|
|
When reading about the packages and latest offers from the main broadband providers
you will notice two important aspects creep up time and time again:
- The speed of the connection i.e. 512k, 1MB, 2MB, 4MB, 8MB. This obviously affects
the speed at which you can download files such as music, but also the ability to
smoothly stream (watch) video and TV directly over the Internet
- A monthly download limit. Most broadband packages include a download limit such
as 1GB per month. This limit determines how much video, music, web pages and email
you can receive over your broadband connection in a particular time period - often
a month. A 1GB limit would not last for long if you are a heavy user of streamed
video. To understand roughly what is possible with various download limits, take
a look at this guide provided by BT.
With this in mind, your broadband package choice should be based on the requirements
of your family. Here are some things you might like to think about:
- Will you watch live TV over the Internet, perhaps foreign shows?
- Do you have a teenager who would like to stream pop videos directly over the Internet
and also download music files?
- Is gaming an important feature? Most games these days allow you to play with friends
over the Internet and some games have a minimum connection speed.
- Will you be downloading large files such as software programmes. If so, would you
like to be using the software within minutes or are you happy to leave it an hour
or 2?
- Do you have a webcam? High resolution (good quality) video requires a faster connection.
Another important thing to note is whether you are happy with your current telephone
& TV providers. There are an increasing number of suppliers offering a Broadband
+ Digital TV + Telephone bundle at low prices - see the special offers below for
some examples from NTL, Telewest & HomeChoice.
|
|