February 19, 2021
What To Consider When Shopping For An Internet Plan
Snagging the right combination of speed, price, download allowances, and contract term is essential when it comes to selecting the right broadband package
Here’s a closer look at some of the things to consider when shopping:
Think About What You’ll Be Using Your Broadband for Most, and How Much
Light use: If you’re only online occasionally, consider a low-usage package Heavy use: If you stream TV or HD movies, play games, or have multiple devices accessing your WiFi, you’ll need a package with unlimited download limits.
Working from home: Consider a business broadband package if you run a business from home.
Student use: Specialist student packages are designed for students who spend a lot of time online. They are usually unlimited and have contract periods that fit around term times.
The Way You Connect to The Internet May Affect the Speeds and Packages Available to You. Check to See Which of These Are Available in Your Area Before You Decide
ADSL broadband: Connection provided over your home phone line. There are two types – ADSL1 and ADSL2, out of which, ADSL2 is the fastest option.
Fiber broadband: This ‘superfast’ broadband allows for much faster speeds and more consistent service. There are two types – FTTC and FTTP, out of which, FTTP is the fastest option and more expensive.
Cable: Uses a mix of fiber optic and coaxial cables. It is faster than ADSL. Satellite: You’ll receive your signal via a satellite dish. It is more expensive than other options, and sometimes the only option in some rural areas.
Mobile broadband: Uses your mobile signal to connect to the web. You’ll need a dongle or a Mi-Fi.
Estimate How Much Data You Will Need
Browsing plus email use: Up to 10GB a month
Browsing plus on-demand TV: 10 to 30GB a month
Browsing, on-demand TV, movies plus music downloads: 40 to 80GB a month
All of these, plus gaming: Unlimited data
Figure out How Important Broadband Speed Is to You
– If you’re only using the internet to check emails, browse or shop online, you should have no problems with a regular ADSL broadband connection with speeds up to 11Mbps.
– However, if you’re streaming videos in HD or 4K, make video calls, game online or have a lot of users in your home, you’ll benefit from a super-fast fiber broadband plan with a speed of about 55Mbps.
Think About the Length of The Contract
Most broadband contracts range between 12 and 24 months. Some of them have hefty fees if you want to exit early. Ensure you are fully satisfied with a plan and that it perfectly suits your needs before signing the dotted line.
Consider Bundling Broadband with Tv and Phone Services
You could save by getting all these services from one broadband provider in a bundle deal. Compare the costs of what you pay for each service with what you’d pay for the bundle to know whether it’s right for you.
