What Is Broadband?

Broadband is most typically defined as a high speed internet connection, which allows large amounts of data to be transferred very quickly.

Broadband is faster and easier to use than older modes of connecting to the internet, which was over telephone lines, and using a modem to dial up.

Broadband can either be provided using your phone line, using cable, fibre optic, satellite and these days wireless broadband through 3G by mobile phone companies is becoming increasingly popular.

One critical difference between broadband and the older dial up technology is that broadband connections allow you to use the internet without tying up your phone lines. That is to say you can surf the internet whilst making calls from your phone at the same time.

Another broadly used definition is that broadband is meant to operate as always being on, like an electricity connection, when you want to use it, you simply plug your device into the network. There is no requirement to dial into the internet.

Broadband, therefore, has many features that can be taken advantage of in the home or office:

• In Britain, broadband customers pay a standard monthly fee for internet access, which usually gives the customer unlimited access to the internet. The customer is not charged for time spent on the internet, though there is a growing trend for pay as you go internet access plans, particularly in the mobile broadband space.

• Broadband allows websites, music and video to be downloaded at a much faster rate than the older dial up connections.

• Broadband allows users to take advantage of instant messaging and play multi-player online games.

• Broadband lets customers stream internet radio and video, as well as make very low cost internet based telephone calls known as voice over internet protocol (VOIP).

Broadband essentially allows for high speed internet access, and a fast connection makes the user experience more satisfying and for business users, helps their business run more efficiently.

The advent of broadband now means that working from home is actually a viable option.

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting

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