Choosing a Broadband Supplier
Selecting the right broadband supplier is important whether you use broadband at home or in a business. The level of choice you have will depend on how your broadband connection will be delivered. If you already have an ISP (Internet Service Provider) they may be able to provide your broadband connection.
If you are able to get a cable or wireless broadband connection then there may be only one supplier providing each of these services in your area. When it comes to satellite broadband there are a number of suppliers and for ADSL broadband the choice runs to hundreds of providers. But whichever way your broadband is to be delivered there are a number of things you should consider in selecting a potential provider.
Things to consider are as follows:
- Is it better to go for a big well-known national ISP or a smaller local one? The size of the company isn't necessarily important, but what it can do for you certainly is. Larger ISPs may offer cheaper deals but sometimes their telephone help lines are on premium rate and can be expensive. They may try to entice you with extras - like access to multi-channel websites - that you may not need, while a smaller local company may provide a more personalised service, but it may be a bit more expensive.
- What services does the ISP offer and at what price? Are a range of speeds available, extra email addresses or do they permit a network of computers to be connected to one connection?
- An important question is how is the ISP going to help you if you have difficulties? Is there just a website or do they provide telephone support? An advantage of local suppliers is that engineers may be available to come out and help you though this level of support could cost quite a lot.
- What equipment does the ISP supply and at what price? e.g. ADSL modem or wireless receiver.
- What average speeds does the ISP deliver? - Some ISPs seem to consistently provide higher speeds than others.
- What is the ISP's service availability rate? They should be able to verify the time their service is available for use.
- Business users who are very dependent on their broadband connection, may want to ask if the ISP offers a Service Level Agreement (SLA) which states the minimum levels of service.
- What is the contention ratio they offer? i.e. how many other users are allowed to use the service at the same time as you?
- What is the minimum contract period? Some ISPs sign you up for a minimum period of a year while others offer six or even one month contracts. They may also offer a lower introductory subscription or a discount for paying by direct debit or signing up over the Internet.
- Is there a notice period to end the contract and how long is it?
- Ask your friends who use broadband about their ISPs and the experience they have had with them. The person who sold you your computer may also be able to help.
- There are online forums and websites that compare ISPs and Which? Magazine regularly publishes performance tests of ISPs - your local library should have copies.
- Business users may want to ask the ISP to provide them with reference clients.
If you currently use ISDN lines and want to change to ADSL ask the ISP if they offer that service.