How to Compare Broadband Offers
With so many UK providers offering several options, it can
be in fact hard to select a broadband package that suits your supplies. Here
are the main factors to believe when buying a home broadband solution.
Average Broadband Download Speed
Up until recently, broadband providers were able to just promote
their 'Up to' speed. However, recent regulation now means that they have to
show the 'Average speed'.
The average speed is defined as being the speed that at
least 50% of customers get during peak time. The UK government exchanges
regulator, Ofcom, defines peak time as being in the middle of the hour of 8pm -
10pm.
Despite the change, the actual speed that you will obtain
will of course depend on a number of factors including:
• The type
of connection e.g. cable or fibre
• How far
your home is from the telephone exchange box
• The area
you live in
• The time
of day you are using the connection
Generally talking, the faster the average speed, the more costly
the package will cost. Deciding on what speed you need is gritty by what you
are using it for.
If you just want to surf the internet and get the odd email
then a standard broadband connection may suffice. On the other hand, if you are
going to stream music and movies, play online gaming or have a family that uses
multiple devices at the same time, then a much faster fibre connection is
required.
You can always upgrade your broadband connection if you find
it's too slow but you may incur addition costs if you do this whilst in the
middle of your contract period.
Type of Broadband Package
Broadband providers generally offer three types of package:
1. Broadband
only
2. Broadband
and phone
3. Broadband
and phone with TV
As you generally require a phone connection to have
broadband, there are only a few that will offer broadband only. When you
compare broadband, you'll find that most packages will automatically include a
Wi-Fi router, line rental and some kind of call rate package.
A number of suppliers will also offer a TV bundle on top of
the broadband and phone connection. This TV package can vary greatly among
providers but usually involves some or all of the following:
• The
supply of a box that can record multiple hours of TV
• The
ability for the box to rewind and pause live TV
• The
ability to watch Freeview channels
• The
option to subscribe to premium channels such as Sky Sports, BT Sport or movies
• The
ability to watch catch-up TV and On-Demand programmes
Broadband contract length
Once you sign up to a broadband package, you will have a
cooling off period during which time you can cancel. However, if you decide you
no longer want the package or wish to switch to a new provider, then you may
incur penalty fee charges for cancelling early,
Therefore, it's important to ensure you are satisfied with
the length of the contract you are signing up to and the terms within that
contract.
Generally speaking broadband providers offer the following
contract options:
• 12 Month
Contract
• 18 Month
Contract
• 24 Month
Contract
• No
Contract
A no contract option is just that. You pay your fees month
to month until you decide you don't want it. However, a no contract option
usually has increased per month cost compared to a longer contract period.
Broadband Set Up Cost
This is the up front cost that the provider charges you to
set up the broadband connection and/or the cost of package and posting to get
the equipment sent to your home.
Some providers do not charge any set up fee or will
sometimes have offers to include the set up free of charge.
Monthly Cost
This is the ongoing monthly fee that you will be paying for
your broadband connection.
