There are many different types of broadband connections available. With people tending to know very little about the wide range of different connections that are available and there being so much technical terminology banded around, choosing the right one for you can be tricky.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the main types of broadband which are available to help you make sure that you’re making the right choices when it comes to getting broadband:
Dial-up connections
A dial-up internet connection tends to be much cheaper than other options but can be very slow and inconvenient.
If you don’t regularly use the internet, then having a dial-up connection may be a good idea for you as you have to connect to the web via a phone number that you call through your computer.
A dial-up connection means that your phone line is out of action whilst you’re connected to the internet, so is not the best or quickest option for those requiring regular internet access- an internal or external modem is required for a dial-up connection.
Wireless
Wi-fi uses radio frequency to connect to the internet and is one of the most flexible internet connections.
With wi-fi available to connect to in most public places from cafes to shopping centres and overseas, it’s the most popular form of internet connection and the one most people tend to have in their homes.
The wi-fi connection comes from a router which is installed in your workplace – with different broadband speeds available depending on the brand that you go for.
Cellular connections
Cellular internet connections are available through mobile devices. Most people’s mobile phones allow them to connect to the internet with a certain amount of data available for usage when not connected to a wi-fi network.
The speed of the internet connection you can get using a cellar connection does vary however, the most popular speeds tend to be either 4G or 5G, which is the fastest cellular connection available up to now.
Cable
Cable is one of the fastest ways to get internet and works over the cable lines used for TV lines. It provides a superfast and resilient internet connection.
You can still watch TV whilst using a cable connection and speeds vary depending on the type of modem that you go for.
See also: UK-wide full-fibre broadband coverage by 2033 – according to the government’s digital strategy
Satellite broadband
Satellite broadband is the type of broadband that’s most suited to those in remote areas who struggle to get a decent internet connection.
It works by using the same links that a satellite connection provides for TV and telephone services but speeds can vary massively depending on your location.
The weather can also interfere with your internet connection, so it can be less reliable than other broadband methods but sometimes is the only option available in sparsely populated locations.
With such a broad range of broadband connections available, there’s sure to be the perfect type of connection to suit your circumstances whether that’s as a business or a homeowner.
By following this guide you’ll hopefully be more informed to choose the right type for you.
See also: Business Broadband vs Residential Broadband – As a business owner you may have wondered why you need to get an internet connection from a specialist business broadband provider
List of Business Broadband Providers in the UK
Provider | Contact page for Business Broadband Packages |
---|---|
BT | business.bt.com |
O2 Business (Telefonica) | o2.co.uk |
Sky Business | business.sky.com |
TalkTalk Business | talktalk.co.uk |
Virgin Media Business | virginmediabusiness.co.uk |
Vodafone | vodafone.co.uk |
XLN | xln.co.uk |
Zen | zen.co.uk |
Network Telecom (Enreach) | networktelecom.co.uk |
bOnline | bonline.com |
Fibrus | fibrus.com/business/ |
Glide Group | glidegroup.co.uk |
Onebill | onebilltelecom.com |
Juno Telecoms | junotelecoms.co.uk |
KCOM Group | business.kcom.com |
MConnect | m247.com |
Spitfire | spitfire.co.uk |
Swiftcomm | swiftcomm.co.uk |
These companies are offering business broadband packages with the requisite support and equipment for UK SMEs.
Read more
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