If you're thinking about getting broadband but are not sure if it's available in your area don't worry. There are some simple steps that you can take to find out if broadband is available for you and there are also lots of alternatives, if you live somewhere particularly remote which hasn't got access yet.

Phone Exchanges

We're starting with Telephone Exchanges because your local exchange is what will determine whether or not you can get broadband at all. 90% of the UK can currently access broadband internet so you've got good chances of being able to, but there are still a few of us who still can't. Can your neighbours or anyone who lives near you get broadband? That's a good indication of whether or not you can too.

In most cases you'll need a BT landline, do you have one? If you do you can find out if you can get a broadband connection in your area online using our postcode checker.

If it's easier to just call BT from where you live, do that instead and ask them if your exchange supports broadband. Some regions still use old copper wiring which can provide a type of high speed internet which is still fast (but isn't technically broadband.) Equally, it could matter how close you are to your nearest telephone exchange because the further away you are, the weaker a signal becomes.

Finding a Deal

One of the easiest ways to assess whether or not you can have broadband is to try to get some by visiting the major provider's websites and entering your post code or BT landline number so they can perform a search.

Compare the latest Broadband Deals & Offers »

Obviously (and ironically) that involves getting online in the first place! However, you could call the major broadband providers (Sky, Virgin Media, etc) personally instead. Calling them can be a good idea because if you are eligible they will offer you various competitive deals in order to try and sign you up. Furthermore, by saying that you are shopping around you'll encourage them to pull out all the stops when offering you a personalised package and you could make a solid saving.

Solving Connection Problems

If you have difficulty finding a deal due to issues regarding your distance from a telephone exchange or you've got very old fashioned telephone lines. It might be worth getting a mobile broadband dongle, (if you have good mobile phone signal!) Used with a laptop (or desk top PC) this will give you freedom to connect to the net from almost anywhere in your home (or out of it!)

Mobile broadband connections are now faster than ever because they use HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) that allows them to send and receive many packets of data simultaneously.

There are also other alternatives to conventional broadband which offer relatively fast internet access, for example, some companies provide satellite internet access. Bentley Walker is just one of many Satellite internet businesses and they can provide internet access no matter how remote, rural or off shore your home or office is.

Their support area covers several European countries including the whole of the UK and Ireland, including plenty of the surrounding water making it a great option for houseboats, barges and other nautical properties.