Broadband Buying Guide

This Broadband Guide describes how to pick the best broadband package to suit your needs.
The advice below will assist you in reviewing the broadband packages available from the uk broadband providers ensuring you pick the broadband package that is most suitable for your needs.

Broadband Buying Guide: Tips on choosing the right package

When you are deciding which broadband package to take, you need to bear the following questions in mind:

1. How often are you going to use the internet?

Light users:
This is when you use the internet sparingly, usually to check e-mails and to generally surf the web.

If you fall into this category then you will not be worried about buying a capped service as you are unlikely to breach this. This means that you can get a cheaper package also it is worth bearing in mind that some capped packages offer a better perfomance compared to similar priced uncapped products.

A capped product is basically one that allows you to only download a set amount of data. If you exceed this limit you are either charged for your over usage per GB or your connection speed is restricted until the next month.

Medium users:
This is if you use the internet a fair amount, such as each day for web surfing. You may also use this sparingly for downloading music and movie clips.

If you fall into this category then you may need a reasonably high capped product, or alternatively opt for an unlimited download package to be on the safe side.

Heavy users:
This is when you use the internet for long periods of time or leave your connection on all the time.

These users generally use the internet for downloading music, video and/or data files, or participate in on-line gaming.

If you fall into the heavy user category then the download cap applicable to a package will be extremely important and you will need to opt for one with an unlimited download limit.

You will need to be aware of the fair usage or acceptable usage policies the broadband provider has. These are there to prevent you using the internet to much during the peak times (this is usually evenings, but varies from provider to provider). The fair usage cap is generally around 40GB and therefore allows you to download (or use as much bandwidth) as you want outside the fair usage time, but you are only allowed to use a certain amount in the fair usage period. If you exceed this limit in a month then your performance is restricted for the rest of the month (you are essentially put on a go slow).

2. What do you use the internet for?

Web surfing:
If you only use the internet for web surfing then you will not need a particularly fast internet connection.
Therefore you can opt for a package with a lower speed e.g. 2mbps or one with a lower performance as the performance is not as much of an issue, hence a cheaper package will be appropriate.

Downloading (e.g. music, movies, data e.t.c.):
If you use the internet for downloading files as well then speed and performance will be more important and will affect how many downloads you can do at any one time and how fast you can download.
Therefore a higher speed package is more appropriate depending on how often you download items.

On-line gaming:
If you are going to be playing on-line games, then a high speed connection will be of paramount importance to you.
Therefore you will need one of the premium packages with the highest speeds.

3. How much are you willing to pay?

How much you can afford or the price you are willing to pay will put an upper limit on the package you can get, but by no means has to be the value of your package, it may still be possible to pay less than this, depending on what type of package you require.

Click here to view a comprehensive list of broadband packages.

4. What type of hardware do you need?

Whether or not you need hardware may impact your choice of broadband package, for instance if you need hardware them you could choose a package that offers free hardware (whether that is a modem, router or wireless router).
Not all internet providers offer free hardware, and some include hidden charges for delivery of the modem, which are not always obvious as they are included in the smallprint. Alternatively some broadband providers offer incentives for not taking the hardware, for instance Pipex offer you 2 months FREE if you switch broadband providers and don't take up the free hardware offer.

If you don't already have a modem or router then you should look at the packages with the free hardware options as they generally will be more cost effective. Modems can cost around £30 so it is definately worth getting this included for free with your broadband package.
If you want a wireless connection then you can either purchase a wireless modem or router seperately from any of the internet service providers or purchase a package which includes one free, for instance Eclipse Evolution Option 4 and Eclipse Home Option 4 come with FREE wireless routers.

Click here to view the details of each of the broadband packages to see which hardware is offered with each package as well as comparing the packages with free of charge hardware.

5. Who in your household is going to be using the internet?

If you are not the only user of the internet in your house then the requirements of the other users need to be taken into account when purchasing your broadband.
For instance some memebers of your household may only want basic use, while others may want high speeds and usage.

If you have a number of computers in your house then a broadband package with a wireless router may be the most appropriate (assuming your computer is wireless enabled) enabling easy connection for a number of computers.

6. Broadband only package or bundled package?

By purchasing your broadband along with a phone package you can benefit from generous savings. Many providers now offer phone and broadband bundles, whilst there are also phone, Broadband and TV packages about, such as those offered by Sky.

Click Here to view a list of broadband bundle offers.

7. Is there a specific broadband provider you want to use?

Finally it is always worth looking at the broadband providers that have had good reviews or those that people have recommended to you.
In addition to this there may be broadband providers that you don't want to use due to bad press or recommendations, hence whatever is offered this needs to be considered.

If you are still unsure about which package to choose you can always sign up for a monthly contract allowing you to test the provider and package without being tied in for a long period.

Once you have decided what type of broadband package you want then you can view a comprehensive list at www.CompareBroadbandPackages.co.uk.
But when you have chosen a broadband provider you should check there are no hidden fees you are not aware of.

Back to top of the page...

Broadband Buying Guide