Introduction
During the early 1990's the majority of UK households only
had access to a dial up Internet connection. With a maximum
speed of 56k, it could take 30 minutes to download an mp3
music file and 30 seconds for a typical web page to load up.
There were a couple of options, like an ISDN line, but the
prohibitive cost of ISDN meant only businesses could take
advantage of it The solution developed by the telecom's industry
was broadband. On average, it's at least ten times faster
than dialup, which allowed for a revolution in online communication.
Services such as the BBC's iPlayer, which allowed customer
to watch TV shows online, were inconceivable on a dialup network.
Another advantage to broadband is that it allows people to
make phone calls while on the Internet, something a dialup
connections cannot provide. The broadband connection is 'always
on' , meaning that you do not have to connect to the network
each time you wish to use it.
Broadband Options
ADSL
Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line" - upgraded telephone
line. The most common type of broadband connection, works
by converting information in a more efficient manner.
Cable
Is currently available from Telewest and television networks
like NTL. A cable modems uses the exact same connection and
infrastructure as your television cable. You will need a LAN
card configured and installed for a cable-modem connection.
Wireless Network
Is now available from most ISPs. It allows for a connection
from anywhere in your home. It's always 'on' while the router
has power. The router shares its Internet connection with
any wireless enabled computer in the surrounding area. It
does this via radio waves. You need to make sure you secure
your router, otherwise homes nearby can also share your connection.
Mobile Network
Used in conjunction with your mobile phone package.
Satellite
Ideal for boats and rural areas with no access to ADSL or
cable like the Scottish Islands. It has been dogged by slow
speeds and high latency.
Providers
Increasingly, communication providers, like telecom, satellite,
cable, mobile, and broadband providers are offering services
in a bundle. Customers of AOL, for example, will often find
themselves bombarded with offers of cheap telephone calls.
BSKYB, the leading satellite television network offer broadband.
BT, the leading telecom's operator now provide access to satellite
television channels.
What to do First
First thing to do, check your postcode or telephone number.
Quite a few rural areas of the UK still do not have access
to broadband. Virtually every Internet Service Provider has
a postcode or telephone number search facility, which checks
the availability for your address.
What is Unlimited Broadband?
Simply put, it should mean 'No download limits'.
Bandwidth describes the amount of data (usually measured
it bits or bytes) that can be transferred over a period of
time. With Internet Service Providers it is usually measured
as a "Monthly Data Transfer Limit.".
Once this limit has been met, you will no longer have access
to the Internet for the amount of time left in the month.
In theory, an unlimited broadband service should have no limits
to the amount of bandwidth you can use. This, however, is
not usually the case.
Bit - one binary digit, lowest data amount on a computer
Byte - contains 8 bits, equal to one ASCII character, like
'6'.
Kbps - 1000 bits Per Second - is a measure of bandwidth
Mbps - Megabits Per Second - greater amount of data than
Kbps
The Limits With Some Unlimited Broadband Packages
If you're a high bandwidth user, it's vitally important to
read the small print of your broadband contract. The majority
of the proclaimed 'unlimited broadband' do have limits included
in the small print. Therefore, if you're planning to share
movies or music files 24/7, or host an online games server,
you may suddenly have your connection cut off. ISPs usually
include a phrasing in the small print like,
'unlimited access up to a reasonable limit, extreme or
unfair usage will be penalised, or your bandwidth will be
restricted during peak times'.
For example, at the moment these ISP's have unlimited limit
policies,
AOL – ‘excessive usage may result in termination
of accounts without any notice’
BT – ‘very heavy use of bandwidth will be ‘restricted’
at peak times’
Virgin Media – ‘unreasonable bandwidth usage can
mean disconnection of service’'
Terms of Use: The information contained within this site is
general in nature, and may not be applicable to all Unlimited
Broadband. We can also not guarantee the accuracy of the information.
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