There are many things to look for when you are choosing a broadband provider. At the end of the day you want to make sure that you pick a broadband provider that will give you the best service and features that suit your requirements. Here are some things you should look for when choosing a broadband provider:

Do you need a landline?
Before you start, you need to consider if you need a landline to access broadband. If you were to choose BT Broadband for example, you would need to have a BT landline. A BT landline installation will cost around £125 and include monthly bills of around £11 - £12, not to mention a cancellation fee of £70.

No landline? - No problem!
You don't need to have a landline to access broadband internet. You can opt for Virgin Media broadband which uses fibre optic cables and not copper cable like BT does. Unfortunately though this does depend on where you live because the Virgin Media cable network does not cover the entire country. If you don't live in a Virgin Media cabled area then you could consider mobile broadband. Mobile broadband works by using mobile phone technology to deliver broadband internet to your laptop or other compatible device via a portable modem known as a dongle. Mobile broadband allows you access to broadband internet on the move and is a great way of getting broadband without a landline. Again coverage depends on your location.

Hidden broadband charges
Currently it seems some broadband providers are adding extra hidden charges into their broadband packages. Some of them are hard to spot but here are a few you should be aware of:

Broadband download penalties. You need to make sure you understand the download limits on your chosen broadband package. This is effectively the limit on how much you can download in a given time period. If you go over these limits you may incur a penalty fee. Most broadband providers clearly state their broadband download limits, others offer unlimited downloads but these are subject to a fair usage policy. A fair usage policy is put in place when broadband ISPs offer unlimited downloads. The policy makes sure that you don't affect other broadband users by downloading way over the policy's limits. If you are a heavy broadband user then you need to make sure the package you choose has a download limit that is realistic for your needs. So if you are always downloading movies and watching on-demand TV on the BBC iPlayer then you need to take that into account. Some broadband providers allow customers access to a special website where they can view their usage and keep an eye on their download limits.

Broadband connection charges. Broadband providers charge connection fees which help them pay BT to connect its equipment to the broadband network. Make sure you know how much the connection fee will cost and add it to the total broadband package cost when choosing a broadband provider.

Broadband cancellation charges. If you cancel your broadband you may be charged a broadband cancellation fee.

Broadband package security. Does your chosen broadband provider offer any free or trial security protection with your broadband package? This is important as you really need some sort of security for a broadband connection. Many broadband providers offer free security with their broadband packages. Sky Broadband offers free McAfee security with its broadband packages and other broadband providers may offer alternatives like Norton Internet Security. You need to have some protection against viruses and identity threats to your broadband connection and PC.

Broadband package hardware costs. Make sure you know what is included with your broadband package. Some broadband providers charge for wireless routers and other equipment. However this is not always the case as some broadband providers offer free routers and other equipment with their broadband packages.

Broadband provider call centre charges. One phone call to the AOL Broadband helpdesk could cost a lot more than you think. Broadband providers call centres offer a useful point of contact if we are in need of rescue with our broadband. But some calls are charged at national rate and others at local rate. AOL Broadband charges calls to its helpline at national rate as does Be Broadband and Sky Broadband. BT Broadband and Virgin Media Broadband both charge at the local call rate.

Broadband provider moving house fees. Some broadband providers will charge you a fee for moving house if you already use one of their broadband packages and want to continue with their service at another address. Tiscali (now part of TalkTalk) Broadband and Virgin Media Broadband both charge a fee for a transfer service. A lot can depend on your broadband contract. To get the BT Total Broadband deal, you will have to sign an 18-month contract. Other providers only require a 12-month contract. So if you're planning to move, BT Total Broadband may not be right for you.

Other things to consider:

Broadband contract lengths. When you sign a contract with a home broadband or mobile broadband provider you normally sign up to a 12 month contract. This means you have to subscribe to the service for a minimum of 12 months. If you would rather pay monthly you can do this with some broadband providers, this gives you the option of ending the contract at any time. So if you prefer to 'see how you go' with broadband, then a 12 month contract may not be right for you.

Broadband payment methods. Broadband providers normally ask you to pay by direct debit and this is the easier way to pay for your broadband package. You can however pay by cash or cheque with broadband and home phone provider. The Post Office offers customers to pay by cash or a cheque at its branches.

And finally:

Just remember to look at everything you really want from your broadband package and take it into account when you choose your broadband provider. Just because a broadband provider offers cheap broadband or says it has the best broadband deals, it doesn't mean it is the best broadband provider for you.