What is the best broadband for where I am?
Broadband can be confusing, because there are several different ways of getting your home or business connected – but which is best for you?
If you’re in an urban environment, you’ll be able to choose between several different types of broadband. But if you live rurally, your choices will be much more limited. This guide explains the broadband options that may be available to you where you are and what to consider when choosing a broadband service.
Wired and wireless broadband
The method by which broadband is provided to any given property falls into one of two types. It either gets delivered down a physical connection or line, or via radio signals, so over the air.
It’s very useful to understand the differences between these delivery methods, because that will help you choose the type of broadband that will perform the best at your particular location. It also may explain why your existing broadband is slow and how to fix that.
Types of wired broadband
There are three main types of wired broadband (also known as landline broadband). These are:-
- Full fibre broadband, also known as “fibre to the premises”, or FTTP
- Fibre-based broadband, also known as “fibre to the cabinet”, or FTTC
- ADSL broadband
For more information on these broadband services, the differences between them, the performance that each offers and whether you’re likely to have access to them, just click below.
Types of wireless broadband
Separately, there are a number of different types of broadband that don’t rely on wires or cables to provide an internet connection to your property. These are:-
- 5G broadband, an ultrafast type of mobile broadband primarily available in cities
- 4G broadband, a fast type of mobile broadband that's much more widely available
- Fixed wireless access broadband
- Satellite broadband
To learn more about wireless broadband services, how they differ, what speeds they are likely to provide and whether they are likely to be available where you are, please click below