What is ADSL?

ADSL is broadband provided through your telephone line. Tthis is provided by a range of companies called Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

The main telephone network in London is operated by BT. There are 149 telephone exchanges in London, all of which are ADSL enabled and ADS Max enabled.  This means they can provide broadband with up to 8meg download speeds.    The actual speed available to each user, and whether ADSL is available at all, depends onseveral factors   including the amount of cable between the users home or business and the telephone exchange.

BT are not the only company that can offer you ADSL. Some companies have unbundled BT exchanges, which means they can offer you an ADSL connection through their equipment based in a BT exchange. Other companies resell BT's wholesale ADSL services. Either way, there are a whole range of services available at a range of prices.

The range of prices has become more complicated as some ISPs now include television , mobile phone or other services in the same bundle as broadband services. For example, you might get free or reduced price broadband by signing up to a long mobile phone contract or by taking out a satellite TV contract.

How do I chose an ADSL provider?

When choosing a provider these are some of the things you should consider:

 
• What is the contract length (e.g. 12 months)?
 
• What happens if you want to cancel before the end of your contract?
 
• How much will it cost to get the initial intallation and connection?
 
• If you already own equipment (such as a modem or router) will you be allowed to use it?
 
• If you don't already own equipment, will this be provided or will it cost extra?
 
• What will be the monthly price?
 
• Will this price stay the same throughout the duration of the contract?
 
• What upload and download speed are you likely to get?   (this is often lower than the maximum advertised speed)
 
• What is the contention? (this will effect the speed of your internet connection)
 
• What are the usage limits? (the amount you are allowed to uplaod and downlaod in a month)
 
• What will it cost you if you go over your limit occassionally?
 
• What will it cost if you regularly go over your limit and want the limit increased?
 
• What other restrictions are there? (for example, some ISPs block ports to stop you from running servers)
 
• What will the costs be if you need technical support over the phone?
 
• What times of the day is technical support available over the phone?
 
• Is technical support avialable by email?  
 
• How long will it take for the initial installation to take place?
 
• Do you have the technical skills needed to set up the equipment? Will your ISP send you easy to follow instructions?