August 13th, 2009 | Broadband, Broadband Providers, Mobile Broadband
Mobile broadband providers in the UK are fiercely competitive and all claim to be the best. This brief survey of the top 5 mobile UK broadband providers reflects the latest industry survey at the beginning of June 2009. All providers offer similar packages ranging in price from £10 to £20, depending on features and length of contract. A performance survey by P3 Solutions during the first quarter of 2009 named T-Mobile Broadband for the third time as the leader for its e-mail reliability, quick uploading speed, and fast Web browsing ability. A similar survey by YouGov ranked T-Mobile first in six categories of customer satisfaction, including network coverage (all broadband users note that service outside 3G areas is slower than dial-up).
Sharing second place were Vodafone Small Business, voted Best Wireless ISP by industry peers at the 2008 UK Internet Industry Awards, and Vodafone. The former offers a free USB modem stick as a deal sweetener, while the latter provides a Dell Inspiron mini notebook. O2 Mobile Broadband was rated third, but customers said that its service staff was reasonable and easy to reach.
Fourth-ranked 3 Mobile Broadband tries to entice customers with a free USB modem, but users report slowdowns when apparently too many people log on at the same time, suggesting a lack of network capacity. Users also complain about poor customer support. Some of fifth-ranked Orange Mobile Broadband’s customers who use laptops report having to reboot in order to activate their USB dongle connection.
August 11th, 2009 | Broadband Deals, Broadband Equipment, Broadband Providers
Today in the UK, there are over 100 broadband packages available from dozens of Internet service providers (ISPs). These ISPs offer a number of options, besides low price and fast speed. Some plans come with free security software, some provide unlimited free phone calls within the UK, some provide a free modem or a free router, and some even offer a free laptop.
Choosing the right broadband provider is often just a question of choosing the right broadband plan. Of course, it is a good idea to speak with neighbours and friends to make sure the companies you are thinking about using offer good service in your area. Also, it is a good idea to learn what extras are offered and to think clearly about which ones you would like. If free phone calls are important, you can look for a plan that offers that. If you will be doing a lot of downloading, you will want faster speed. If you have more than one computer at home, you will want a router so that both computers can be online at the same time.
Once you know what service you need, look online for broadband comparison sites. They will give you the latest deals and can help you make an informed decision. If you are looking for a package with a free router, Pipex, AOL, O2, TalkTalk, Virgin Broadband, and BT all offer plans that include a free router.
August 7th, 2009 | Broadband Providers, Broadband Reviews
The broadband provider that all others are compared to (for better or for worse), is America Online (AOL) – a mega-provider in the UK and around the world. When it comes to fixed-line broadband, AOL is a standard-setter, though many claim it has gotten a bit too big for its britches (a theory that is widely argued). AOL Broadband set the bar when it became the first Internet provider to offer a wireless router as part of its standard package, and its software and other products remain easy to use and simple to install, a big plus in this complex industry.
The one major downside to AOL service is its customer service and technical support. There are no toll-free numbers, nor is service available 24/7, as it is for many other (smaller) broadband providers in the UK. For business broadband users, this isn’t the end of the world (as AOL’s service lines adhere to business hours); for home users in the UK, this can be something of a drawback. Other than the service caveat, however, AOL packages are unparalleled, and even their most basic deals include anti-virus software, spam filters, parent-control functions, and pop-up blockers. AOL has been in business for almost 25 years (launching in the US at first) and its pricing remains competitive and attractive. AOL UK was bought by Carphone Warehouse a few years back, and that company also acquired Tiscali and TalkTalk along the way. AOL’s customers (over 1.7 million in the UK) are a satisfied lot, taking advantage of all this broadband superstar has to offer.
August 6th, 2009 | Broadband Comparison, Broadband Deals, Broadband Providers
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) generally offer subscription packages that can be acquired throughout the year. Most of these broadband providers have standard broadband packages, whilst offering other packages that last for only a short while, during which the ISP promotes a particular deal. The latest broadband deals, comparisons and reviews can be accessed via the Internet and through particular Internet sites that offer customers basic, important information about different companies and their latest offers.
Often, broadband deals are created to entice customers to sign up quickly to the company. In addition, these broadband deals not only have an expiry date, but they are also often developed in conjunction with an existing package. Occasionally, customers can find a broadband deal or package that is totally unique. For those intending to sign up to a limited deal, being aware of price is something that should take priority. Indeed, often, the introductory price is much cheaper than the price of the remaining subscription.
Some different broadband deals include: 1) the O2 standard package costs £12.23 per month for 8Mbps and unlimited downloads. This is a one-year contract. 2) Virgin Size L broadband package costs £15.00 a month for 10Mbps and unlimited downloads, and a 12-month contract. 3) PlusNet Value Broadband costs £5.99 per month for 8Mbps and 10GB of downloads per month, on an 18-month contract. 4) BT Option 1 Broadband costs £7.78 for the first three months and £15.65 thereafter for 8Mbps and 10GB of downloads per month, on an 18-month contract.
August 4th, 2009 | Broadband, Broadband Equipment
When people purchase a broadband plan, very often they don’t get the speed they thought they were buying. Broadband is about fast Internet, but all too often, what people buy is not what they get. It’s important to keep in mind that this is true for all providers; traffic and distance to the exchange are the likely culprits. Ofcom, the government watchdog, is monitoring the situation and demanding that broadband companies take care to offer realistic services. No matter what speed your package is, broadband should be considerably faster than the old dial-up service.
Broadband gives you fast Internet; however, many people have unrealistic expectations and then they’re disappointed. Download speed can be affected by a lot of things: where your modem and antenna are placed, how much traffic is on a particular site, or downloading something very large. It might be due to unrelated software on your computer or a problem in your phone line. Sometimes being far away from the phone exchange can give you bad service. Often people find that certain times of the day are slower than others. This can be due to a high volume of customers on a particular Web site or many users in your area. Occasionally, cables, modems and routers can be responsible. Make sure yours are optimized for your plan. In any case, if you are not happy with your service, speak to your provider; very often with a little tweaking, your service can be much improved.
July 31st, 2009 | Broadband Comparison, Broadband Deals, Broadband Providers
It wasn’t long ago when the idea of hi-speed Internet was nothing more than that – an idea. Indeed, not only did the fantasy seem far away in the distant future, but even then it was expected to cost thousands of pounds annually, making it inaccessible to all but the wealthy few. Today broadband is the growing trend, having become cheaper, more accessible, and more established throughout the world.
Presently, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer broadband access at almost the same cost as dial-up, a clear indication of the direction the broadband market is heading.
To help give you an idea of the current, favourite packages available, please see the below list for the current top ten broadband comparison deals in the UK below:
1) O2 Standard: 8Mbps, unlimited downloads, 12-month contract.
2) Virgin Size L Broadband + TV + M phone: 10Mbps, unlimited downloads, 12-month contract.
3) Virgin Size L Broadband: 10Mbps, unlimited downloads, 12-month contract.
4) Virgin Size XL broadband + phone: 20Mbps, unlimited downloads, 12-month contract.
5) O2 Premium: 20Mbps, unlimited downloads, 12-month contract.
6) PlusNet Value: 8Mbps, 10GB download per month, 18-month contract.
7) Post Office Phone with Broadband extra: 8Mbps, unlimited downloads, 12-month contract.
8) Virgin XXL broadband + phone + TV: 50Mbps, unlimited downloads, 12-month contract.
9) BT Anywhere Broadband with ToGo phone: 8Mbps, unlimited downloads, 18-month contract.
10) BT Option 1 Broadband: 8Mbps, 10GB download per month, 18-month contract.
July 30th, 2009 | Broadband, Mobile Broadband, Wi-Fi Networks
Hotspots in the UK are of such importance to its residents that it’s said that prospective homeowners may soon start asking real estate agents how fast the Internet connection is at a particular address. And no wonder. Internet connections of 8–24Mbps enable businesses to work more quickly and get more done, with less aggravation. How far a home or business is from a particular telephone exchange can determine whether it’s in a hotspot or a not-spot. Although the government has promised that by 2012, all homes in the UK will be able to have broadband access at a speed of at least 2Mbps, there are still places, and not only in the most rural, remote areas of the UK, where this remains a dream. We won’t even mention that in some countries, speeds of 100 Mbps are the norm.
So far, the large cities, such as Central London, Belfast, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds, have the highest percentage of homes and businesses that enjoy high speed Broadband availability.
Other areas, without the capability to even reach 2Mbps, are known as not-spots. If the Internet connection is too slow, surfing the Internet becomes an arduous chore. Many people in these not-spots are unable to work from home, use Facebook or Twitter, view particular Web sites, or even shop online. A grassroots campaign has been started by ThinkBroadband for people who believe that their area is in a not-spot to enter their postal code in order to ascertain which areas are in need of an upgrade. The government will be provided with this information to come up with viable solutions to turn the not-spots into, well, if not hotspots, then at least warm spots.
July 28th, 2009 | Broadband Providers, Broadband Reviews, Mobile Broadband
For anyone who must always be connected, Vodafone Broadband is a primary utility and an absolute necessity. If you are always on the go, you should consider an alternative to your reliable but limited fixed-line home broadband. Indeed, the time may have come for you to consider investing in mobile broadband, such as the dongle from Vodafone broadband. Vodafone is known as one of the top broadband providers in the market and this reputation is being carried into the mobile broadband market. In fact, Vodafone boasts a headline speed of up to 7.2Mbps. This is faster than any of its competitors in the 3G mobile broadband market. Tests from reputed companies and organisations have confirmed Vodafone’s position as a provider of the fastest mobile Internet (though critics have stated that its average download speed rarely exceeds 1.2Mbps).
More and more people are enjoying the flexibility and mobility that Vodafone’s mobile broadband offers, irrespective of speed. Vodafone has a variety of mobile broadband package options. Aside from the pay-as-you-go option, customers can also choose a one-month rolling contract. While Vodafone broadband is not one of the cheaper broadband options (indeed, it is one of the most expensive), it does boast one of the quickest, with download speeds often double that of competitors. In addition, with Vodafone, users can roam in over 100 countries; for some businessmen, this may be exceedingly useful. Vodafone, is not simply one of the fastest 3G networks, it is also one of the most reliable, as confirmed by a series of independent trials by one of the world’s largest engineering companies.
July 24th, 2009 | Broadband Comparison, Broadband Deals, Broadband Providers
Broadband providers abound – what you’re looking for are the ones that offer the best broadband packages. First on your list is to figure out what your particular needs are and what you’re looking for in a broadband connection. Are you looking for a reliable high-speed connection mostly for work and for communicating with your colleagues, or are you more interested in a top-quality connection that will enable you to download music and videos quickly or that will allow you to play online combat games? Once you know what’s important to you and how much time you’re likely to be using your computer, you’ll have an idea of what you should be considering as factors in hunting down that best deal.
Some providers also offer free wireless connectivity, which comes in handy if you have many people in the same house who want to use the Internet at the same time. Often you can get a cheaper price when using one provider for both your Internet connection and your phone service. Orange, for example, offers free evening and weekend phone calls. Sky offers credit for those who switch to their service, Virgin Broadband gives a free Virgin Mobile SIM with 100 minutes, and PlusNet provides discounted calls to mobile phones. One way to find out what the best deal for you is to check the Internet sites, such as ThinkBroadband.com, which rate the different broadband providers. You can compare prices and services offered, taking into account that the more you know about what you’re looking for, the more likely you are to find it.
July 21st, 2009 | Broadband Comparison, Broadband Deals
Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? A fast broadband Internet connection that you don’t have to pay for? What’s the catch? Sometimes there’s a download limit, and in the past it’s happened that when free broadband services were offered by a particular provider, they were so flooded by people who wanted to subscribe that it took weeks to sign them all up and, as a result, the connection speeds weren’t all that good. If you’re paying for outgoing phone calls, digital TV, and a fee for the phone line itself, getting the broadband access at no cost will actually save you a hefty chunk of money over the year. The quality of free broadband has gotten better, but it’s better for ‘easy’ types of Internet use, such as sending e-mails or checking up on how your bank account is faring. If you want to download music or videos, however, you might find yourself chaffing at the download limit mentioned above.
There are many sites on the Internet that offer free broadband deals, which are definitely worth checking. By investigating the various packages that the competing companies are offering, the terms of which tend to fluctuate according to season or the economy, you’ll be able to find the best deal for your particular circumstances, based on what you envision you’ll be using the Internet for. In addition, one of the most important things to check out is what kind of customer service is provided if a problem comes up. Just in case…