The days of waiting patiently for your dial-up to connect are long gone. Today we expect superfast broadband from all broadband providers.
However, there are many different types of broadband speeds and packages available so it is worth reading this quick guide to ensure you find the best deal to suit your volume of devices, usage and location.
Which broadband speed is best for me?
What is broadband?
Your broadband is an essential connection which allows you to link any device to the internet. Using a broadband modem to facilitate the connection you can access the internet at home and on the move (using mobile broadband).
Most connections travel along your phone line. Broadband means the phone line is separated into different channels to allow your telephone connection and internet connection to travel along the same line separately so you can use your phone and broadband at the same time.
What are the different types of broadband?
Top types of broadband connections include ADSL, fibre, 3G and 4G.
4G is the most popular type of mobile broadband for mobile devices whilst ADSL is the most common type of broadband for use at home.
Should I switch broadband providers to get a faster connection?
Shopping around to find the fastest speed is not always the best starting point for choosing a broadband deal that suits your needs.
Firstly, there is no standard selection of offers amongst broadband providers and speeds vary across the UK, so you’ll need to research which speeds are available in your area then search for the best deals from your results.
Next, are you planning to stream content or indulge in gaming in the future? If you’re not, you may find a superfast broadband connection is more than you need.
If you have a number of devices, share your home with more than two people, download lots of large content and enjoy things like gaming and video calls, you’ll need superfast broadband. If not, a standard connection may well be enough.
Finally, as you browse the details of packages on offer lookout for the inclusion of:
- unlimited downloads to ensure there are no limits on the number of downloads you can make each month.
- contract lengths of around 12 months with affordable monthly fees that fit your budget. The last thing you want is to be is to locked into an expensive deal that lasts too long.
- free upgrades, vouchers or discounts. Everyone loves a freebie and there are times when the only difference between packages is the incentives on offer, so do your research and see what discounts you can find.
Which type of broadband is best for me?
Standard ADSL Broadband
ADSL broadband operates via your normal telephone line. It is an established type of broadband so wherever you are located in the UK, you should be able to access ADSL broadband.
Don’t be put off by thinking standard broadband will be too slow. If your internet use is only minimal and you are not streaming videos, gaming, downloading box sets, uploading lots of large files or video calling, ADSL might be perfectly suitable for you.
Fibre Broadband
Fibre broadband takes its name from the fibre optic cables the data travels along. These fibre optic cables are designed to make your connection as quick as possible.
Fibre broadband is an improvement on the speeds possible via ADSL so if you need a faster connection, fibre may be the way to go. You’ll want to check the fibre broadband connections available in your area first, this is a newer type of connection so it is not accessible everywhere. Compare fibre broadband deals <to get a quote>
Ultrafast Broadband
Our need for speed means broadband providers are constantly seeking to make our fibre broadband even quicker.
Most fibre broadband operates at between 63Mbps and 67 Mbps. This type of fibre broadband is known as FTTC broadband because the data journeys through fibre optic cables.
For FTTC broadband, the fibre optic cables stop at the green signal box located on your road and the data enters your home via the standard phone cable.
Some providers are achieving even faster speeds with FTTH broadband which continues to use fibre cables from the signal box to your home. These ultrafast broadband packages are available from a selection of providers and can achieve speeds of up to1 Gbps quicker than FTTC. Compare ultrafast broadband deals <to get a quote>
Find the best deals on superfast broadband today and ensure buffering is a thing of the past. Search top deals now.