Unlimited broadband sounds good doesn't it? For some it means nothing and for others it means everything! Simplifydigital will try and explain just what unlimited broadband is.

Making unlimited broadband fair for everyone

An unlimited broadband package allows you to download as much as you want when you are surfing the internet with a broadband connection. But don't think that this means you can download huge amounts for ever with no catch, even unlimited broadband has rules. Most unlimited broadband packages from broadband providers come with what is called a "fair usage policy". A fair usage policy means that if you download excessively you will be encouraged to curtail your usage. Broadband providers can achieve this by slowing down your broadband connection, or charging you.

Truly unlimited broadband - or is it?

Sky Broadband currently offers "truly unlimited broadband" with its Sky Unlimited broadband package.
Sky said they no longer would use the fair usage policy and decided to offer unlimited broadband downloads to its customers. However there are still rules.
Sky's website says:

"With super fast broadband speeds of up to 20Mbps and no limits on usage, you can load up on your favourite entertainment to your hearts content".

Although when you read the Sky Broadband terms and conditions it basically states that Sky Broadband can still control how much you download if you're excessive downloading affects other customers.

If Sky deems it necessary it can permanently restrict your broadband access if you are believed to be using the unlimited broadband service to distribute vast amounts of spam or you are hosting a website. Sky Broadband currently offers its unlimited broadband package for £10 per month with a speed of 20Mbps and includes the Sky Talk home phone service.

Unlimited broadband extra charges

With broadband providers who offer unlimited broadband that work to the guidelines of the fair usage policy, you will find that there are also download usage limits.

Usage limits dictate how much data you can download within the cost of your broadband package.  It is measured in Gigabytes (Gig) of data. A Gig is - a full length movie for example uses about 1.5Gb to download.

Broadband usage limits are higher than those available for mobile broadband packages. They vary from around 10GB through to "unlimited downloads".

Nasty little extra fees

You will normally receive a fine from your broadband provider if you go over your agreed download limit. If this continues, then some broadband providers will decide to slow down your broadband speeds or in extreme cases restrict your broadband access altogether. But normally if your broadband provider discovers you are going over your download limit on a regular basis it will contact you and discuss other options such as high-speed and ultra-fast broadband options with higher download limits.
Also some broadband providers allow you to view your download usage on a special website so you can keep tabs on how much you are downloading every month. This tool could save you any more of those nasty little extra fees.

To find out if unlimited broadband would be right for you check out the 'Do I need unlimited broadband?' guide.