Getting the Goods on Broadband
The availability of broadband internet service in the UK has exploded in past few years as more carriers enter the market. Broadband is a popular choice with internet users as the speed of connection and download can be more than ten times faster than a dial up connection.
Connection speed is especially important to those who view video over the internet. A dial up connection does not transfer information fast enough for users to be able to see streaming video on the internet. Different broadband speeds provide for different qualities of video viewing but an 8 Mb connection allows the user to watch TV quality video. Downloading music files also highlights the speed difference between dial up and broadband. A typical five minute song in MP3 format would take approximately 12 minutes with a dial up connection (assuming it didn’t time out in the meantime). With a broadband connection 6 Mb or higher, the download happens instantaneously.
With the many options of broadband providers and packages that are on the market today, choosing the right one for you can be difficult. Some packages require a long term contract. Some provide faster connection speeds than others. Some offer free goodies with sign up. Comparing them takes a commitment of time and some math skills.
Since 2004, broadband.co.uk has made choosing the right broadband provider easier. Broadband.co.uk is an independent website that provides comparisons of broadband packages for all major suppliers in the UK. Customers can find the broadband packages that make sense for their particular internet needs and their pocketbook.
Broadband.co.uk also provides resources to those new to broadband and those looking to switch to another provider. The website’s “Guides” section includes articles on learning about broadband, wireless and mobile broadband connections, switching suppliers, VoIP, and business broadband.
Another handy tool on the website is the speed test. All broadband providers advertise “speeds up to X Mb”. However, actual connection speeds may vary from this promised maximum by a wide margin. For example, you may choose a provider that offers a 6 Mb connection but never attain a speed of more than 3 Mb. This is tantamount to throwing away money without getting the fast connection for which you are paying. The speed test checks your actual speed and compares it with the promised maximum available in your area based on your postcode. This allows you to choose a broadband package that fits with the maximum speeds available to you.
For those who have more detailed broadband questions or who enjoy sharing broadband information with others, the website provides a forum section. Broadband suppliers are discussed as well as technical issues, VoIP, and mobile broadband services.
Broadband.co.uk is a great resource for both those new to broadband and those who are looking to upgrade their service or switch providers. Best of all, it’s free to use and provides a wealth of information to get broadband users up to speed.