In the UK the main types of broadband connection are ADSL, 3G and 4G and Cable. All offer varying speeds and data rates, all use different technology to deliver broadband to your home and all have different prices and availability.
Speeds
On the whole, most broadband providers can provide roughly the same speeds. Nearly all providers can handle at least 8Mb, with most being up to 24Mb on ADSL and ADSL 2+, and the fastest being up to 120Mbps on cable packages. 3G currently provides up to 21Mb and mean speeds of just over 3Mb, while newer sister technology 4G offers speeds up to five times the 3G average
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Types of broadband
If you live in a built-up or major area, you probably have all options available to you. But if you live in a more secluded, or rural area, the chances are you’ll be limited to ADSL or 3G.
ADSL broadband runs through telephone cables. The strength of the signal depends on the distance it has to travel and the quality of the cable. In a city these won’t be issues, but if you live in rural Scotland, rural Wales or rural England then you could find yourself miles away from an exchange and using older cables. In these kind of extreme cases, the signal is very weak.
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3G provides steady speeds, averaging at around 3Mb, but only works where there is mobile reception. Even with mobile providers sharing their networks (Orange and T-Mobile for example) there will still be parts of the country that are blackspots.
4G this more advanced form of mobile broadband technology is much faster than 3G, but comes at a price. Coverage of 4G across the UK is also much less extensive.
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Cable This is the fastest connection type but is only available in some areas. It provides super-fast speeds and generous data allowances, but is understandably more expensive than ADSL fixed line connections.
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Availability
ADSL is the most widely available type of broadband because it uses the existing BT infrastructure. Cable is faster and more reliable, but only on offer in certain areas, and 3G or 4G provide an excellent solution if you are mobile.
The uSwitch broadband postcode checker looks at broadband packages available to you in your area. Items are always subject to change, so please contact the provider in question for the final word. Check which packages are available in your area using our broadband postcode checker
