Broadband typically, it is charged on a monthly, rather than a “per-use” basis. Broadband ISPs (internet service providers) may limit their service by the amount of data users are allowed to download per month.
Speed variations
ISPs often have a number of different speeds available, with pricing closely linked to connection speed. Broadband providers “advertised speeds” can vary significantly from the speed that you actually receive due to a number of factors:
Type of broadband connection
Broadband is typically delivered via two means, either through your regular telephone line (known as an ADSL connection) or through cable connections (usually associated with cable television services). Speeds of ADSL connections can be affected by the distance to the telephone exchange. Cable connections can be faster, particularly if you are located in an area served by fibre optic cables.
Personal equipment
The equipment that you use to access the internet can have an impact on the speeds available to you. If accessing the internet wirelessly, the fastest speed that your wireless router is capable of transmitting is the maximum you can have wireless access to, regardless of how fast the wired connection is. Certain devices and operating systems are also only capable of supporting specific broadband speeds. Viruses and spyware can also cause internet speeds to slow.
ISPs' equipment
While broadband ISPs may claim to be able to supply a specific speed, local factors such as the quality and condition of cabling can affect the speed that you receive. ISPs should advise what the fastest available connection is for your area.
Local “traffic”
The number of people locally using the same network can have an effect on the speeds you receive. At peak times, internet speeds can be adversely affected, as the providers network deals with the strain of a large amount of separate users connecting at once. These effects should not cause too many problems; it is the responsibility of the ISP to ensure they have sufficient equipment to cope with the number of customers in a given area. ISPs often have their own “traffic management policies” as part of their terms and conditions that explain how they try to ensure the best possible service at peak times.
Multiple users
If using the internet on more than on computer or device, individual speeds can slow down. All devices connected to the internet share the full speed available.
Check your broadband speed
Find out how you can check the actual speed of your broadband here.
