sort of broadband package you need. Will you be using the broadband connection all day?, will you be downloading games, watching videos, checking social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. If you are heavy user then a fast connection of upto 8mb and an unlimited bandwith (the amount of data you can download) is vital. However if you are a light user, who may only use the broadband connection for casual searching and emailing then some broadband providers allow customers to purchase broadband packages at a discounted rate, with a limited amount of downloading available
The Area You Live In
Once you have an idea of what kind of broadband package you need, it's now time to go and find a provider. There are many sites out there that will allow you to search Broadband providers in your area and the packages available. For instance some areas will not have access to a cable connection and depending how far away you live from a telephone exchange, can also determine the broadband speed you can expect.
Broadband Equipment
Another consideration is the type of broadband equipment you will need. Will you be using more than one computer, do you require a wireless internet connection?. For using broadband via a mobile connection you will need two things. A router and a wireless internet connection. A router is a device that connects up to the internet, and provide a 'always on' internet connection. You can either connect direct to the router via a LAN (local area network) Ethernet cable or via a wireless connection. Most laptops these days have the wireless technology built in and you will need the routers access code to link the broadband connection to your laptop. However if you are using a desktop connection you will need to purchase a wireless internet card or plug-in in dongle.
Broadband Providers Fair Usage
Perhaps the biggest way consumers get caught out when using there broadband connection, is by not checking there broadband providers fair usage policy. As broadband connection usually share the pipe (connection) with many other users (most broadband providers in the UK rent the access) then there needs to be some sort of fair way for everybody to be allowed a fast connection. Broadband providers will usually monitor the amount of data and bandwith you are using, and may limit the amount of download speed attained if you go over either a set amount, or are constantly downloading at peak times. This restriction usually comes in the form of either a capped broadband speed or you may even have to pay extra for the usage. It is therefore vital to read the documentation before signing up.
