Best For Broadband

When you join a new broadband provider check to see if there’s any cost for connection to their service. Most will offer this free, and some will even pay for any costs incurred to switch providers, as after all they want your business! The cost is basically a set up charge and may include the cost of sending out a free modem and and administration and testing that needs to be done.

Be wary of any expensive connection charges. Broadband is quite extensive across the UK and the majority of our featured providers don’t charge any conncection fees. If fees are included it’s important to account for these when comparing monthly charges. For example, a small monthly charge may be compensated for by a hefty set up fee!

Broadband connection speed is quite simply the speed you can download content from the internet. As broadband services have improved it’s been possible for service providers to offer faster and faster speeds with even up to 24 Megs offered by some companies.

However, it’s important to note that the speed of your connection may not be always what you have signed up to receive (a good service provider will tell you if you’re being hopeful of getting 8 Megs when your line will only manage 2!). There are a number of factors that influence the connection speed including your telephone exchange and the distance you are from it!

Very fast speeds are perhaps only really useful for gamers – the casual internet user may actually not notice too much difference between a 1 Meg connection speed and a 2 Meg speed – accept if it costs them more that is!

If you’re getting broadband for the very first time then you’re going to need a broadband modem. A dial-up one won’t be sufficient. The good news is that most broadband providers will give you a modem absolutely free when you join them. This usually comes with installation software and other equipment that you will require to get started.

Broadband is great especially if you’d like to go wireless and it’s important to note that you may need to pay extra if you want a wireless set up as this requires different hardware. On some BT Total Broadband packages the Wireless Home Hub is available for free.

If you are using your own modem and/or router note that some providers will only offer technical support on the modem/router that they supplied.

Most Broadband providers will charge you a monthly fee for the use of their service. Costs tend to be from £10 a month upwards depending on what services you require and which tariffs you choose. Don’t always assume that the cheapest monthly payment offer is the best for you! When comparing prices make sure you know what’s on offer. You may for example be limited to the amount of downloads you can make or have a slower broadband connection.

In recent months broadband packages have started to include phone call options. Make sure you’re not paying extra for services you don’t need or won’t use!

Everyone likes the idea of free broadband, but remember nothing in the world is free and the services offered by the likes of Sky and Talktalk come with their own sets of terms and conditions.

Our advice is try and get an unlimited download package with highest connection speed at the cheapest price. If you’re a n average internet user, you can then sacrifice speed (as not everyone will attain the highest download speeds) and then download usage to reach the price you’re happiest with!

Choosing a broadband provider isn’t always easy. After all you want value for money as well as ongoing quality service. Some people join an Internet Service Provider (ISP) based on recommendations from their friends, others are influenced by cost, whilst customer service and download speed are important to other people (especially online gamers and those who like to download movies and tunes on a regular basis).

Best for Broadband features a number of the top internet service providers (ISP) in the UK. The aim is to simply provide you with a guide to their offers and compare their latest deals. Not all providers are listed though and we aplogise in advance if the guide is limited. However, we feel we cover enough top brands to provide you with enough choice to decide who is best for broadband.

If you are already have broadband and are considering switching to a new provider, then it’s important to make sure you’re not stuck in the middle of a contract period. If it’s fine to switch then the good news is that most (if not all) ISP’s will make it easy for you to join their service. Some may even pay any fees that are due.