Broadband
Northern Ireland

Need help or advice with setting up your broadband? Here are some freqeuently asked questions.

1. What exactly is broadband?
2. How does broadband differ?
3. What are the advantages of a broadband connection?
4. How difficult is broadband to set up?
5. What different broadband connections are available?
6. There is such a wide range of packages out there! Which package suits me best?
7. How do I switch broadband provider?

What exactly is broadband?

Broadband is simply a high speed Internet connection.

If you're reading this, the chances are that you:

• currently have an Internet connection and want to upgrade
• have just registered for internet access for the first time

If you currently have a non-broadband Internet connection, the chances are that is dial-up. This is where your computer connects to the internet through your phone line, via a modem. This method however is slow and ties up your phone line.

If you are a first time user of the internet, you've probably just gone straight for a broadband connection and are enjoying the many advantages it offers.

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How does broadband differ?

A Broadband connection isn't entirely different from a dial up connection. You still connect up to the internet from your computer and in most cases it still goes through a phone line.

However the difference is that it allows much faster speeds, and it doesn't tie up the phone line if you are connected 24hrs a day.

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What are the advantages of a broadband connection?

There are many advantages to having a broadband connection. These include:

• Faster connection, allowing you to view videos and listen to radio stations in real time
• Play games and join multiplayer gaming networks
• Make phone calls while connected to the internet
• Download music, software and games instantly
• Stay connected to the internet 24/7 at no extra cost!

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How difficult is broadband to set up?

Connecting to broadband is pretty straightforward. Firstly you would sign up through one of the many Internet Service Providers.

After that, most companies will send you out all your required software and equipment. Once you've connected up and installed your software - you will be ready to go.

Most companies have a customer help line incase you do have any trouble.

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What different broadband connections are available?

There are a few different types of connections. Whichever one you use, usually depends on where you live and what your broadband provider can offer.

• ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
  The majority of broadband connections in Northern Ireland are connected via ADSL. This is where you simple connect to the internet via your phone line.
• Cable
  If you already receive cable TV, then there is a good chance you can also receive broadband via your cable connection. Contact your local service provider for more details.
• Wireless
  A wireless router connects to your telephone socket. Any devices with built-in WiFi such as laptops, smart phones etc can connect to the Internet using the signal from the router.
• Satellite
  If you live in a remote area and can not receive a connection from any of the methods above then a satellite connection may be an option for you. Satellite is available throughout the whole of Northern Ireland, however it can be expensive to set up and install.
• SDSL - Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line
  SDSL is very similar to ADSL. The main difference being that ADSL is fast at downloading, while SDSL is fast at downloading and uploading. A number of providers in Northern Ireland offer SDSL.
• LLU - Local Loop Unbundling
  This is a service where a provider can offer you a ADSL or SDSL connection without the use of a BT Exchange. This may lead to a better priced service from the LLU provider. However, the other aspects of the service (e.g. speeds) is normally the same as an ADSL or SDSL connection.

Our website offers information on broadband deals for users throughout Northern Ireland. For mainland UK, we recommend we recommend Best UK Broadband - Best Broadband - to help you find the best home broadband service.

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There is such a wide range of packages out there! Which package suits me best?

With such choice and variety of packages out there it all can be confusing. The main elements to consider when choosing your broadband package is:

• Cost - How much will you have to pay each month?
• Speed - How fast will your connection be?
• Limits - Are you limited to how much you can download each month?
• Phone Calls - Does your package include free local and evening calls?

Always think about these factors, so that you can get the best broadband package that suits you.

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How do I switch broadband provider?

The first thing you need to know when switching broadband provider is what type of broadband you have – ADSL, Cable or mobile broadband. Once you know this, use our broadband comparison tools to find the broadband service that suits your needs. Alternatively, if you're looking for mobile broadband, mobile broadband comparison website is ideal. Once you've decided, check below to see what you have to do next.

Switching from one ADSL provider to another

A little downtime aside, this process is relatively easy. Simple perform the following steps to transfer from one broadband provider to another:

• Read your terms and conditions - check for any cancellation policy and charges. If you are in a 12-month or longer contract, you may find there is a cancellation.
• Call your original provider to arrange to cancel your broadband and - importantly - get them to tell you your MAC code ( 'Migration Authorisation Code'). By law your Internet service provider must provide you one, when requested.
• When you're cancelling your old account, don’t be afraid of playing one provider off with the other to try and get the best deal out of them.
• If you still want to move to a new provider, contact them with your MAC number and the name of your old provider. Your new provider will take it from here. The switchover should be seamless, although there may be a few minutes of downtime between switching connections.

Switching between cable and ADSL

Switching between cable and ADSL is a much simpler process. All you need to do is cancel one and subscribe to the other, but ensure you find out when your old broadband will be terminated as you don’t want to much of an overlap otherwise you will be paying for both services.

Switching between fixed-line (ADSL or cable) and mobile broadband

Just like switching between ADSL and cable, moving to mobile broadband is a simple case of cancelling one service and signing up for the other. However, if money isn’t an issue, it is worth considering running both services at once, as they do complement each other.

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Compare broadband to find the best ADSL & cable internet suppliers and reviews of their services.