What is a broadband ISP?
Simply put, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) sells you access to the internet. Though services will vary from provider to provider, most ISPs will provide you with equipment you need - a broadband modem, microfilters and required software, for example - and will ensure your connection remains active and trouble free.
In the UK, by far the three most popular types of ISP are:
- ADSL - always on access over you phone line, available wherever BT lines are available
- cable - uses a cable TV connection, growing availability but still mainly confined to built up areas
- satellite - the most prominent last resort type of broadband access in the UK, does have wide availability but possibly prohibitive setup costs and performance issues
How many broadband ISPs are there?
There are literally dozens of broadband ISPs in the UK, ranging from regional broadband ISPs to nationwide ISPs such as BT, Toucan, Tiscali and AOL. Broadband is not simply limited solely to internet providers, however, with cable television companies and even supermarkets offering their own broadband ISP service - the choice is almost endless.
How do I choose which broadband ISP to use?
Which broadband ISP you choose really depends on what kind of broadband service you require. For example, as ADSL broadband is more widely available you have a broader choice of ADSL broadband ISPs. With cable broadband, only one cable company can operate in any one area, so if you wish to sign up to a cable broadband service you will be limited to those offered by whichever cable broadband ISP is operating in your area.
Luckily, uSwitch.com makes choosing a broadband ISP as easy as switching on your PC. By entering your postcode and phone number into our free and impartial broadband ISP comparison and switching service, you will be given a list of all the broadband ISPs available in your area. All you have to do is compare them and decide which broadband ISP offers the best deal for you.
What help will I get from my broadband ISP?
The amount and type of technical support provided varies with each broadband ISP. Some offer help lines, whilst others provide a technical support email service. The uSwitch.com broadband comparison and switching service will show what help is offered by each broadband ISP, so if you would be happier with lots of help at hand it is definitely worth comparing what is available and how much customer support calls will cost.
Find out more about the broadband ISPs available in your area - use the uSwitch.com broadband comparison and switching service and find out who is offering the best package for your needs.
Less time surfing for the right deal
Don't get lost in the broadband maze or spend hours trawling the internet to find a new broadband provider. uSwitch.com can find the best broadband deal for you and help you sign up quickly and smoothly.
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