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Broadband Internet access is now becoming more widely available and according to BT, 99 per cent of homes and businesses can receive broadband. There are also different providers and this has helped to reduce the monthly charges, deals are now available from £9.99 per month. Once you are connected you have access to fast, always-on web browsing, music, video, online shopping, games and information about anything in the world. Another benefit of broadband is that you can use the telephone line at the same time as you are using the Internet.
In West Dorset the main method of getting connected to broadband is using Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) technology. For ADSL, you must be within a three-and-a-half kilometre radius of an ADSL-enabled exchange. New technology is extending that radius to around five-and-a-half kilometres.
You can check availability for your postcode by visiting www.broadbandchecker.co.uk. This website lists the various broadband providers available to you at your telephone number and summarises their costs and services. The list of Internet Service Providers(ISPs) includes Orange, BT, TalkTalk, tiscali and plusnet. Some companies are now luring potential customers with “free” broadband, however, when you do a check on your telephone number you may find that the ISP will not provide the “free” service in your area.
Top tips for choosing a suitable broadband provider:
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Length of contract: You should be aware that many broadband contracts are for a minimum of 12 months to 18 months, so ensure you choose a contract that is right for you.
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Connection: Check how long you will need to wait before being connected. It may take up to 3 weeks.
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Speed: Many providers offer download speeds of up to 8Mbps (Mega bits per second). These speeds are rarely achieved – the main factors are the line length from your telephone exchange, line quality and home wiring. BT’s ADSL checker www.adslchecker.bt.com/pls/adsl will tell you the maximum speed your line can achieve.
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Potential ADSL max broadband line rate:
Evershot Exchange (2Mbps or greater)
Maiden Newton Exchange (6Mbps to 8Mbps)
Corscombe Exchange (6.5Mbps to 8Mbps)
ADSL connections are also shared between you and your neighbours,
if you all download a large file at the same time, then the connection
speed will drop.
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Monthly usage allowance: Most broadband providers impose monthly limits on downloads from 1GB to 50GB. A 1GB per month limit is plenty for normal web browsing and emailing, but if you download music, software or play online games regularly, you will need a higher limit.
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Start-up costs: Check the cost of connection fees and whether the equipment you require is supplied or not. The provider will inform you when the line is ready and provide the instruction to configuring the hardware and Internet connection.
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User forums: Check user forums such as www.moneysavingexpert.com to read what other customers say about a provider and if any complaints have been logged.
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Already connected to broadband?
If you have broadband and would like to switch to another provider, then, you will need to ask your current provider for a MAC code. It may take up to 10 working days before you are switched to the new ISP. To check your existing broadband speed visit www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk, this may help you to determine which package is right for you.
Plusnet (www.plus.net/broadband) provide a good deal for light users. Existing broadband users can try plusnet risk free for 90 days. If you're not happy they'll refund your payments.
The extra speed using broadband access has also created new opportunities for people wishing to work from home. Internet telephony, video calls and remote PC access is helping employees and the self employed to run a ‘virtual office’ thus reducing the number of cars on our rural roads. The Dorset branch of CLA (Country Land & Business Association) is campaigning to improve the broadband service in rural areas.
Choosing a broadband provider