subject: Selecting An Internet Service Provider For Business Use [print this page] Selecting An Internet Service Provider For Business Use
Choosing your next broadband provider is a tricky job, with companies spouting different speeds and download amounts. Some providers can offer a combined broadband and phone service, and in some cases digital TV as well.If you have an existing phone line it is most likely a BT line, but you may also be in a cable area. There are several websites that can tell you exactly what is available. However, just because you have a BT phone line it doesn't mean that you are just restricted to providers that resell BT backhaul. Whereas with an LLU or local loop unbundling, an ISP has their own equipment in the exchange and so you do not have to share the same link as everyone else. This is considered to be a lot better as you will normally get a superior connection speed and find that at peak times the level of service will still remain good and can quite often be cheaper. There are websites available which by entering your postcode and phone number, will tell you what LLU services are available at your exchange. If your area only has one LLU or does not have any at all, don't panic- it just means that you will mainly use BT's services until it reaches your ISP.The speed you see in an advertisement and what you end up with are two vastly different things. The large 8 or 24mb that will catch your eye will have a very small "up to" at the front of it. ADSL 1 was where speed was fixed so what you were advertised is what you got, whereas ADSL2 and ADSL2+ are designed to get the fastest stable speed that your line can support. The closer to the exchange you live the faster speed you can get.You also need to look at the bandwidth allowance you get and this is how much data you can download. If you just look at your emails every other day and read some news sites, then you should not require much. However if you are a busy family all wanting to be doing everything online, then look for a package with plenty of bandwidth.Free or cheap hardware is often available to you, but don't expect anything quality. Ensure you read everything twice, both the contract and the small print on advertisements.
