Comparing Internet Service Providers

Choosing an internet provider does inevitably require some comparisons. It is no longer a simple matter of wanting to be connected. Internet access today is a big and complex subject, filled with jargon that can be difficult to understand for the technologically challenged.

Making a Connection
Each type of connection has different characteristics and is not necessarily available all over the UK. For the average home user there are three main choices:

Fixed broadband
Mobile broadband
Cable

The easiest way to find out which of these you can get at your home address is by visiting a broadband comparison site and searching for ‘internet service providers in my area’ and entering your home postcode.

Fixed
Fixed broadband is by far the most common in the UK and uses an existing telephone line to bring the service into your home. This is usually known as an ADSL connection.

Mobile
Mobile or portable broadband allows the user to connect to the internet from anywhere that has coverage. You can use a laptop or other device, often using a dongle, which is a USB modem device.

Cable
Cable broadband uses fiber-optic technology to deliver broadband services to the home through a special cable modem.

How to Choose
It is unlikely that you will live in an area where all three technologies are available, but if you do there are still decisions to be made in terms of choosing the best type of broadband to suit your specific needs. Here are a few key areas you may want to consider:

Are you looking for broadband only or a bundle, which can include telephone calls and TV?
Is there a set-up or installation fee as well as a monthly charge?
The contract. How long do you want to sign up for? Does the length of contract affect the monthly charge? Will you get any benefits, such as free equipment, for signing up for longer?
Speed. How fast you need your connection to be will depend on how you intend to use your broadband. For example, a mobile connection is usually not fast enough for gaming.
If you have a high usage per month, check the small print regarding the provider’s fair-usage policy. Some will charge exorbitantly for exceeding certain limits.
Portability. If you need to use broadband services at more than one location, then this will usually limit your choice to a mobile broadband provider.
Do you want extras such as web storage, a firewall and several e-mail addresses? Some ISPs will charge more for providing these types of services.
Customer Support. Does the provider have a robust after-sales support policy for technical or other issues? Are they available 24/7 and is their call centre based in the UK? How much does it cost to phone them?

Summary:
When you set out to choose a broadband service, start by looking at several comparison websites. Make use of the facility to check ‘internet service providers in my area’ and compare deals for the available services. Make a shortlist of possible providers and read some non-advertorial reviews. Finally, always check their terms and conditions for hidden charges.

This may seem like a lot of work but in the long run it could save you from spending a lot of unnecessary money or ending up with a completely unsuitable broadband contract.

Author Bio:

Tamara Matthews is the editor of a renowned broadband technology company. Tamara likes to share her knowledge and ideas on broadband and cable providers. You can check her latest articles: internet service providers in my area, AT&T internet etc.