ADSL in the UK

ADSL broadband, or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, is the most common type of broadband as it uses a standard phone line and is supplied via BT. It simply means that by converting your analogue phone line to a digital line (ADSL line) your phone line can now be used to simultaneously transmit data at high speed.

As a result of switching to ADSL broadband, data can be transferred at greatly increased speeds. An analogue modem works at a maximum speed of 56Kbits/sec, but ADSL broadband works at speeds of 512Kbits/sec and even higher.

ADSL broadband is asymmetric because data arriving at your computer arrives faster than data leaving your computer, which is why ADSL packages always quote higher download speeds compared to upload speeds.

Yes, to receive ADSL broadband you will need a BT telephone line in an area where the local telephone is ADSL broadband enabled.

As well as being a faster and more reliable internet service, ADSL broadband differs from dial up internet in that it splits your phone line in two, allowing both voice and data to be transmitted – basically, you can have both the internet and your phone running at the same time.

ADSL broadband means that you don't have to get an extra phone line and it avoids your phone line being constantly engaged – very handy if you have a busy household.

Today ADSL broadband services now reach 99% of all UK homes and businesses. BT has been carrying out work to remove limits relating to the distance of lines from the exchange and more than 99.8% of lines connected to a broadband exchange should now be able to get an ADSL broadband service. A small number of exchanges which generally serve a small number of customers have not been upgraded and still cannot access ADSL broadband.

Easy! Simply answer a few questions on the uSwitch.com broadband comparison and switching service and you will be given a list of all the ADSL broadband providers available in your area.

Discover the benefits of ADSL broadband – sign up on the uSwitch.com broadband comparison and switching service – it's simple, impartial and free.