Cheapest Broadband UK - Buyer's Guide

What is broadband?
High quality 'always-on' access is just one manifestation of the thing called 'broadband'. But 'broadband' means more than having a permanent connection to the internet. It is the technology that underpins the new digital forms of communication which are already beginning to impact on our daily lives.

Internet Services - About ADSL

ADSL - An Overview

Broadband internet is also termed ADSL.

How fast is ADSL ?
ADSL comes in three flavours, providing variable speeds to allow users to best match requirements to budgets.

ADSL S500 allows 256k upload and 500k download

ADSL S1000 allows 256k upload and 1Mb download

ADSL S2000 allows 256k upload and 2Mb download
This is 10 to 40 times faster than today's typical modems.

How does ADSL work?
ADSL operates over a standard telephone line. The signal is carried by two ADSL modems - one in the local exchange and one at your PC. The modems are designed in a such way as to utilise fully the capabilities of the copper line therefore achieving much higher data rates. A 'splitter' separates the signal from the ADSL sign, meaning that telephone calls can still be made at the same time as data is being sent or received. Most broadband providers will give you at least one free splitter as part of the package.

What can it be used for?

Internet access - The access speeds available with ADSL make it practical for web sites to carry more multimedia rich information such as video clips, animations and good quality audio - significantly enhancing the online experience Intranet access -- ADSL can be used to deliver interactive applications to the TV, such as real time video and audio, home shopping and home banking

Future services - ADSL will be the catalyst for a wealth of new information, education and entertainment services

Who will be able to take advantage of ADSL?

The local exchange needs to have been provisioned with ADSL capability. There is a phased roll out in place, which means that not everyone will be in a provisioned exchange area location.

Because ADSL is distance dependant, the end user needs to be located within a certain distance of the telephone exchange. This distance is typically 3.5Km and approximately 80-85% of the UK live within this distance of their exchange.

All of the providers we link to from our site allow you to check via your postcode to make sure the service is available before continuing with your application.

For the cable companies the above doesn't apply as they do not rely on traditional copper cables to relay the signals to your house/office. You can obtain full information from the cable companies themselves when you apply online. Obviously if the connection does not work for technical reasons, you will not be expected to pay anything.