How to Shop for Broadband Online

More then 20 years since the launch of the world wide web, over 17 million people in the UK have broadband access via a network of providers that covers around 90 % of the country. A variety of different technologies are used to deliver broadband to cities and rural areas, ranging from just 512Kb to speeds of up to 50Mb.

Top tips for getting a great deal:

There are hundreds of different broadband deals available and with so much choice it can be hard to find the broadband package that's right for you.

Faster broadband packages are usually more expensive, however it might be worth spending the extra money on a faster broadband connection if you download large files, watch TV online or do a lot of gaming online.

Another tip is to find out download limits so you can evaluate how much you will need. Some broadband deals come with a specific limit so you are restricted to how much music etc you can download. It is essential to bear in mind that if you go over your limit you could be charged, making that cheap broadband package more expensive than you thought.

You can check broadband availability before buying your package and realizing you don’t get a strong signal. Start by entering your postcode into a broadband speed test, which will determine the speed of your broadband connection and tell you exactly what is available in your area.

By reading broadband guides and researching broadband types you will know what you’re looking for when comparing deals on factors such as price, contract length and download limits. You should also read reviews from other broadband users to get a first hand opinion of which type would be best suited to your needs.

If the thought of trawling the internet for the best deal is putting you off you could choose a comparison site which will do all the leg work for you, such as moneysupermarket.com. These comparison type websites will keep you up to date with the latest products and best deals on the market.

Shop from home:

Household broadband has become an integral part of shopping in the UK, according to new research. A total of 29.1 million people aged over 15 years old visited an online retail site from home or work in May 2009, with 3 quarters of these visits made from home locations.

There are a variety of broadband types including ADSL broadband, which is delivered via the BT network used for telephone lines. The majority of broadband providers use ADSL technology to deliver broadband to your home, but unlike dial-up, which also uses phone lines to access the internet, broadband gives you always-on, high-speed access to the internet while keeping your home phone free to make and receive calls.

Local loop unbundled broadband (LLU) still uses ADSL technology, however providers such as TalkTalk broadband and Tiscali Broadband install their own technology allowing them to make savings which they can pass onto their customers.

Cable broadband, known as Virgin Media is a popular choice, which uses a superfast cable network to deliver speeds up to 50MB- the UK’s fastest broadband package. Virgin Media’s cable network is currently available to 51 per cent of the UK, and the provider will be extending its network to a further 500,000 homes throughout 2009.

Another common internet type is mobile broadband, which allows you to get online almost anywhere in the UK. Mobile broadband services are available to more than 80 per cent of the country and customers can get online wherever they can get a mobile phone signal, since mobile phone operators use their networks to deliver broadband to laptops via small, portable USB modem sticks and mobile dongles.

With the internet fast becoming the biggest outlet in the world you need to be able to keep up with the speed at which it is accelerating.

- K.J.N -