Home Add to Favorite Contact Submit  
             29 March, 2024
 

    
Category:  Articles » Communications » Broadband Internet

 

Is Cheap Broadband Really Worth It?

Popularity:
         Views: 2694
2006-12-14 00:54:06     
Article by James Bergin

When it comes to choosing a new broadband package, price is not the only thing that should be considered. You also need to take into account exactly what you could be sacrificing in the name of cheap internet, or the extra benefits you could get for just a few pounds more. Here is a list of the most important things to think about.

Download limits

In a recent ICM survey, 71 per cent of you thought that there were no download limits on your broadband package, but because fair usage policies are often applied, 75 per cent of packages actually do have restrictions on how much data you can download.

Over the years, as the amount we all download has increased, ISPs have had to fork out more cash on new hardware to support our increasing habit. As this cost has trickled down to the customer, ISPs have begun to charge for downloading. Even if your broadband package claims to allow unlimited downloads, its fair usage policy means that you could still end up going over your “limit”.

There is no right answer to avoid paying for heavy downloads, but you should be realistic about how much you really do this and get an appropriate package that could save you lots of aggravation in the long run.

Protection and security

Buying packages from certain ISPs can also save money on essential PC security. It’s not just fact that you’re getting free Internet security that makes these packages so attractive; the software is automatically installed when your connection is set up, so if you’re less than confident with your PC, it’s one less thing to worry about.

Customer service

In light of the problems faced by Talk Talk, who according to Charles Dunstone, CEO of Carphone Warehouse, were “overwhelmed by demand”, it has become clear just how important broadband customer service is.

Whether you are experiencing service problems, have an old computer, or are just a technophobe, there are two things you should be taking into account here; the cost of calls, and the quality of the advice you receive.

In a poll by MORI, almost 80 per cent of British people said that they didn’t like getting through to foreign call centres. If you are one of these people, it might be worth checking out where your provider’s customer service centre is located. For example, BT and Tiscali have call centres in India, Toucan has theirs in Northern Ireland, AOL is UK based, and unfortunately, Talk Talk is just short of them.

While being understood is very important, especially with regard to broadband and the technicalities involved, don’t just assume that because a call centre is abroad, the service will be bad. Do your research; Madasafish has call centres in South Africa, but has won awards for service, and while AOL might appear expensive, they have a very good customer service reputation.

More importantly than where though, is how much. Make sure you know exactly how much you will be paying for your customer service calls and don’t forget to take into consideration how long you’re likely to be on hold for. If you’re having consistent problems with your ISP, keep your bills to record how much it has cost you to get the problem sorted. At one end of the scale, Orange charge 50p a minute for support, while AOL only charges 1.5p a minute.

Breaking up is hard to do

Many providers charge for breaking your contract early, even if you’re not satisfied with the service you’re receiving.

Always make sure that you do your research before making a commitment as some providers offer shorter contract terms, and some even claim to offer “no contract” broadband. But always make sure that you read the small print.

If it’s too late and you’ve already signed but are having problems with your service, you can always contact us to see if we can help. Or if you want cheap, reliable legal advice you could try the Which? Legal Service who provide a telephone service for £12.75 a quarter.

Hidden costs

While most ISPs will provide a free modem when you take up a contract, you might find yourself having to pay out for other costs, such as buying a wireless router or end up paying for the postage of your goods. For example, Pipex charges £7.50 to send you your modem.

Finally

Remember, it is not just about the price. Bear in mind exactly what you could be sacrificing for the sake of a few pounds a month – unlimited downloads, high connection speeds, PC protection, quality customer service and peace of mind.

While it can also be tempting to go for a bundle because you get cheap calls, or digital television, always be realistic and keep your needs in mind. If you are unlikely to use the extra services then it will just be a waste of money.

If you’re sure that you have accurately assessed your broadband needs – both in terms of usage and support, then you are more likely to get a package that’s right for you – but that isn’t necessarily the cheapest one.

Specialized in: Cheap Broadband - Cheapest Broadband - Uk Cheapest Broadband - Adsl Cheapest
URL: http://www.broadbandchoices.co.uk
Print article      Bookmark this page
Related Articles 
How to Get the Cheapest Satellite Internet Service (Popularity: ): If you are from a place with no cable internet facility and have to rely on dial-up connection only - satellite internet is your best bet. The cheapest satellite internet connection although will be a bit costlier than the regular cable connection, serves effectively and with higher speed. Like their cable-operated counterparts, satellite internet connections come in various plans that depend upon download and upload speeds. So, before you go ...
How Can I Find Out Who Owns an Email Address? (Popularity: ): Threats and fear are the underlying factor why people conduct research to find out who owns an email address although the damages caused by this technological invention might not be publicized but we know that a lot of people are being scammed day in day out and so as not to be taken for a fool keep they their suffering innocence to themselves.Don't find yourself in this situation before you ...
Steps to a Secure Wireless Network (Popularity: ): Wireless LAN (Local Area Networks) is taking the workplace by storm and providing enterprise with increased flexibility, mobility and increased access for the workforce. Many companies employ representatives to work either from home or on the road and are finding constant connection with the main office is a necessity. To cater for this desktop computers are being replaced by laptops and the increased mobility is providing a huge advantage. This ...
Virtual Private Networks - The Basics (Popularity: ): Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can extend a local area network (LAN) over the Internet to remote networks and remote client machines. A VPN uses the Internet to route LAN traffic from one location to another by encapsulating the data inside encrypted IP packets. The encrypted packets are unreadable by intermediary Internet devices and can contain any kind of network communications - such as file and printer sharing, e-mail, remote procedure ...
Bandwidth 101 - Understanding Loop - Port - And More (Popularity: ): Here's the scenario....you're in need of increased bandwidth to meet your business voice and/or data applications. You're targeting T1 or DS3 as your solution...without a router (let's say you already have one or will get one seperate from the bandwidth provider).Before you go out and jump at the first "attractive" business bandwidth offer you see.....there's a few things you need to understand. Particularly the terms Loop and Port....as well as ...


Related Business 
1Mb Broadband & 2Mb Broadband from Eurekaa Broadband (Popularity: ): Eurekaa Broadband,Get High Speed Internet Access using our Broadband ADSL network and also Excellent customer service like Cheap broadband,cheapest broadband,low cost broadband,1 meg broadband,unbeatable price broadband,low price broadband,broad band,broadband for home users and businesses in UK at London.The ADSL services gives opportunity to have faster internet connection at an affordable price and at a same price as BT,customers can double the speed of their internet,broad band, adsl modem,eureka broadband,1 Meg ...
New Promotions For You, Cheap Flight (Popularity: ): We maintain price comparison data to allow our users to compare broadband package in an unbiased and independent environment. We have gathered you numerous broadband deals from leading broadband providers from UK.
Compare and Saving, Cheap Insurance (Popularity: ): We maintain price comparison data to allow our users to compare broadband package in an unbiased and independent environment. We have gathered you numerous broadband deals from leading broadband providers from UK.
Cheap broadband (Popularity: ): Compare the prices of the major UK suppliers of broadband services.
Cheap Broadband Deals (Popularity: ): BroadbandExposed.co.uk is a comparison site and we are committed to finding you the right product at the best price in an effort to save you time and money. BroadbandExposed.co.uk is totally independent and thus we can impartially compare the UK's best & latest broadband & mobile broadband deals for you.
Fort Worth Prepay Electricity (Popularity: ): We are a Texas based company that provides cheap energy services to residents in, Texas. Whether you live in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or anywhere else across the state, Payless Power is your source for getting cheap power.
Plus Net Broadband (Popularity: ): PlusNet Broadband is one of the largest selling Internet service in UK. PlusNet broadband offers Residential broadband or Business broadband. Residential Broadband can choose from Plusnet value broadband and Plusnet extra broadband, Business broadband can choose from 3 options.
Digital tv - Broadband (Popularity: ): We maintain price comparison data to allow our users to compare broadband package in an unbiased and independent environment. We have gathered you numerous broadband deals from leading broadband providers from UK.
Broadband Home Hub (Popularity: ): Broadband Home Hub –Home hub is a wireless broadband router, allowing high-speed connection via ADSL broadband. Broadband home hubs mean that your whole home has access to the internet, no matter whereabouts in the house you are.
Broadband Satellite Internet (Popularity: ): Tired of dial-up delays but can't get ADSL? get Internet satellite broadband. Get your Internet broadband connection wherever you live. Up to 8 Mbps anywhere you are. Quantis is the new generation Internet satelllite broadband in Europe. With 100% availabllity all over the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands as well as the rest of Europe, you get up to 8Mbps wherever you are! If you can't get ADSL/Broadband, get ...