Broadband is a transmission technique that is high capacity and has a wide range. There are several types and is accessible using a router or a mobile device. Generally, standard broadbands are slower compared to fibre optic cable connections which are super fast. Below are some questions and answers to ease you with decision making.
What is my intended use?
You can classify the user as either light, medium or substantial. The former means you do not use the internet a lot, therefore, go for light packaged data solution, but if you find you need higher speeds, upgrade. A heavy user is anyone who highly depends on the internet for browsing, streaming or download purposes. Heavy users would prefer unlimited and fast data; thus, fibre would be ideal.
What is my data limit?
The intended use helps you to determine the amount of data you require. This refers to a data limit which is the maximum number of gigabytes your supplier allows you to download to your device. The threshold could be up to 300GB per month.
Which type of broadband connection is ideal for my use?
•Fibre broadband: there are two types FTTP and FTTC, the former is faster but expensive. Generally, fibre cable connections have faster speeds and are very reliable. It is an ideal option if it’s available, if you need to connect to multiple users and if super fast speed is paramount for your users. •ADSL: it is provided through your home phone line as either ADSL1 or ADSL2. Since this network is mostly copper wire, performance and speed vary geographically. But for a faster option, go for ADSL2. •ADSL is the right option if you are on a budget, available within your location, ready to incur phone line charges and do not upload data regularly •Cable: it uses both fibre optic and coaxial cables, thus, faster than ADSL but not available everywhere. It is ideal when doing a network extension within an office or building that is fibre active. •Mobile broadband: this uses a cellular signal to create a connection. It may not be the cheapest or the fastest, but it’s portable thus very flexible. It may be right for you if it’s available in your location, if it’s for lighter uses due to a lower speed and smaller data limits and if the mobile phone signal is active in your area. • Satellite; this might be the ideal option for some rural areas with the inadequate network coverage. Though speed and stability have improved in recent years, it’s a more expensive option over others.
What speed fits my use?
Different broadband connections have different speeds. Speed refers to the rate which information is download or upload in a specific time limit, for example, Megabytes per second (Mbps). Fibre is usually faster than standard broadband. Every supplier has maximum speed for service; therefore, it would be vital to check the speed limit for a package you intend to buy. Generally, •Speed of up to 10Mbps is sufficient for checking and sending an email, using social media, watching a clip in HD, making a video call on skype, and surfing through the web. •10-40Mbps would be sufficient for massive gamers, downloading lots of movies and music, watching television online regularly and want to stream in 4K.
Which contract serves me?
Most contracts are for periods between 12 and 24 months. It is essential to ensure that you are happy with a deal before you sign, you have to clearly understand their terms and conditions on price hikes and cancellation of the contract. Some suppliers hike prices according to the announced RPI inflation rate; this shows the percentage price rise (calculate percentage) for the last 12 months. Therefore, check for the following; •The period is given to cancel a contract, usually within 30 days of receiving the price-hike letter. •The minimum term allowed to walk free without paying an exit fee after breaching a contract •The right to violate an agreement if the price increase is mid-term and higher than the RPI rate. It is advisable not to take long term contracts so that if a better offer from a competitor or a new package hits the market, it is easy to switch and upgrade or downgrade depending with your need.
