How to buy broadband?
Introduction
This article will be useful for those who enter the field of broadband for the first time. There are a few salient points to be considered before entering in to a contract with any broadband provider in UK. First consider how the service is going to be used. Based on the type of use, a proper service has to be selected. Because once a service is selected the same cannot be terminated or changed during the minimum contract period. The following points may be considered:
Will the Internet be used for basic browsing and emailing just by one person or there are multiple users in the house hold who would log on to the Internet at the sametime?
There is an option of having Internet and phone as a single package. This may be cost effective.
Is anyone interested in playing games on the Internet?
How many hours the Internet will be effectively used?
After making a decision based on the above points, one should examine some important points discussed below:
Period of contract
For any service there is a minimum contract period of at least 12 months. Some providers may want you to sign for a longer period by offering a better deal. Some providers offer even 3 months as minimum contract period. Decide on this aspect in the initial stages, since you will normally have to pay a sizeable cancellation fee to become released from the contract, once you are committed.
Company’s reputation and customer service
Although the installation and setting up of broadband is simple, the provider’s cooperation is very important when an unknown problem is encountered. Customer service is important, if you need to get in touch with your provider for whatever reason. The selected company should assure a favourable customer care service. Establish some personal contact with a responsible person of the company and discuss with that person all the details. It is good to know that you have somebody you can talk to, for advice.
Analyse the positive and negative points of the company’s reputation in assisting the consumer. It is better to read the feedbacks and customer reviews about the various broadband providers, you are considering and decide on the provider’s customer service levels
Internet speed
Broadband speed is an important point of consideration. The charges are generally decided based on the speed. If you intend to use the Internet for general email/chat purposes, it might be worth considering a less expensive service with low speeds. It may be worth paying more for a faster connection if you want to download lots of files frequently
Usage limits
The broadband charges also depend on the usage. The usage is measured based on the download or upload of data using the service. Although the Internet can be kept logged on 24 hours a day, the usage is decided mainly based the above factor. Most casual Internet users find 2GB per month more than sufficient. But if you consider downloading of lot of music or using multiple computers you may have to pay extra charges. There are also plans with unlimited download /upload limits. It is worth considering the upload /download limits offered by different providers while selecting the provider.
Setting up the service
While opting for a service provider you should also consider the set-up cost. These days most of the providers offer free set-up. If you have a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone it is advisable to talk to the provider to set-up a wireless modem even if it is required to pay additional set-up cost. This will enable browsing of the net with your mobile phone also using the broadband service. This will also help transfer of data or music from computer to mobile phone or vice versa.
Waiting time for installation
There has been some bad news recently about certain free broadband providers delaying set-up and installation of free broadband. It is there fore necessary to get time commitment before entering in to a contract. This will reduce the installation time period, considerably.
Type of connection
There are different types of broadband connections, such as ADSL, Cable or Satellite. The ADSL type of connection is provided using the telephone line. If a user has a cable television or live in an area with cable access, then such users can subscribe to a cable broadband Internet connection. Broadband connection through Satellite is suitable only for people who live in remote areas and cannot receive any other form of broadband Internet. Decide on suitable type of connection before hand if you go for ADSL connection; make sure the supplier you choose is compatible with the phone services in your home.
Bonus offers
There are broadband packages with bonus features such as web space and Spam protection. It is worth considering such offers while selecting the provider. But most computers come equipped with their own online security packages these days. So I the offer of a broadband provider may or may not be required. There is no point in getting a free offer, which is already available, from a broadband provider.
Other information:
