Broadband guideWhat is broadband?
Broadband is a very fast Internet connection - much faster than the traditional dial-up Internet access. The technology used for broadband may seem a little overwhelming, but is actually easy to understand. Broadband is supplied via higher bandwidth - compare this to a pipe carrying water around your house.
The wider the pipe the quicker the water will flow. Broadband works in the same way, carrying more data at a faster speed. With a fast bandwidth connection broadband is able to download files, music, and videos in seconds rather than minutes or even hours that an old-fashioned modem would have done.
Why do I need broadband?
Broadband offers the same facilities as a standard dial-up connection, only you can get all the information your require faster using your broadband connection.
If you're a music fan you will have access to services from the likes of iTunes giving you the ability to download your favourite music direct to your computer in mega quick time. Downloading audio and video clips which used to take hours on traditional dial-up connections is painless with a higher bandwidth connection - giving you more viewing and listening time.
If you are a games fans, broadband offers you a whole new world of multiplayer contests without the worry that your connection might drop off in-game.
Decided that you can no longer live without broadband, use our Cable, Broadband and Digital TV phone/postcode checker facility.
ADSL broadband
ADSL has been developed for enabling Broadband connections using the existing telephone network. A modification of your existing telephone connection point will be required and you will need a high speed modem (usually supplied by your broadband supplier). The telephone modification is usually done at your local telephone exchange and doesn't require any new telephone lines to be installed.
Use our Cable, Broadband and Digital TV phone/postcode checker facility to see if you can get ADSL broadband in your area.
Cable broadband
Cable broadband requires a special cable connection into your home. If you already have a cable service installed in your home to receive television, your provider will help you establish whether or not you live in an area which receives cable broadband. To find out if you can receive cable broadband, use our Cable, Broadband and Digital TV phone/postcode checker facility.
Wireless broadband
A wireless broadband receiver on the outside of your house sends the signals through to a connection inside your house, which sends the data through to your computer.
Satellite broadband
Satellite access is available anywhere in the UK, so for some people it will be the only option. It receives information in the same way as Sky TV and you will require a dish. |
