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What is Broadband
Broadband is high speed Internet access that is permanently connected and allows both Internet and telephone calls to take place simultaneously on the same land line.
Can I get Broadband
Most of the UK can now get broadband BT has converted 100% of telephone exchanges to ADSL with the following exceptions Scotland 98% the East 99.5% and the South East with 99.4 percent converted
What Speed Broadband can I get
Broadband starts at 512Kbs though most internet service providers (ISP’s) offer 1Mbs, 2Mbs, or 8Mbs. There are a few ISP’s offering 10Mbs, 15Mbs or 24Mbs. This does not mean that you can get these speeds as it depends on your local telephone exchange, the distance you are from it and the quality of your telephone line. As an example a local exchange in Hampshire will support BT up to 2Mbs, AOL 8Mbs, Be Unlimited 24Mbs, also Talk talk and Sky. It will not support Tiscali, Orange or Pipex. You can check your local exchange by going to our Broadband Checker site and entering your phone number or post code. When the results appear click on th box UUL x DSL.. None of the internet providers will guarantee these speeds. Apart from the exchange and your telephone line which can slow the speed, the number of people you are sharing the internet connection with could make a greater difference. This is known as the contention ratio and is usually 50:1 this means you could be sharing your line with 49 other users. If you all had had a 2mbs connection and all 50 were on line at the same time then each user would have a speed of 40Kbs though this is unlikely to happen it gives you an insight. A few providers for example UKonline have ratios 33:1 and 20:1 for Business users at the same time will also affect the speed
What is a Broadband Modem
A broadband modem is hardware which allows you to connect your computer to the Internet via your telephone socket. A Modem only allows you to connect one computer if you need to connect more than one computer you will need a router. A dial up modem will not work for broadband. Note: A telephone modem will not work on a cable service like Virgin Media.
What is a Broadband Router
A broadband router is hardware which allows you to connect more than one computer to the Internet. The router is connected to your modem then your computers are plugged into the router if you want your computers in different rooms this will involve running cables to the rooms.
What is a Wireless Broadband Router
A wireless broadband router is hardware which allows you to connect more than one computer to the Internet. The router is connected to your modem then your computers are connected by wireless transmission the router this removes the need for cables. Some routers also have a built in modem
What is monthly usage or Bandwidth
Monthly usage or bandwidth is the amount of information you download or up load and is measured in gigabytes. You will see from the comparison table that some Service Providers offer a fix amount, if you exceed this monthly limit the may charge you for the excess. Other providers offer an unlimited amount but is subject to their fair use agreement have
How Much bandwidth do I need
An MP3 song is about 4MB, the same song in WAV format is about 40MB, a full length movie can be 0.8GB to 1GB).
What is the procedure if I want to move house
If you are moving your Broadband service to another phone number or address you must submit your new details to your service provider so that they can transfer broadband to your new line/address.
Please note that if you are moving to a property and will have a different phone number for broadband, the process of transferring the service will take up to 10 working days. However, if you are keeping your existing phone number the process of transferring the broadband service will take up to 20 working days. This process is reliant on BT has they have to physically transfer the service by sending an engineer to your local exchange .
What is the procedure if I want to change providers
Check with your new provider to see if you will need a new modem or router and any installation costs and down time.
Check the terms of your existing contract as your existing provider may impose charges if they supplied the Modem/Router
Ask your existing provider for a MAC (Migration Authorisation Code) which your new provider needs to connect you. Without one you can not move.
If you have problems contact Offcom
Try Plusnet they offer some good plans you will find them on our.
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