Broadband is the common term for a high speed internet connection – one that can send or download information many times faster than with a standard telephone and modem.

All the most commonly asked questions are below:

What is broadband?

What is ADSL broadband?

What are the broadband benefits for business?

How do I get Broadband installed?

How much does Broadband cost?

For any further information on broadband, please contact our web advisory team


Broadband is..
the fastest way to connect to the Internet. You can do everything you want to do online more quickly and more easily with broadband. There is simply no more waiting for pages to download, files to download or be uploaded. It also means:

• Your internet access is always on, like electricity or tap water
• You don't have the trouble of dialling-up and logging-on each time you want to do something online
• You're always in touch with your customers and suppliers. They are only a click away with email or instant messaging
• There are no surprise costs or restrictions on accessing the internet
• You can still make and take normal telephone calls while on the internet
• Download complex and graphic-rich websites virtually instantly
• Download music, animations and video clips faster than ever
• Send interactive games with your logo or corporate message at top speed around the world
• Receive internet radio and other real time services without interruption
• Run your business more efficiently and effectively
• Work from home with high speed access to corporate networks

ADSL Broadband
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is the generic name for a technology that allows large amounts of digital information to be sent over an ordinary copper telephone line. DSL increases the bandwidth possible over the line, enabling broadband services to be offered and received in the home or at work.

DSL can only offer broadband data speeds where the telephone line between home or office and the telephone exchange is a maximum of 5.5km, roughly 2.5 miles, long. From Summer 2003 we plan to extend the reach of our broadband services so that around 97 per cent of houses on enabled exchanges will be able to receive broadband. BT sells wholesale DSL-based broadband to a wide range of service providers who in turn market and sell broadband services to businesses and individuals.

ADSL - Asymmetric DSL - is so called because it allows information to be downloaded to the home or office more quickly than information is uploaded. This makes it particularly suitable for internet surfing and for downloading files, music, movie and sports clips. In other words, ADSL is ideal for home and business use.

Broadband for business means:
Many businesses have already recognised the benefits of internet access but are still using traditional dial up services which tie up the telephone line. Businesses which have taken the plunge for broadband services report increased sales, greater cost savings, better productivity, improved employee satisfaction and a healthier bottom line overall as a result.

Keep in touch 24hrs a day

• Broadband services put an end to the dull routine of using a dial-up connection via a telephone modem and the need to repeat the process every time the connection fails.
• With broadband, when you’re switched on, you’re always online, with virtually instant access to any information or service.
• Because broadband splits your existing telephone line, you can make and take voice calls as normal even when you are online – no more frustrating engaged tones for your customers and suppliers.

Reach a global marketplace

• With your own interactive website and multiple email addresses you can improve your image and the way you deal with your existing customers, as well as more effectively market and sell your goods and services to a global audience.

Web services are more reliable

• Put an end to the frustrating world wide wait for even the simplest website to appear with downloads at up to 40 times the speed you can get via a standard telephone and modem.
• Searching for and checking out potential customers and suppliers on the internet, and downloading or transmitting all kinds of information, graphics, materials and guidance becomes quicker and easier.

Keep your costs under control

• Fixed monthly charges are the norm with broadband services so there is no extra to pay no matter how often you use it.
• Fast, direct access to your corporate networks and files as easily as if you were in the office. And as you can be online and on the phone at the same time, you can use video-conferencing to play a full part on projects and in meetings.

To get broadband installed
There are different ways of receiving broadband services – over a telephone line, a cable connection, via one or two way satellite systems and even by radio – and there are many companies who offer these services. To actually use broadband services, you will need to sign up with a service provider such as BT, AOL, Freeserve, Tiscali, Virgin etc For a summary, go to: www.ispreview.org

To receive broadband you will need:

• To be connected to a telephone exchange that has been enabled for broadband
• A BT phone line that has passed a number of technical tests
• A phone line between your office and the telephone exchange that is a maximum of 5.5km or roughly 2.5 miles long. From Summer 2003, BT plan to extend the reach of our broadband services so that around 97 per cent of businesses on enabled exchanges will be able to receive broadband
• To have a contract with a service provider offering broadband

Broadband will cost:

Approx £85 -£110 for the modem to connect your computer or network to the Internet and monthly charges vary from one provider to another starting from £25 per month flat fee.