Broadband Explained

What is broadband?

Broadband is an alternative to the normal 'dialup' or 'narrowband' Internet connection, which many households and businesses currently use.  

What are the advantages of Broadband?

• A broadband connection is always on , which means that you will not have to waste time' dialing up' to access the Internet.
  
  
• Because you are always connected to the Internet with broadband emails will arrive almost instantaneously, day or night.
  
  
• Broadband is provided through your phone line but, unlike a normal Internet connection, broadband splits the phone line in two, enabling you to use the phone whilst also being online. This means you don't need a separate phone line thus reducing line rental costs.
  
  
• A broadband connection allows you to download more information in a much shorter space of time than a normal dialup connection (up to ten times faster). This means for example that web pages will take a fraction of the time to appear on your screen and that you will not be waiting so long for an email attachment to download.
  
  
• Broadband makes it easier and quicker to download music, video and multimedia files, as well as take part in online gaming.
  
  
• Depending on the service you have you can also uploading large amounts of data via the Internet in a comparatively short space of time. This is ideal if you need to send large reports or multiple images to a client or colleague.
  
  
• Broadband is provided at a fixed price so there are no call charges when you use the Internet. This flat rate option particularly benefits frequent users.

• Broadband offers great opportunities for businesses to compete in the global market and provide services for customers all over the world. The geographical location of a business need not be a constraint.

So how much does broadband cost?

The cost of broadband depends very much on the type of service you require and the Internet service provider you buy from. However it is possible to get broadband from around £14 per month.

Find out more about Broadband availability.