November 21st, 2009 | Broadband, Broadband Deals, Broadband Providers
While there is no question that newer desktops and laptops will work just fine with the services offered by most broadband providers, you may find that your older system prevents you from getting the full benefit of the several great broadband deals available today. Here are some factors to consider if you are not ready to upgrade your system to something newer.
Many UK broadband service providers recommend that your hard drive have a certain amount of random access memory or RAM, if you are to enjoy the full benefits of the service. As you compare broadband deals, make a point to identify the minimum amount of RAM recommended. If you cannot add additional memory to your system, it may be worthwhile investing in a new computer before ordering the service.
Some broadband services work with a wide range of operating systems, while others do not work well with some older models. Again, check to see what operating systems are recommended and in some cases, essential, in order to make use of the broadband connection before ordering the service.
Your system must also include an Ethernet card. If one is not present, you can check to see if your system can be modified to take one. However, you may find that it is better, in the long run, to simply upgrade to a system that is well within the recommendations for RAM and equipment provided by your prospective broadband provider.
Bear in mind that even if your system meets the minimum requirements, the connection may still be slow, due to a minimal level of RAM or a marginal operating system. If you are to enjoy the full benefits of your service, trade in your older system for one that will allow you to obtain the highest speed available from your provider.
November 16th, 2009 | Broadband, Broadband Providers
No matter which broadband provider you choose, there is a good chance you will need help from time to time. Most provide some degree of customer support in at least one or two formats. In the case of Tiscali Broadband, you actually have three different ways to obtain the assistance you need.
The quickest and easiest way to find help when you have a question or service issue is to consult the online help section. Located on the Tascali website, you can search the help section using different combinations of keywords, as well as scan the list of frequently asked questions. In many situations, you can make use of this resource and find your answer within a moment or two.
If you don’t find what you need, you can also send an email to the customer support team. Instructions for submitting such a request for information or assistance is also found on the Tascali website. Generally, the team will get back to you in a matter of hours, although more detailed queries may take longer to research and respond to.
There is also the possibility of speaking with a live person if you have questions on other services, troubleshooting a connection issue or even a query about the current status of your account. The customer support team is trained to provide a fast response to queries and can often provide you with assistance or an answer to your question in a matter of moments.
The nice thing about Tiscali Broadband is that even though the costs are low, there are still excellent customer support tools in place. Along with price, customer support is one of the main concerns for consumers and Tiscali keeps this in mind. While the chances of having an issue with your service are remote, Tiscali aims to ensure the issue is addressed and resolved as quickly as possible.
November 14th, 2009 | Broadband, Broadband Providers
The USO or Universal Service Obligation is a regulation, which ensures that providers of a given type of communication service should offer a minimum level of service to all citizens living within a given geographic area. The underlying legislation behind the USO is to ensure that subscribers to different services, such as telephone and various types of broadband can, if they choose, receive a level of service that is comparable to that enjoyed by their neighbours.
The concept of USO has long been present in terms of telephone service. While the onus is not on any single service provider to see to this task, it sometimes falls to a specific company to cover a particular geographic area and provide services that meet a prescribed minimum. The use of USO in providing residential and business telephone services has made it possible for anyone living or working in a rural area to enjoy the same level of telephone service as that found in a city.
In recent years, the idea of applying USO to broadband services across the UK has gained much attention. During 2009, supporters urged for the implementation of USO across the country, with a minimum speed of 2Mbps being mentioned. While not yet a reality, the idea is gaining momentum, especially as broadband providers seek ways to increase their client base.
What this would mean for consumers living in less populated areas is that they would have access to DSL, cable or some other form of broadband, where currently they could not take advantage of anything faster than a dial-up connection. The implementation of a minimum residential and business broadband speed would allow users living in rural areas to enjoy many of the online activities that urban users take for granted, such as downloading movie clips or listening to music online.
November 11th, 2009 | Broadband, Broadband Equipment
While broadband providers routinely offer to supply a broadband USB modem to new subscribers for a fee, you may find that purchasing your own modem is a better option. Here are some reasons why.
One important benefit of buying your own product is that you have control over the modem selection. For people that are technologically minded, they can assess their needs and compare broadband modems that are likely to work well with their current computer equipment. Often, the ability to make your own selection means that the modem is a better fit for your system and that you have immediate access to a warranty. That is not always the case when you allow your provider to choose the modem for you.
Also, you have the opportunity to compare pricing as well as function. While most broadband services charge a reasonable rate for their recommended modems, they are not necessarily the best on the market. You do pay for the convenience of having someone else doing the modem shopping for you, but are very likely to save a significant sum if you take the time to check out the options for yourself. This is especially true if you come across a suitable product while it is available at a discount.
Don’t assume that just because you are not particularly knowledgeable about modems you cannot manage the task of choosing one for yourself. You can easily go online and look up the modem offered by your provider and make a list of its features. From there, it is a matter of looking for products that offer at least the same features and read up on consumer reviews regarding any that catches your eye. In just a short time you will have a modem that is just what you need and at a price you can reasonably afford.
Netgear ADSL Router
November 8th, 2009 | Broadband, Broadband Deals, Broadband Providers
Not everyone is aware that Orange home broadband offer three distinct packages or solutions. While they each share some features, they are all designed to meet the needs of different users. Here is a brief description of each of the three solutions that Orange bring to the table.
First, there is the Home Starter Broadband option. With this solution, you receive speeds of up to 8Mbps and a decent 10GB monthly usage and a wireless router is included. There is also competitive pricing on calls from your landline as well as price breaks on evening and weekend calls.
For something a little more robust, you might consider the Home Select option. Like the starter package, Home Select provides speeds of up to 8Mbps. However, usage is unlimited, although still governed by a fair usage policy. You also get inclusive calls to landlines around the UK and to a select group of international locations. A wireless router is also provided with this option.
If you are a heavy broadband user, the Home Max solution is likely to be a good fit. It includes all the benefits of the Starter and Select packages, but takes everything a step or two further. With this package, there is no BT line rental payment to worry about. You enjoy unlimited calls, plenty of bandwidth to play games, watch movies online and do virtually anything you like with no concerns about charges for exceeding the fair usage guidelines.
Whether you are a casual user of the Internet or someone who makes regular use of online resources, there is an Orange home broadband solution that is right for you. Compare each package with those of other providers and there is a good chance that you will find one of the Orange options to be competitive in terms of price and service delivery.
November 5th, 2009 | Broadband, Broadband Providers, Broadband Reviews
Along with offering broadband deals that are affordable and reliable, PlusNet Broadband also makes it possible for customers to trim their costs by making use of the referral programme put in place by the company. Recognising that one of the most powerful public relations resources any company can have is happy customers, PlusNet seeks to reward their loyal clients by making it possible for them to earn by telling others about what the company offers. Here is how the plan works.
Any PlusNet customer can participate in the referral programme. There is no difficult sign-up process or even training seminars to attend before you start referring others to PlusNet. Instead, you simply alert friends, co-workers and family to how much you are enjoying your PlusNet service and invite them to check out the broadband plans offered by the company. If anyone signs up as a result of your efforts, you earn a monthly discount that is applied directly to your invoice amount.
Unlike some referral programmes, you do not stop earning after the initial sale. As long as the party continues to use the broadband service, you earn a small discount on your service each month. Since there is no limit on the number of people who can sign up due to your efforts, there is a good chance you could cover your entire monthly fee through referral activity. What could be better than free broadband?
The amount of the discount depends on which of the PlusNet broadband deals your acquaintance selects and maintains. More information can be found on the PlusNet website, including the latest schedule for earning discounts.
November 4th, 2009 | Broadband Providers, Broadband Reviews
When selecting a broadband provider, it is a good idea to look at the support network on offer in the event you have a question or need assistance. Be Broadband ranks highly when it comes to fast response to customer requests. In fact, there are several ways of organising assistance.
One approach is to make use of the live chat service on the company’s web site. This allows you to quickly correspond with a qualified representative of the company and receive an almost immediate response. There is generally not a long delay between sending your message and receiving a response, which means you won’t waste all day waiting for assistance.
There is also customer support by way of an online forum. In this case you have the chance to interact with support personnel as well as other users. This resource can often allow you to find answers quickly, especially if there is an existing thread, which is relevant to your question. The forum is restricted to current Be customers, so you do need to register before making use of this resource.
Finally, you can also contact customer support by phone. Be Broadband maintains a team around the clock, so you can talk with a representative live, even if it is two in the morning at the weekend.
The customer support offered by Be Broadband is easily equal to that of many other broadband providers and superior to a number of their competitors. The company aims to provide their customers with help now rather than later, which is one of the reasons that customers tend to remain loyal for so long. Give them a try and see if their level of support and the service they offer make your life a little easier.
October 30th, 2009 | Broadband Equipment, Broadband Providers, Broadband Reviews, Mobile Broadband
While most of us have heard of O2, not everyone is familiar with what is included in the company’s broadband packages. In fact there are several factors that make O2 worth your consideration.
One important factor is the range of coverage. It may surprise some people to learn that O2 now offers coverage anywhere in the United Kingdom. This is due to an agreement with BT to make use of their AFSL network in areas where O2 previously did not have a presence. The end result is that it doesn’t matter where you are, your home and mobile broadband will work.
As with many providers, O2 Home broadband include a fair use policy in their contracts. However, the terms of the contract are among the most liberal you will find with any broadband UK provider. Even if you are a relatively heavy broadband user, the chance of incurring additional charges is highly unlikely.
There is another factor that many users will find comforting. Customer support with O2 is not outsourced to some call-centre outside the United Kingdom. This means you will speak with a representative that is located within the UK. In an age when one never knows whether they are speaking with someone in Malaysia or some other exotic location, not having to deal with language issues can make the process much easier.
Of course, there are also such important factors as the up to 8Mbps that you can expect around the clock, the wireless router that comes with your service and the superior mail and messaging services offered by O2 Broadband. If you happen to live squarely in O2 territory, you can even upgrade to a platinum programme and receive up to 20Mbps. If you are shopping for a broadband provider, take the time to look into O2; you may find the company offers exactly what you are looking for.
October 28th, 2009 | Broadband, Broadband Deals, Broadband Providers
As you compare broadband options in your area, there is a good chance you will come across different plans that require specific commitments in terms of the duration of the contracts. You may wonder if there is any real benefit to committing yourself to one of a longer duration rather than opting for a short-term contract. In some cases, there is a significant benefit, while in others any gains are offset by liabilities that should be considered before making a commitment to a specific provider.
In the case of short-term contracts, you are committing to use the services of the provider for periods that usually run for around twelve months. This can be an ideal option if you are only in the area for a short time and do not want to go through the trouble of attempting to transfer your existing service to a new location. Also, if you are the type of individual who is uncomfortable with making long-term business commitments until you have an established history with a broadband provider, the short-term option provides you with a period in which to evaluate the performance being offered. Assuming all goes well, you can always opt for a longer contract at a later date.
However, you do get some immediate benefits from taking a long-term contract, such as a commitment of two to three years. The most immediate benefit is the price you pay for the service, as most broadband providers offer significant discounts off standard pricing if you are willing to commit to their services for more than a year. This means lower monthly charges, which can be important if your budget is limited.
Keep in mind that if you choose to terminate a long-term contract before it is completed, you may be held liable for the balance due, according to the provisions of the agreement. This can be a costly move and extremely frustrating, as it may take some time to persuade the provider to waive the charges for the unexpired part of the contract. For this reason, it is often a good idea not to enter into a long-term contract unless you are sure of the quality of service the broadband provider can supply.
In the end, only you can assess the pros and cons of different terms of service. Take time to compare the broadband deals on offer before you sign anything, and investigate the service record of the provider in great detail. Doing so will help you decide how much of a commitment you are willing to make and help you find a provider who offers a plan with terms you feel comfortable with.
October 27th, 2009 | Broadband Deals, Broadband Providers, Broadband Reviews, Mobile Broadband
Orange broadband has a lot to offer its customers, if one can get past its spotty history and less-than-stellar customer service. Putting aside its past mistakes however, Orange’s broadband service – particularly to its home-based customers – is improving all the time. Orange is owned by France Telecom who set out to conquer the UK market. Although over a million customers bought its pitch, it sadly wasn’t able to handle the load and became known as one of the worst service providers in the UK. Now that it is digging itself out of that hole, Orange customers can enjoy any one of its fixed-line and mobile broadband packages, especially the ones that combine the two (these are the best offers the company currently have).
To further regain the public’s trust and respect, Orange Broadband recently announced that it was beginning a trial of its 20Mbps service for home users. The hope is that it will be able to roll out by the end of this year and offer this super service for no more than what its 8Mbps services cost now. In addition, Orange offers a service for both home and mobile broadband that allows customers to access the Internet on their PC and on their mobile phone (for just £20 per month). Users who subscribe to this package get a fixed-line broadband, mobile broadband, and a free wireless router. With these and similar offerings, Orange is trying to complement their existing mobile and fixed broadband UK service range, as well as provide flexibility and bandwidth to its many customers. If it can continue to contend with its service issues and give customers what they are looking for, Orange has a good chance of moving up in the super-competitive UK broadband market.