How to get super-fast broadband
Simplifydigital looks at how you can get super-fast broadband.
If you like your broadband quicker than a bullet train, then super-fast broadband is for you!
Super-fast broadband is used to describe broadband connection speeds of 24Mb and above.
With these super-fast broadband speeds you could download music tracks in seconds and watch live online TV streams in fantastic quality.
Super-fast broadband in the UK is supplied from broadband providers including; Virgin Media, O2, Sky, TalkTalk and Be Broadband.
What do you need to get super-fast broadband?
Super-fast broadband provided by Virgin Media is the fastest in the UK. With super-fast broadband speeds of up to 50Mb, Virgin Media are the kings of super-fast broadband.
Virgin Media super-fast broadband is delivered using cable broadband. Cable broadband is delivered by Virgin Media on fibre optic cables, fibre optic cables can carry huge amounts of data and allow for higher broadband download speeds.
If you don't live in a Virgin Media cable area you can still get super-fast broadband with ADSL broadband. This type of broadband connection is through your BT landline. Broadband providers such as Be Broadband and O2 offer ADSL connected super-fast broadband. The super-fast broadband ADSL can offer may not be as fast as Virgin Media's 50Mb, but it's still able to handle a respectable 20Mb.
Of course ADSL broadband is dependent on your distance from the telephone exchange.
The broadband speed may not reach the quoted speed given by your broadband provider if you are a long distance from the telephone exchange.
Do I need super-fast broadband?
If you are a heavy user of the internet, have multiple PCs on the same network or work from home, then super-fast broadband is for you. Another reason for needing super-fast broadband would be if you use the internet on a daily basis downloading high-definition videos, photos, music and you watch on-demand content from the likes of BBC iPlayer, you would benefit from super-fast broadband. Watching TV online is a growing trend among broadband consumers. Super-fast broadband would effortlessly stream online TV - unlike using a 2Mb connection which may cause the programme you are watching to stop and start.
If you are serious about online gaming, super-fast broadband is a must have. A super-fast broadband connection would ensure your online gaming experience was smooth and responsive.
However, if your internet connection is used about as much as the bread maker you got for Christmas from Uncle Roy, you probably wouldn't benefit from super-fast broadband.
Is super-fast broadband available in my area?
The easiest way to find out if super-fast broadband is available in your area is to check with the Simplifydigital smartsearch tool. Pop in your postcode and you will see all the available broadband options for your area of the UK.
Conclusion
Super-fast broadband may not be for everyone, you need to work out your internet usage and see if it would benefit you.
Virgin Media offer the fastest super-fast broadband in the UK. The Virgin Media XXL package offers speeds of up to 50Mb.
BT is soon to offer super-fast broadband speeds of up to 20Mb for its ADSL customers.
If you want to compare super-fast broadband, you can get some free and impartial advice from our broadband experts. Give them a call on 0800 5424 704.
