Broadband FAQs

You must have used the Internet recently, but you are going for the Internet connection at home for the first time. If you are wondering which type of broadband connection and which broadband service provider to approach to, it would be a good idea to gain clarity on certain broadband services and packages before you get your own broadband connection, UK.

What is Broadband and how is it provided across homes?

Broadband is a fast internet connection which allows you to use your regular phone while you simultaneously access the Internet. These days, Broadband is preferred over the dial up means of receiving an Internet as it offers faster download speeds up to 8 Mbps – 16 Mbps against 57.6 KB as offered by dial up internet connection.

Broadband is provided across home by a BT, a major landline provider in UK or even through cable modem or through satellite broadband

What does download speed? How can I check the download speed of my broadband connection?

Download speed simply means speed per second at which you can receive information on to your computer – the information could range from a song, a film or sports clip or any other form of data which is useful to you.  The higher the download speed, the faster downloading of data.

Amongst broadband providers, BT offers a uniform download speed of up to upto 16 Mbps across all its packages. Virgin offers three levels of download speed viz 10Mb, upto 16 Mbps and 50 MB through its packages. Also Sky Broadband is offering 3 varying download speeds of up to 2Mbps, 10Mbps and upto 16 Mbps

Most of the broadband provider websites have a broadband speed checker through which you can ascertain the speed in your area by entering your postal code. The main factors which influence the download speed are your location from the telephone exchange and web traffic.

For a broadband connection what do I actually require?

You would be requiring a computer, a phone line, a broadband modem and wires for setting up the broadband connection.  Also in case you wish to wireless, you will also be requiring a wireless router for the same and for connecting multiple computers to your broadband connection.  Most of the broadband packages UK such as Sky Broadband, BT Broadband and Virgin Broadband offer free routers to their customers.

How much does a Broadband connection cost?

Again, Broadband Packages costs vary from provider to provider.  Many factors influence the broadband package cost such as the download speed offered, monthly usage limit, free services and benefits and also promotional offers which are offered on special occasions.  Sky Broadband Base, the most basic broadband package of 2Mb and 2GB monthly usage is offered free along with Sky TV and Sky Talk. On similar basis BT offers a uniform download speed of up to upto 16 Mbps across BT Broadband Option 1, Option 2 and Option 3. Options 1 and 2 have monthly usage limits and BT Total Broadband Option 3 has no limits on downloads and hence its rates differ accordingly. Virgin offers varying download speeds viz 10MB, 16Mb and 50Mb along with unlimited downloads and other benefits and hence you have to pay for it accordingly.

Can I switch from one broadband provider to another?

Yes, in case you wish to switch from one broadband provider to another. Before switching you need to check out the terms and conditions of your broadband contract as you may to pay a cancellation charge in case of termination before the contract gets over.  And also make sure you get your Migration Access Code from the earlier provider which when furnished to the new broadband provider ensures you enjoy a broadband connection throughout the switchover process as well.

What factors affect the broadband speed?

Advertised Speeds: This is the speed used in the description of the packages sold by broadband providers, ie. ADSL Max is described as 'up to' 8Mb because the service is provided at the highest possible speed that a line can support up to the 8Mb speed. Maximum Access Line Speed (Or 'Estimated Maximum Line Speed') This is the maximum speed your line should be able to support. This will vary from house to house depending on how far you are from the local telephone exchange and the length of the wire leading to your home.

The main factors governing the maximum broadband speed your phone line can support are:

• how near you live to the exchange
• the length and quality of any phone wiring extensions in your home
• whether all your broadband microfilters are correctly installed
• the processing speed of your computer and router or modem
• the speed of the connection between your computer and modem or router (Ethernet and wireless are faster than USB)

Once set, your maximum broadband speed should remain largely stable, only varying if one of the above factors changes significantly. The main factors governing the day-to-day download speed you will experience over your line are:

• the time of day ie. how busy BT's network and the Internet are (6-9pm being the busiest time, when speed can reduce significantly)
• the speed of individual websites you are visiting (some have a maximum access speed)
• whether you're sharing your connection with others in your home
• whether you have software running in the background, such as spyware

Throughput Speed (Also known as 'Connection Speed') This is the actual speed experienced when you are connected to the internet. This figure is often dependent on many factors, from the number of subscribers online at the same time to the number of people accessing the same web sites that you are. Throughput can vary from day to day or intervals within the same day. Speed Constraints Once connected and stable, the access line speed and throughput can be affected by a number of factors.

Access Line Speeds: The initial estimate provided is based on a test on your telephone number and distance calculated between your premises and the local telephone exchange. This is an estimate as there is no assurance that the cabling follows the most direct route. Hence the distance from the exchange is known as the line length. Further implications to the line access speed (sometimes referred to as line or sync rate) will emerge if your internal telephone wiring is not optimal or long extension cables are being used. In addition, the set up and quality of hardware may impact the line rate. Hardware would include your PC speed, modems and micro filters.

Throughput: Put simply, the sheer volume of customers using the network at the same time. There are peak times (typically 6pm to 10pm) where the network is being used by the most customers. A technical issue could be responsible for a slowed throughput. This is harder to identify but would be more recognisable if you notice a degradation of service from a previous time on the same telephone line.

The following are some of the most common reasons for reduced throughput: - Interference from other devices in the home - The type of application being used - Internal shared services (multiple PC's / Games consoles / IPTV) - External applications sharing your devices (peer to peer) - Viruses and Spyware and other installed software on the PC - Insufficient or incorrectly installed micro filters - There are other external factors which can reduce the throughput speeds. IP / ATM and other overheads needed to secure the service in the network means that an 8Mb service is likely to only ever receive 7Mb of throughput at best.

Other external factors include: - Quality of the wiring from the telephone exchange to your door - Interference / noise - Stabilisation period (10 days from the time a MAX order is completed) - A fault in the network profile

How Fast Is Mobile Broadband?

At mobile broadband speed, download speed is the important one of the two – the speed at which data can be transferred to your PC from your mobile internet service provider (ISP). This could cover anything from browsing the net to downloading an MP3 track, or streaming music or television via the iPlayer. When you're looking at our comparison tables, the figure noted in the 'Speed' column is the download speed.

In contrast, upload speed is the rate at which data from your own machine can be sent via the internet.

Mobile broadband can be a little misunderstood, and many people think it will be as good (and fast) as their fixed-line connection. For some it can be, but until the technology has moved forward a little more the average user will find slower and less consistent speeds than they're used to from a fixed line.

However, mobile broadband is still a fantastic product once you realise its limitations, and can be invaluable. While serious gamers and data hungry businesses won't be cancelling their fixed-line broadband deals in a hurry, an average 3G broadband speed of around 2Mb will be enough for many online tasks. In fact, a speed of 1Mb should be fine for browsing the web, checking email, downloading a few songs and even watching the odd bit of streaming TV. So, if you can handle the odd drop in service and aren't always in a massive hurry for your data, mobile broadband could be a good choice for you.

There are some basic precautions that you can take to protect your computer. A good anti-virus is essential as this will constantly scan your computer for malicious code. It is essential that your anti virus is updated weekly and if possible set to automatic update as new viruses are created everyday and your anti virus needs to be kept up to date as the codes it needs to search for.

Firewalls - The installation of a Firewall is another necessary security measure; these monitor the data entering and leaving your browser and stop and information that isn’t permitted. Many routers come equipped with firewalls designed to protect home networks, however it is possible to install firewall software on your computer itself. Some firewalls can be set so as to block access to questionable websites, protecting your computer further.

Anti spyware - A good anti spyware package is also essential; once spyware gains access to your computer a hacker can monitor your every online action, from the websites you visit to the passwords and details you enter. Anti spyware helps to scan for intrusive computer programmes and prevents anyone from getting access to your personal information.

Email security - As infected email attachments are one of the main ways viruses and intrusive programmes gain access to your computer, there are several basic precautions you can take. Only open emails from people you know; to go one step further you can fit an anti spam filter on your mail box which will only allow access to emails from recognised individuals and prevent junk mail from entering your inbox. Additionally ensure that you or anyone in your family never includes personal details in an email. Banks and reputable companies will never ask you to mail or ‘confirm’ your details with an email, this is however a common method of identity fraud used by online fraudsters.

Parental controls - If children are likely to be using the internet it is important to set up parental control measures. Check whether your provider will allow you to set up boundaries for individual children so you could set access appropriate for an 8 year old which is more restrictive than that allowed for a teenager. Some parental control software will also allow you to monitor the sites your child has visited and also the emails they have received and sent. Also advise your child never to give out their personal details to anyone they don’t know online.

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