| So for all of you out there searching the great wide | | | | Providers (ISP's) like BT, Tiscali or Virgin and their |
| internet for good broadband deals, you will be coming | | | | different packages. Many ISP's will offer various deals |
| across a lot of broadband checkers out there. You | | | | that start from cheap, slower speed, limited download |
| probably want to know what they are and how to use | | | | packages to super fast, unlimited download packages. |
| them. | | | | Firstly you need to decide how fast you really need |
| When people talk about a broadband checker they | | | | your internet connection to be and how much you will |
| mean one of two things. The first broadband checker | | | | be downloading. |
| is one that you might find on many Internet Service | | | | What kind of package do you need? |
| Provider websites and allows you to check if your line | | | | Every time you open a page or use many |
| has been ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) | | | | programmes you upload and download data from the |
| enabled. It is important to know if your phone line has | | | | net. Any spyware, antivirus software or any |
| been upgraded for ADSL because otherwise you | | | | programme which remains online all the time will be |
| won't be able to get the most commonly available | | | | downloading and uploading information constantly. |
| broadband. Some broadband checkers will ask for | | | | However if these are the only things you are using, |
| your postcode but the more accurate ones check | | | | you probably don't need a very fast connection or |
| using your phone number. Just type it into the | | | | unlimited downloads. If this is the case then you can |
| broadband checker and it will instantly check if your | | | | use the broadband [ checkers to look for the |
| home is ADSL friendly. | | | | cheapest deal with slow connection and limited |
| Now the thing is, BT estimates that it has upgraded | | | | downloads. |
| enough of the telephone exchange networks that | | | | On the other hand if you want to download music and |
| 99% of homes in the UK should be able to receive | | | | movies and if you love to download your friends' and |
| ADSL broadband, which is making this kind of | | | | family's photos then you want to a faster connection |
| broadband checker a bit redundant. As a result you will | | | | (so they download faster) and no download cap (so |
| also find a lot of references to another type of | | | | you don't find your internet suddenly slowing to dial up |
| broadband checker. | | | | speeds halfway through the month or find your bill |
| What is the other kind of broadband checker? | | | | doubling because you are charged for going over). It is |
| The other type of broadband checker that is | | | | also worth using the broadband checkers to see if you |
| becoming popular is the one that compares the | | | | can get a modem with your deal. This can be an |
| different broadband deals. These are essential to | | | | expensive starting cost so it's definitely worth looking |
| comparing the many, many different Internet Service | | | | for a package that has one for free. |