In the UK there are three main ways of connecting to the internet - ADSL, Mobile broadband via 3G or faster 4G technology and Cable. Your connection options will depend mostly on where you live.
Check to see which packages and connection types are available in your area whether high-speed cable internet is on offer with the uSwitch broadband postcode checker.
Most of the broadband connections in the UK are ADSL, which means that they use BT phone lines to transmit data. The main advantage of this is that it uses the existing infrastructure, so if fibre-optic cabling isn’t available you can still get a fast connection.
The bad news is that you might not want a landline - with ADSL lines you’re looking at monthly BT line rental, service charges on top, and a 12-month contract.
Given that most mobile operators offer various forms of internet connection, it could be more in your interest to speak to them and see what they can offer, either with a new mobile broadband package, or by using your existing mobile phone and tethering it to your laptop. There are also a number of cable options available from the likes of Virgin Media, BT, Sky, TalkTalk and more.
Alternatives to ADSL
3G
With average speeds of 2.1Mb this isn't the right choice for the heavy broadband user, but for those who have basic needs like Facebook, email and Skype it should be more than enough. Watch out for small data allowances, too. Mobile broadband on average offers much less generous download limits than fixed line deals.
The USB connection will always be with you - at home, on the train, or even abroad. If you have small internet demands, and love the idea of mobility, then haggle with your mobile provider and get a cheap deal.
Compare uSwitch's best-selling USB internet packages now!
Tethering a mobile is the process of connecting it to a laptop (either wirelessly or with phone-USB cable supplied with your handset) and using it as a gateway to the internet. This is a lot more straightforward than it sounds, and your provider can advise you on how to do it.
The main disadvantage of mobile broadband is reception – some areas of the UK still don’t have adequate mobile coverage. To check before purchasing, use the following links to see the coverage maps on the provider websites.
- Three coverage map
- T-Mobile coverage map
- Orange coverage map
- Vodafone coverage map
- Virgin coverage map
- O2 coverage map
4G
4G is a newer mobile broadband technology than 3G. Like its predecessor, 4G is delivered through the mobile phone network and requires a 4G dongle or MiFi unit. However, 4G delivers average connections up five times faster than 3G, so is a much more viable alternative to fixed line broadband.
However, availability of 4G is currently restricted to major towns and cities and from a single provider, namely EE. 4G is also significantly more expensive than 3G and typically offers less generous usage limits.
Cable
Although only available in certain areas, it is blisteringly quick (speeds of up to 120Mb in areas where Virgin Media has completed its infrastructure upgrade) and incredibly reliable. Data allowances are BIG, in most cases unlimited, and there are some superb package deals on TV and calls.
This comes at a slightly higher cost than other packages, but the benefits far outweigh the extra outlay, especially as there is no line rental to pay.
Compare our best-selling super-fast cable packages from Virgin Media, BT, Sky and TalkTalk now!
