Broadband by Type
Although broadband connection has transformed internet use it has also added a mountain of consumer choice and a level of complexity. Broadband has so many variations and uses that providers bundle features into consumer packages often with confusing price structures. The only way to make a choice is to concentrate on the features that you want and then compare the various providers in the market.
Even though they are all called broadband not all broadband is the same. The main differences in broadband offerings are to do with connection speed and download capacity. What you need will depend very much on what you use the internet for. If you are an occasional web user who simply looks at websites for information and perhaps uses internet based email you will not need as expensive a package as if you play online games, watch video online and download music files.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often have attention grabbing sign up offers that appear to supply very cheap broadband but you should make sure you know what you are getting for the monthly bill. Some will have a monthly or daily download limit for instance.
Using the existing BT phone lines via ADSL at the entry level of broadband there are cheap packages but they will have slower connection and limited download capacity. At the very top end of the broadband choice consumers will be offered packages that allow very fast connection, unlimited downloads, TV access and internet phone use.