Introduction
Internet Service Providers or 'ISPs' for short are companies
who provide an entry point to the Internet. Before 2003 the
most common type of connection provided by ISPs was dialup.
ISDN lines were available, but the price was expensive, and
was really only an option for medium to large businesses.
Dialup connections are limited to a speed of around 56k.
As the services on the Internet expanded, it was soon acknowledged
that a copper wire infrastructure would not enable the UK
to stay at the forefront of Internet development.
Broadband was developed to provide greater bandwidth. Broadband
does not refer to one specific telecommunication technology.
It's simple any technology which offers greater bandwidth
than a dialup connection.
By 2005 the UK had more broadband users than dialup. Broadband,
on average, offers a bandwidth which is at least ten times
faster than dialup. Whilst most towns and cities in the UK
have access to broadband, there are still rural areas not
connected.
The latest technological developments by ISPs is mobile broadband
and fiber optic networks. Mobile broadband is usually provided
a 3G access package, and can be provided through the use of
a dongle.
Fiber optic networks are a replacement for the copper wire
infrastructure. Due to the cost of implementing a fiber optic
networks, they are currently limited to large urban area of
the UK. Fiber optic networks offer a huge increase in bandwidth
and do not suffer as badly from data loss over distance.
What's required to access the Internet?
The simplest option is provided by a mobile phone. If the
phone has the capability, there is usually no additional hardware
or software required. Your access package can provide or be
upgraded to Internet access.
The most common access technology is a personal computer.
The computer will need an operating system installed which
support networking, such as most versions of Windows. Access
to the Internet can be provided through either a mobile or
a landline access package.
With a mobile access package, you'll need a dongle which
is inserted into a USB port. The dongle contains a modem which
will typically connect to a 3G mobile access account.
For landline access you'll need a phone line and a modem.
The type of modem you'll need will depend on whether you are
connecting via dialup or broadband (adsl technology). You'll
also need an access account.
Once you have signed up for landline broadband it usually
takes around two weeks for the ISP to agree contracts with
BT and finalise the process.
Downloading, monthly usage limits
Whilst many ISP packages may initially look like a bargain,
you should always check the small print. For example, AOL
is one of the most expensive ISPs per month when considering
their download speed.
However, unlike cheaper access packages, AOL can provide
unmetered access. If your typical month's usage is 5-10 hours
a day, which involves downloading thousands of music and movie
files, then unmetered access is essential.
In the past, ISPs, such as Tiscali, provided £6.49
(monthly) broadband access. Users were restricted to downloading
5GB per month. Which would never satisfy the demands of heavy
usage.
Consumer watchdogs have highlighted that ISPs which advertise
unmetered access do not always provided it. The small print
of the contract will state that extreme usage levels will
result in decreased access speed (throttling).
Access Speed
To begin with, landline broadband offered a download speed
of 256k, 512k or 1Mb. As more people signed up to access the
Internet, ISPs competed for business and independent providers
pushed the limits of copper line networks.
Before long ISPs were enticing potential customers with download
speeds of 2Mb, 4Mb, 8Mb, and 10Mb. What the ISPs rarely advertise,
and what many people have not realised, is that these speeds
are a maximum potential rate.
Note 'potential', most homes are too far the telephony network
exchange to access these speeds. In fact, the UK Government
is struggling to meet it's promise of an 2Mb download speed
for all homes by 2015.
As of 2010, the fastest download and upload speed is provided
by 'super fast' broadband. This refers to fiber optic networks,
currently restricted to large urban areas. Virgin were the
first ISP to provide fibre optic access (50GB download rate).
Changing ISPs
Whilst it's a fairly simple process, it can take time and
will probably take a phone call to your existing ISP. What's
required is a MAC (migration) code. If your existing ISP is
unreliable and unresponsive this process can become prolonged.
Most ISPs will provide no delay in issuing a MAC code. You
may need to provide a reason as to why you want to change
ISP. This process may contain subtle pressure, with the ISP
representative providing counter arguments to any of your
reasoning, and generally trying to twist your arm to stay.
You typically receive a MAC code by email. There will be
a use by date for the MAC code, usually two weeks to a month.
The purpose of a MAC code is to ensure a seamless transfer
to your new ISP, so there is no day where you do not have
access to the Internet.
If you're having problems obtaining a MAC code, then contact
the Internet Service Providers Association of the UK.
 Terms of Use:
The information contained within this site is general in nature,
and may not be applicable to all ISPs. We can also not guarantee
the accuracy of the information.
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