Broadband comes in many different forms, this guide will discuss certain factors that you may wish to consider before you decide on the package suitable to your needs and the best provider to supply you with it.

What is broadband?

The Internet is accessed via a DSL connection which uses a high frequency digital signal which can carry a large amount of data, unlike Dial up and the old style low frequency signal, making it faster, and with the use of a Micro filter on your phone line allows you to use your telephone and surf the internet at the same time.
Broadband can be accessed using a wired connection, or wireless. Both connection types can be set up to use the same router, by up to four different computers or laptops.
Most providers will give you a router, free of charge, and most will only give support if you use this router.

Cable broadband is a popular choice for receiving broadband. Although not as popular as DSL many people use Cable broadband and also receive a number of different services from one supplier. Cable suppliers are able to supply digital TV, telephone and internet all through 1 cable (triple play) meaning also that all the bills can be done together instead of having to pay separately for each different one.
One of the biggest problems with cable is it's availability. Although cable coverage across the UK has increased hugely over the years there are still areas where cable is still not available so you will need to check cable availability if you want to get it installed.

If you were to use a provider who supplies broadband using existing overhead telephone wires, you will only be able to achieve the speed that your line can handle. The condition and age of the line as well as the distance to the nearest exchange from your home will decide how fast you’ll be able to get.
The speeds available are 512kbps, 1Mb, 2Mb, 4Mb, 8Mb, 16Mb and 24Mb.
Dial up speed was only 56Kbps, and when compared to broadband at 1Mb, the broadband connection is a little under 18 times faster, and a 24Mb broadband connection which is roughly 428 times faster than Dial up.

It’s worth checking with any prospective provider first what your line can handle, otherwise you may find yourself with a contract for the fastest connection but find your line can only give you a slow speed. The price can vary quite considerably between the packages and beside the download limits there isn’t any real difference.
Providers offer different packages which can limit your usage. Some provide a monthly download limit of 1GB up to 40GB, and you can also find some that offer unlimited downloads.
A 2GB usage limit will provide you with, roughly, 28,000 web pages or 420 songs.

Customer Service and Help

This is probably one of the most important factors you should consider after the broadband providers reputation for continuous service without service interruptions.
You may have had broadband for a while and never needed to call your provider for technical help. In which case you may wish to go to your current provider and see if you can upgrade to a cheaper package with them. If you don’t get any problems, why change?
Some providers don’t provide any support by phone and only offer help via files you have to download from their web site, and the help files can take a massive amount of disk space, well over 1,000Mb.
The cable providers are known to offer online support like this but supply a very stable connection so users are unlikely to need support for connection issues, if you’re not very confident with technology though this could be a massive problem for you.
Most providers do have 24/7 support numbers. But be wary of this too as some are charged at premium call rates, some local call rates and a rare few are free.
Then there is the person on the other end.
We have all called banks and mobile phone service providers and know not all call centers are in this country. The language barriers can be frustrating and costly so if this would be a concern to you find an Internet Service Provider with their help centers in the UK.
The best way to find out about customer services from providers is to ask your friends and family who have broadband already.

Changing your Supplier

What you need to do when you want to change broadband providers is get a "MAC" code (migration authority code). You get this from your current provider and give it to your new provider to ensure you don’t loose service during your switch.
What is important to remember is to make sure that you DO NOT CANCEL your current broadband provider when you get this MAC code as this could result in your phone being disconnected from broadband and you not having continuous broadband access until a new broadband provider has been selected and they have gone through and set up your account. This can take quite a long time if done without a MAC code.
If you have moved house and the old occupier had broadband you may have a problem setting up a new supplier. Increasing numbers of people are being told that they have what is known as a “tag” or a “marker” on their ADSL line, blocking their line and preventing them from setting up a new connection and getting broadband at home.
You end up with a tag blocking your line when a previous ISP hasn’t been fully removed from the line - either because the prior occupant didn’t cancel their contract, or because the wholesaler didn’t remove the ISP properly.
While your new ISP should be able to get in touch with BT Wholesale (www.BT.com) in order to get the tag removed, if they haven’t managed to do so within 20 days you’re entitled to contact them yourself.

BT Wholesale is not the same as the BT that consumers deal with, and doesn’t usually deal with members of the public, but because increasing numbers of people are experiencing tagging problems, Ofcom has arranged for BT Wholesale to deal directly with them. You can contact them on 0800 169 0934.

The information above is a general guide for you to consider, and when taken into account when choosing your new provider, will ensure you get the right service for your needs.