Streamyx

Nearly every home in the UK has access to the internet, and most of those now have a broadband connection. But for the uninitiated, what exactly is broadband all about?

In a nutshell, broadband is a faster connection to the internet. Instead of the 'dial-up' method, where you get a speed of around 56 kilobits per second, an average broadband connection is potentially 16 megabits per second (one megabit is 1024 kilobits). Another advantage of broadband is the separate connection from your phone; a broadband modem comes with a splitter box which divides your landline between your modem and the phone so you can talk while surfing the net.

There are two main types of broadband connection: ADSL and Cable. ADSL simply uses your existing phone line and, via a special modem, converts it to a high-speed connection. Cable is delivered via a special cable which can also transmit your telephone and digital TV, if you wish. Not all areas have cable access, so for some the ADSL connection may be the only option.

Some of the main benefits of having a broadband connection are:

Speed - Practically everything you can do on the internet - web applications, online games, watching videos - will be faster with broadband.

Constant connection - Most broadband accounts are constantly connected to the internet, meaning you don't have to worry about your connection dropping when you're in the middle of downloading PC updates etc.

Flat monthly rate - Rather than watching the clock or only going online in the evening - the busiest time - with a broadband connection you just pay a flat fee every month and you can use the internet any time for as long as you like.

More to do - With broadband you can do so much more than with a dial-up connection. You can use your PC as a television, play games online against other real-life players (World of Warcraft is an example), and even use it to call others in the world for free. The latter uses a program called Skype, and calls between two Skype users are free regardless of distance.

When comparing broadband packages for the first time, there are things you need to be aware of. Signing up with a broadband provider is a contract like any other, so make sure you know what you're getting yourself into.

Price - the price you see advertised may not always be the price you pay. Often a new user will be offered an introductory rate of 6.49 per month, but after three months this could rise to 12.99 per month. Ensure you will be able to afford the higher rate for the full term.

Contract - the contract length should be taken into account, as well as any fees payable for cancelling early. Most broadband contracts are 12 months, but some can be as long as 18 months; the monthly fees on these tend to be lower but the cancellation fees higher. There are some providers who offer 1 month contracts, but you would still have to pay a penalty fee if you cancel your service within 12 months.

Speed - One of the most frequent complaints consumers have about their broadband is that the speed they get doesn't match the speed they pay for. Sadly, around 96% of broadband users get considerably less than the advertised speed. For example; if someone had an 'up to' 8mb connection, in reality they may only get speeds of 2 or 3mb. This is due in part to your distance from the broadband exchange, but can be caused by the time of day you go on, or a number of other things. Most providers will now test your line to give you a reasonable idea of the speed you can expect.

Usage caps - You may have seen broadband packages advertised with '2GB download limit' or some such offer. This means that you can download up to 2GB of data in one month. It sounds a lot but remember, every webpage you look at counts as a download - if you're a die-hard web surfer or you like watching online movies etc, you may be more suited to a higher limit or unlimited usage.

Availability - Not all broadband providers cover all of the UK. You may find that the provider with the cheapest deal doesn't have an exchange near you; in this case you would have to find one who does. If you have a phone line with Telewest or NTL you may be limited to broadband with that company. Those with BT lines tend to have more choice.

Bundles - Some providers offer a media bundle - phone, broadband and sometimes digital TV for a single monthly rate. Often you can get a good deal with one of these bundles, but only if you genuinely need all the services. If you only need broadband, then look for a stand-alone package.

Customer reviews - if you're on a dial-up connection this may take a while, but it's always worth looking at reviews by existing or past customers of broadband providers to give you an idea of what to expect. There have been reports of shoddy customer service from some, which of course you wouldn't be aware of until it happened to you! Save yourself the stress by doing your research.

If you've decided you want high-speed internet, first compare broadband providers available in your area to find the best deals. If you have an existing broadband connection that you think isn't up to speed, take a broadband speed test to see if you're getting what you pay for.