Broadband beginners guide

How does broadband work?

Broadband internet is a fast internet connection delivered through a cable, an ADSL line, via satellite or a mobile signal providing a permanent internet service for a set monthly cost.

Unlike dial-up internet connections, broadband allows you to be online without tying up your phone line, and to have a connection which is always on, so there is no irritating wait for your connection to dial-up. Download speeds via a broadband connection should be significantly faster than those delivered by dial-up too.

If you choose a service provider through BroadbandChoices, you’ll be able to choose between every type of broadband network available in your area. Make sure you know what kind of broadband you need by following our guide below.

Broadband networks

Most home broadband services are delivered through either ADSL or cable connections. Download speeds aside, the only practical difference between the two is in the installation of your broadband connection.

ADSL ISPs

ADSL Internet service providers (ISPs) (AOL, Be, BT Broadband etc) use the BT copper wire network that your phone line uses, to connect you to the internet. To get connected, you need to buy a high-speed modem (which most ISPs will provide for free), but you won’t have to have an engineer visit your home. This could entail a connection fee, but most companies will waive this fee and only charge you if you leave their service within a year. ADSL connections traditionally deliver broadband speeds of up to 8Mb.

Several providers have upgraded parts of the network to ADSL2+ which allows for higher connection speeds up to 24Mb.

Cable ISPs

Most cable connections are run by Virgin Media, formerly ntl:Telewest. If you live in Hull you might be able to get a Kingston connection. You will need to live in an area served by the company, but you don’t need to have a BT phone line. To get connected, Virgin Media must arrange for someone to visit and install your cable line. You might be charged a set-up fee for this.

Due to the way it is designed to transfer data, fibre optic cables are able to deliver broadband speeds much faster than copper wire, in fact, speeds of up to, and beyond, 100Mb are possible. Cable also allows more people to use a single broadband connection at the same time without experiencing a drop in speed.

See Broadband availability for more information on broadband networks.

Whether you choose a cable or an ADSL provider, you can rest assured that your new broadband service will allow you to access a huge variety of information 24 hours a day, keep in contact with friends, and download a huge number of albums and even movies. For more on the benefits of broadband, read our article, Do I need broadband?

If you use the BroadbandChoices calculator to choose your ISP, you will be given all the information you’ll need to make your decision. This includes any hidden charges or catches that you need to know about.

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