Can I Get Broadband?
Once you have learned about Broadband - How does Broadband Work? and decided that it is for you, the first thing you need to do is to check what, if any, Broadband options are available in your area. Simply enter your telephone number into our Broadband Phone number checker or Broadband Postcode Checker and this will enable you to see what services are on offer to you.
How do I Get Started?
When you've identified what type of Broadband connection is available in your area you need to choose a Service Provider. There are so many providers on the market, it can be difficult to choose which one suits your needs. Broadband Wise lists some of the best providers under each type of Broadband. For more information click on one of the links below:
- ADSL Broadband Service Providers
- Cable Broadband Service Providers
- Satellite Broadband Service Providers
- Wireless Broadband Service Providers
If you are one of the lucky people who has a choice of either ADSL Broadband or Cable Broadband Services, your choice might be determined by the speed of service you require. For help on this why not take a look at our Faster Broadband page which lists some of the fastest Broadband service.
Need to buy some PC equipment or accessories to get started - Visit MicroDirect
What Equipment do I need?
The chances are that you won't have to worry about the kit you need to get started as good Broadband Service Providers will normally provide you with all the kit you need to get started. Just incase they don't or you want to understand, Broadband Wise has provided a brief list of the essential hardware required for your Broadband connection.
- Modem - The brains behind your Broadband connection! The modem translates the signals coming down the cable wire or telephone line into a format your PC understands. Modems come in a variety of different designs but most people will either use a USB or Ethernet . Of the two, USB is the most user-friendly, but Ethernet is far better for networking.
- Router - The Router is an external box which connects to your Ethernet Modem and effectively splits the connections, allowing you to connect multiple PC's to share a Broadband connection. All it requires is a cable to be plugged between the router and multiple PC's and Broadband is available to them all!
- Wireless Network Kit - This usually comprises of one card that's inserted into your PC and a central wireless router that connects to the Broadband modem and will send the signals out.
If you do need to purchase any of the above merchandise - visit MicroDirect who stock all of the necessary kit.
Can't get Broadband?
So you've done all of the necessary checks and discovered that your area is not currently covered by Broadband? Don't worry you are not alone - many areas in the UK do not have access to Broadband services. This is in areas where it is not particularly cost-effective for communication companies to put in access. Don't give up hope, why put Broadband Wise in your Favorites and then re-visit us in a couple of months to see if your area has been added to the network of Broadband UK. For the time being why not sign up to a fast dial-up service. Take a look at Tiscali who offer a Pay as You go Fast Internet Service.