1) What does Mb mean in relation to my broadband speed? Mb stands for Megabytes. A package that is advertised as 8Mbps means that a webpage, song or movie will down load at 'up to' 8Mb per second if you are getting your optimum speed. The table below outlines Mb versus download speeds.

 2) How come my 8Mbps broadband package only reaches speeds of 2Mbps? Broadband providers advertise their speeds as 'up to' meaning that your 8Mbps package can reach speeds of 'up to' 8Mb ps if the telephone exchange isn't too crowded and there isn't an excess of people online at the same time as you. Unfortunately, most telephone exchanges are jam packed with connections and the time of day that you're browsing the web is probably the time when most other people are browsing.

3) What are the benefits of Virgin Media's 50Mbps broadband? The difference will be remarkable especially for data intensive activities such as music and movie downloads and online gaming. The table above outlines the various speeds versus download times.

4) I heard that all UK residents be able to get broadband by 2012. Is that true? Lord Carters' Digital Britain report has outlined that broadband will be available to all UK residents by 2012. A new infrastructure will be built that will allow rural UK residents access to 2Mbps, reliable broadband.

5) Am I better off getting mobile broadband rather than traditional 'fixed broadband'? Many providers are increasing their mobile broadband speeds and as such mobile broadband is becoming more and more popular. Vodafone has just recently trialled their 16Mbps broadband and even more recently Motorola has trialled their mobile broadband on a new 4G network that, if successful, will allow users to reach speeds of up to 100Gbps (Not Megabytes!) which is by far the fastest internet connection going round. On top of all that, mobile broadband doesn't just offer more freedom, there are many great laptop deals going around as well when you take up a subscription with a provider so it's definitely worth a look!

6) Is mobile broadband suitable for me if I live in a rural area? Mobile broadband still relies heavily on 3G technology. It will still work on 2G, but it will be much slower. At the moment, many rural areas do not have 3G coverage. If you're thinking of getting mobile broadband, it's a good idea to check whether you live in a 3G area.

7) What is a mobile broadband dongle? A dongle is another name for a portable USB modem. It looks like a memory stick. All you have to do is take it out of the box, plug it into your laptop's USB port, and you're ready to go

8) Is Mobile broadband difficult to set up? Not at all. Unlike with fixed-line broadband, you do not have to worry about setting up a username or remembering a password. All you have to do is plug the dongle into your laptop and you are ready to go. You can even use it with multiple laptops. Simply unplug it from one computer and plug it into the other with mobile broadband.

9) What is a MAC code? A Migration Authorisation Code (MAC) is the code that allows you to switch from one broadband provider to another. A broadband provider is obligated to get it to you within 5 days of you requesting it.

10) How do I get my MAC code? You need to request it from your current provider. When you sign up via Simplifydigital.com we'll provide the customer service details of your current provider to allow you to get your MAC code.

11) Are there notice periods if I switch suppliers? Most suppliers will require you to pay the remainder of your contract if you decide to leave before the contract has expired. If you leave after the initial period then you will usually have to pay just the remainder of the month during which you decide to leave. It's always best to check your Terms and Conditions just to be sure.

12) How do I find out if a supplier can service my area? You can use various checkers on the supplier's website to see if you are eligible for their services, or alternatively you can check a wide range of suppliers by using our SmartSearch tool.

13) Can I keep my home phone number if I switch provider? Yes, all you have to do is quote us your phone number and current suppliers account number and your number will stay the same.