subject: How To Compare Broadband [print this page] Inevitably, and as always, it all starts off so innocently: you're looking for your next broadband deal and you've narrowed it down to a couple of providers but then you start trying to contrast them and fall into a rabbit hole of costs, speeds and consumer reviews.
So what's the way out?
The trick when you're stuck comparing broadband deals is not to get bogged down in minutiae but to compare based on the qualities that really matter but, and not to blind you with rhetorical questions, how do you know what they are?
To stop asking questions for a moment and answer them there are four steps to comparing broadband.
Step one is to find the broadband which is available at your property.
This can be done with a postcode search but it's important to search based on your home postcode rather than the services available at the local exchange since the service may be affected by the cables on your street as well as the availability of providers.
Once this is done it is likely that they'll be a couple of providers who seem to adequately fit your needs.
For example, in the UK, many users find that either Sky or Virgin would be able to meet their requirements for broadband, phone and TV services.
In this case, you'll already have found out that the broadband deals you are comparing have the basic qualities that you're looking for: that is certain broadband speeds and usage allowance, phone services and TV channels.
From that position you're ready to move onto step two.
Step two is a greater understanding of the service on offer based on the opinions of trusted experts.
For example, there are a number of articles with titles like 'Is Virgin Broadband Any Good?' which comparison sites and review sites put out based on a long review of the service.
Step three is looking at customer reviews on forums, blogs and listening to the experiences of friends.
However, this should be taken with a large pinch of salt as complaints are more likely to be heard than compliments and those who are simply content don't say anything at all.
Armed with this information (and assuming you haven't made up your mind already) you're ready to go on to step four.
Four is to check the initial costs of signing up to the broadband service.
Going with the broadband provider who charges least when you sign up looks short-sighted but with initial costs reaching highs of up to fifty pounds it does make a large difference ultimately.
