How to Compare Broadband and Get the Best Deal for You
- Broadband can be a lifeline in today’s connected world, so if you are not getting what you need from your current provider, things can get very frustrating! But switching broadband provider can sometimes feel rather overwhelming and many of us end up just not bothering to switch. With Money Pug’s useful comparison service, however, you can easily find the best deal for you. We help demystify the world of broadband Internet and make it easier to get excellent value for money where you live.
- Since Broadband provision varies depending on where you live, the first thing you’ll need to do in order to make a comparison of all the different deals available to you is give us your postcode. Once we know where you live, we’ll be able to compile a list tailored to you, so you can see at a glance which providers offer Broadband in your area what what exactly each one is offering.
- If you live in an urban area, Broadband speeds are more likely to be faster than they are in the countryside. The speeds you can expect may also be determined by how far your home is from the telephone exchange. The speed of your broadband service will dictate how much data can be sent or received in a given time period. The faster your connection, the more you will be able to do at once, and the easier it will be to stream content, and enjoy a wide range of content online.
Why Choose Money Pug for Your Broadband Comparison Needs?
With Money Pug, we will allow you to make a search based on your local area. You will be able to see at a glance, clearly and easily, exactly what different providers are offering in your area, complete with speeds, data allowance and other factors that will help you to make your decision. We allow you to search for broadband only deals, and also deals with broadband, phone and television all included in the same bundle. So, whether you just want Internet, or are looking for an all-in-one deal, we’ve got you covered. On this page, you can compare for broadband only, while we also have pages dedicated to Home Phone and Broadband, and Broadband and TV Deals. So it is easier than ever to search for exactly what you need.
What Types of Broadband Are Available?
Broadband comes in a variety of different ‘flavours’. The one you choose will partially depend on where you live and what the Internet service is like in your area. However, you may have some choice in which type of Broadband you acquire. To make this process a little easier, we’ve compiled this short guide to help you understand the different types of broadband on offer:
ADSL Broadband
ADSL broadband works over the same line used to provide a standard telephone service yet will not disrupt regular calls on the line. ADSL broadband is widely available in the UK, and more than 99% of the population will be able to choose this option.
ADSL stands for ‘asymmetric digital subscriber line’. There are two types of ADSL broadband, ADSL1 and ADSL 2 – the latter is slightly faster than the former. However, ADSL broadband of both types are slower than the cable and fibre broadband options outlined below.ADSL1 gets up to around 8Mbit/s, while ADSL2 reaches a faster 24Mbit/s.
Cable Broadband
Cable broadband is an Internet service that uses the same cable as a cable TV package. They are around the same speed as DSL connections and can be a good choice for those living in areas with poor landline wiring, or where the phone wiring is particularly old. The fastest cable broadband offers up to 152Mbit/s.
Fibre Optic Broadband
- The fastest broadband, and an increasingly common choice, is fibre optic broadband. Fibre optic broadband uses thin ‘pipes’ of glass or plastic. The data is carried as pulses of light down these ‘pipes’ before being turned into internet data that your computer can relay to you. This is not yet available to everyone in the country and coverage in rural areas is very patchy. The speeds offered are far faster than ADSL or cable. FTTC (Fibre to the cabinet) services offer up to 38Mbit/s or 76Mbit/s. FTTP (Fibre to the premises) can boast speeds of 1Gbit/s – or 1,000Mbit/s. However, higher speeds can come at a higher cost. However, if you like streaming music video and playing online games then Fibre Optic broadband is by far the best choice if you can get it where you live.
- These are the main sources of home broadband Internet service. However, if you cannot get the speeds you require, you may also wish to consider mobile broadband, 3G or 4G, or satellite internet options.
Broadband deals FAQs
- Before you do anything else, you will need to understand what broadband you currently receive and what sort of contract you are on. Broadband contracts typically come with a minimum term. If you are still within the contract period, you may need to pay a cancellation fee if you are determined to switch before the end of the contract. However, it could well be that this cancellation fee is lower that the amount you could save on your new deal, so it is always worth checking.
- If you are out of contract, or don’t currently have a broadband provider, then of course you are free to use our comparison service and find yourself a great deal.
We here at Money Pug can help you find the broadband deal that’s right for you. We take all the hard work out of comparing broadband offers. As soon as you input your postcode, you’ll be given a list of packages to choose from which are tailored to show only what is available in the area where you live. Click on each offer to be taken to the providers website where you can find out more and discover all the details. In no time at all, you’ll be looking at the perfect deal for you.
Once you have found a package on our comparison site that you think you like the sound of, make sure that you have all the details. You should be sure to check:
* Contract duration
* Connection charges
* Line rental cost
* Total contract cost
* Speed estimates for your address
Once you have decided on a deal, your new provider should arrange everything for you. You should not have to do anything about the switch. They will let your old provider know that you are switching and you will receive communication from both the old and the new provider confirming the move. Letters will include details of when the transfer will take place and any outstanding charges if there are any.
If the new supplier cannot arrange the switch, all you have to do is:
* Ring your new supplier and ask when they are available to come and transfer you over to the new deal.
* Book the date of the transfer.
* Call your old provider to confirm that you wish to cancel on the day your new service starts
Switching broadband providers goes a lot smoother today than it used to do. In many cases, you will be able to switch with little or no interruption in service. If you are keeping your existing phone line then you should only experience a few minutes of down time as the transfer takes place. If you are also switching landline providers, be sure to check that there will not be additional downtime, so you can plan accordingly.
Many providers now offer combination deals which include other services, either a landline phone service, digital TV package, or both. Bundles can offer the benefits of cost and convenience. They could be cheaper than choosing to buy all three services separately and it can be easier to pay one single bill. It can also be easier to deal with customer support at just one company. That said, choosing a separate broadband supplier could offer more flexibility, so the choice is up to you. More information on broadband bundles can be found on the Broadband and phone and Broadband and TV comparison pages.
