Broadband in the UK

The UK is currently 6th on the list of worldwide nations with the most broadband subscribers, sitting just behind France with over 17.5 million users. Over the next three years in the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, that number is set to increase dramatically. The Government`s Digital Britain initiative aims to pipe or broadcast broadband into every household in the UK, with a minimum speed target of 2Mbps. For some this is a conservative estimate of the broadband market in the coming years, with much higher connection speeds currently available to large numbers of customers via ADSL, Cable and Mobile broadband options. These three main technologies are constantly jockeying for consumer attention and as such there are a wide range of providers and plans with great value service and high-tech capabilities. We shall look at each technology in turn and analyse the providers and services available.

ADSL broadband utilised BT landline connections and as such is the most popular and widely available. There are many different providers on offer and speeds vary between a maximum of 8Mbps and 24Mbps depending on where you live and which provider you choose. Big names such as BT and Tiscali occupy the mainstream market and offer additional services such as digital TV and home phone tacked on as part of broadband bundles.

Cable Broadband is available in over 50% of UK households and the sole consumer provider is Virgin Media. Cable broadband can achieve speeds of up to 50Mbps, but cheaper, more modestly priced packages offering slower speeds of between 2Mbps-20Mbps are available from Virgin Media. Fibre optic underground cable networks provide the service and like ADSL you will need to pay line rental on top of your monthly broadband package costs.

Mobile broadband is the most recent addition to the list of broadband services available in the UK. It utilises 3G mobile networks and requires no fixed line connection. As such you can use a mobile broadband connection anywhere in the country which is well-serviced by 3G networks. All of the major mobile phone operators provide mobile broadband services, as well as BT and Virgin Media. Speeds vary depending on the package you choose and the technology available, but theoretical maximums of between 3.6Mpbs to 7.2Mpbs are common. This is the first truly wireless broadband solution and is suitable for students, those living in rented accommodation, travelling businesspersons and light broadband users who will not be limited by the monthly data allowances which most packages have in place.