Broadband - Ask before you buy
What types of broadband are there?
Wireless Broadband - can be plugged into a desktop or laptop PC or MAC. Connects to a single or multiple computers when used with a router. Can be set up in any room in your home.
Mobile Broadband - wireless broadband on the go - complete flexibility can be used almost nationwide. Can only be used with one computer at a time.
Broadband + Telephone - the broadband connection comes on the same line as your home phone, but the line is capable of delivering fast always on broadband too, you can use it in any room in your home and still use the telephone at the same time.
Which type is for me?
If you have a laptop and want to be able to use it in any room in the house, opt for a wireless or mobile modem. If you're on the road and want to take the internet with you, go for mobile broadband.
What do I want to use it for?
How fast you want to access information and knowing what you'll use it for will help you to decide what speed you need:
512Kbps: this is a common speed for home. It takes approximately 1.6 seconds for a website to load and about 1.5 minutes to download a 5 minute music file at optimum speed. If you're just emailing, surfing and shopping, this should be sufficient.
1Mbps: This is probably the most common speed for homes and small businesses. It is suitable for streaming, viewing websites and online gaming. It takes 0.8 seconds to load a web page and about 40 seconds to download a 5 minute music file at optimum speeds.
1Mbps: 8.0 seconds to load a web page.
2Mbps and higher: these are appropriate for a family or a small office that share one internet connection between many PCs. Individually, it is more suitable for people who download a lot of music and video files, or play a lot of online gaming.{mospagebreak}
Watch Out: Remember that the actual speed can vary (except for Smart broadband and Magnet), it depends on your distance from your local internet exchange and/or the number of people sharing the line.
How much will I use it?
Finding the right download limit largely depends on the amount and type of information you want to access.
10GB downloads 200 music albums.
5GB: This lets you view approximately 52,000 websites, or download around 100 music albums.
10 GB: This lets you view approximately 100,000 websites, or download around 200 music albums. This is sufficient for many users.
Unlimited: With unlimited, there's no need to worry about reaching your limit.
How many people will use it?
Both wireless broadband and the broadband+telephone packages can be accessed by multiple computers when used with a router. Mobile broadband can be used by only one person at a time.
What's my budget?
Take into consideration the speed and download limits you require, then look at the costs throughout the year as they apply: modem, connection, monthly costs.
Look at modem, connection and monthly costs.
Are there savings you will make by bundling your line rental, broadband and phone calls (if you buy broadband + telephone ) that will make a difference accross the year?
How easy is it to install?
They are all easy, some as simple as plug and play, but all come with step by step instructions.
