The pace with which technology evolves is fast. To the uninitiated or the gadget averse, this can leave us with the impression we are being left behind or, more commonly, leads to misconceptions about what is really on offer. A classic example of this is ‘Wireless Broadband’. If you plug a wireless router into your phone line it allows several devices to connect to the internet without the bird’s nest of wires to complicate matters. However, most broadband providers are offering wireless broadband packages and many consumers think that this is a new entity.
Aware of this potential confusion BroadbandChoices.co.uk ran a poll to discover the extent of the misconception amongst British consumers. They believe that internet service providers (ISPs) are causing much of this confusion by marketing ‘wireless broadband’ as if it were a service separate from a fixed line package using a wireless router.
“It would appear that ISP’s are helping to create these misconceptions that stop customers from taking advantage of the benefits of wireless – especially during the summer months when they could be online while topping up their tan in the garden,” says Michael Phillips, product director of BroadbandChoices.co.uk. “The industry really needs to make this clearer to their customers. Consumers should have more choice about how they use their broadband package,” continues Phillips. “This misconception could be down to ISPs giving the impression that they are offering a ‘wireless package’ when they are just providing a normal broadband connection with a wireless router as part of the deal. Anyone with broadband can have a wireless connection – they just need the right router, and you can either get this from your provider or from any computer hardware retailer,” concludes Phillips.
Once a wireless router is installed, it not only removes the unsightly mess of wires, it allows multiple users to connect through the same connection. This means no more arguments about who’s turn it is on the net and as the range on some routers can reach up to a hundred metres, you can now be online whilst doing the gardening or having a bath.
Over 90 per cent of poll respondents cited unfounded reasons for not having wireless broadband . The top three reasons for not having wireless broadband were:
‘I am worried about dealing with the technicalities of wireless broadband’ – 44%
‘I am worried that my bank details may be at risk’ – 27%
‘My supplier does not offer a wireless broadband package’ – 25%
The facts:
Almost no technical knowledge is required to install a wireless router. If your router was supplied with your broadband package it should already be configured to the correct settings. It is usually as simple as plugging the router into the phone cable.
Your bank details can be as safe with wireless as they are with a fixed line service. Because no physical link is necessary, it is possible for an unauthorized person to access your network- if you don’t use security. Most routers now have built in encryption that can be activated at the touch of a button. However, even if you don’t commit sensitive data to your network you should still secure your connection, otherwise you are not only at risk from hackers gaining access to your computer but also from next doors kids using your bandwidth.
It is true- providers don’t offer wireless packages, they just offer a free wireless router with a broadband package. It is immaterial whether you use the router or plug the phone line directly into your computer. The service you receive will be the same; you just won’t be able to send emails from the potting shed and you may drown in wires.
About BroadbandChoices.co.uk: http://www.BroadbandChoices.co.uk
BroadbandChoices.co.uk is the second biggest broadband comparison service in the UK. And, whilst many comparison sites focus only on price BroadbandChoices.co.uk looks to provide value as well as price performance. The website impartially contrasts the offers available, is regularly updated and hosts many articles- written by experts to ensure the choices you make are informed.
What makes BroadbandChoices.co.uk different:
The range of consumer guides is extensive and the advice comprehensive
The emphasis is always on value rather than just cost
The ability to rank products according to individual priorities not the providers priorites
Detailed product information
The ability to talk to like-minded people, read reviews or just share your thoughts
Up-to-date information regarding key industry developments
Access to bespoke interactive tools (speed tester & download monitor)
Wireless Broadband- Fear wires, not the ether.
October 24th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Press ReleasesWill faster WiFi speeds mean faster Wireless Broadband?
October 15th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Press ReleasesProxim, one of the world leaders in WiFi technology recently announced that their latest wireless access point has a maximum throughport of 320mb per second, which is over three times faster than standard 10/100 wired connections. Some people however seem to be getting confused by this, believing that the serious increase of Wireless speeds means lightening fast Wireless Broadband.
Wireless Broadband is, in actualy fact, just a standard broadband connection (usually cable or adsl) that is then shared via a wireless router (or a wireless ‘gateway’ – a WiFi router combined with a broadband modem).
This means that, since the broadband connection still reaches your house via a standard fixed line (either copper telephone wire, or fibre optic cable), all that the changes to WiFi speeds standards will mean is the connection between your PC and the router will be quicker.
One example of how the increase in WiFi speed will effect the average user is gaming over a local area network. the faster the WiFi connection, the better multiplayer gaming over a Wireless network will be.
Another example, is video and file sharing between PCs connected via the WiFi access point. This is, of course, providing the clients has sufficiently fast WiFi cards to appreciate the increased speed of the access point they are connecting to.
So, in short, will a 302mbs access point increase your wireless broadband speed? No… Will it allow you to connect to your broadband via a superfast wireless connection, and share files between networked PCs faster? Yep! You bet!
Tags: wifi, wireless broadband
Compare Broadband, Compare the world
October 5th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Press ReleasesIn times of trouble, many people will begin to re-evaluate their expenditure and financial obligations. Most people will now consider their Broadband connection an indispensible resource, but one that also needs to offer true value for money. The providers obviously watch each others’ contract packages to ensure they don’t offer too much, or indeed too little related to the competition. This creates some interesting opportunities to the consumer as the differences or ‘value-added extras’ in the available packages may be what sways you between one provider and another. However, given the price variation, transfer speed, download limits, regional availability and quality of ‘free’ gifts, knowing which package to choose can be a headache unless you can compare broadband packages side-by-side. All that is required is a good comparison website. Taking a leaf from the books of car insurance, comparison websites are proving to be an extremely popular and useful consumer tool. If you choose a reputable, frequently updated site you are able to evaluate the deals on the criteria most important to you. If you live in remote regions then the first question is ‘which providers can reach me’, if you live in a busy household a free wireless broadband hub may help diffuse the access arguments. Whatever your requirements the most effective way to choose is by comparison, the quickest and easiest way to do this is online.
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BROADBAND CHOICES OFFER HINTS AND TIPS FOR STUDENTS CHOOSING A BROADBAND PACKAGE
October 4th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Press Releases
The beginning of term is always a busy time. If you are moving into a new house you will already have unpacking, registration, and getting to grips with paying bills to contend with. On top that you have to make time to catch up with old friends, or make sure you meet new ones. Searching around for the broadband package that most suits your needs may seem like a low priority, but you will find there are significant rewards to be gained through very little effort, so read on and find out why it’s actually really easy.
The search for the best broadband package can be a confusing one. Providers are aware of this and will most likely try and push their most expensive package your way, but this package may not suit the needs of a student. Taking a few minutes to ensure you’re getting the deal that is right for you can save you money, as well as granting you peace of mind.
To simplify the process, we have created a step-by-step guide to getting the best student broadband deal:
Step One – Isolate the aspect of the broadband deal that is most essential to you
1. The Contract: Broadband contracts are likely to be 12 months or more, which is great if you’re going to be in your residence for this long, but perhaps not ideal for the nomadic lifestyle of a student. If you are likely to move around a lot, for example visiting friends on the weekends or spending long holidays at home, a non contractual option may be best for you.
2. Heavy Downloading: Many companies offer unlimited downloads, however it is worth noting this is just an industry term. Fair usage policies will apply, and the cost of breaking them can be considerable. Make sure you check your providers’ policy, and download the free www.broadbandchoices.co.uk/broadband-download-monitor.html to monitor your downloads and keep you inside your limits.
3. TV, Broadband and Phone: If you want digital TV and/or a landline phone in your house, then getting a package that bundles them together with your internet could be the best decision. Sky’s See, Speak and Surf includes all three services for £19 a month, with the option of adding more channels at an extra cost.
4. Speed: If fast download speeds are your bag, go for a provider that consistently delivers a high speed connection. According to the latest Broadband Choices speed tests, Karoo, O2 and Virgin Media all fared well in the speed department. To test how fast your internet is working, download the free broadband choices speed test tool. www.broadbandchoices.co.uk/speed-test.asp.
Now you know what you need, you must find out which ISPs operate on your street. This is simple. Log on to www.broadbandchoices.co.uk (you may have to do this on a laptop from a WiFi hotspot) and enter your postcode into their search box. In a few seconds all the providers and packages available will be on your screen. Apply the criteria that you and your housemates have set out and you should be able to pick out the deal that is right for you. Signing up online can also get you a discount with some service providers, so if this is the case, take advantage and use the money you have saved for a congratulatory drink!
Step 2 – Consider Going Mobile
Getting yourself a “dongle” or mobile USB connection has both positives and negatives. The dongle provides highly portable broadband connectivity and eliminates the need for a landline, but mobile packages have tight restrictions in download limits and big penalties for those who exceed them. 3 Mobile’s broadband offers 1GB, 3GB or 7GB download capacities, but the financial hit for exceeding these limits is considerable. You will also find that taking a mobile broadband deal will invariably involve signing a long contract of 18 – 24 months, so if you are not happy or your needs change, you may find yourself stuck. One month mobile contracts are available however, and serve as a halfway house between long term fixed contracts and pay as you go options.
Step 3 – Be future proof with fibre optic
Fibre-optic is the new method used by Virgin Media to deliver their broadband internet. With Virgin Media, broadband connectivity is delivered through glass fibres the width of a human hair, as opposed to the traditional transportation method of broadband through copper wires. Virgin Media plan to roll out 50Mbps broadband connections by the end of the year, which will make them the fastest broadband provider in the UK. BT hope to counter this move by introducing 100Mbps connections in 2012.
Any Advice on which one to go for?
You want broadband with a contract…
· Plusnet (www.plus.net) – £9.99 per month for 8Mb, with a free wireless router (Great for wireless broadband) and free connection for 12 months.
· Madasafish (www.madasafish.com) – £9.99 pm for 6 months and £14.99 after that for 8Mb, free connection and free wireless networking kit for 12 months.
· O2 (www.o2.co.uk) – £12.99 pm a month for 8Mb with unlimited downloads for 12 months.
No contract would be better…
· Be Broadband (www.bethere.co.uk) – £18 pm for 24Mb and unlimited usage. Connection is £24 and must provide notice 3 months in advance for cancellation.
· Plusnet (www.plus.net) – £14.99 pm gives you 8Mb and unlimited downloads in the evenings, but you will have to pay £40 for connection.
· Eclipse (www.eclipse.net) – £14.99 can get a one month contract with 8Mbs, there will be a £47 connection charge though.
I want to go mobile…
· If you open a student bank account with Natwest before October you can get £50 off 3’s mobile broadband. This will include a free dongle and a 50% discount on line rental if you are an existing customer. On top of this you can get a free Microsoft webcam and 5 year rail pass and even £100 off Asus laptops, making the banks student bank account very attractive.
Tags: broadband comparison, compare broadband, wireless broadband