Broadband Q&A
Q. What is Broadband?
A. The term broadband refers to a family of technologies, including xDSL, cable modems, leased lines, satellite broadband, and wireless broadband (see Technologies Explained for more information).In essence, with a broadband Internet connection, your computer can download and upload information from and to the Internet at a rate of more than 256kpbs (kilobytes per second). That’s nearly 5 times faster than a dial up connection over your telephone line! Most packages available allow you to download at a rate of 512kbps, nearly 10 times faster.
This is a permanent connection to the Internet, so that from the second you turn your computer on, you will be connected! The majority of broadband vendors will charge you a flat fee per month, meaning that you can stay on for as long as you like, so you will be in full control of your telecommunications costs.
Q. I already have Internet access, so what is different about Broadband?
A. The vast majority of people in the Derry City area access the Internet through a dial up connection over their standard telephone line. If you only have one telephone line, you can not make or receive any telephone calls while you are online accessing the Internet. With a broadband connection, you can surf and chat simultaneously!Theoretically, if you are accessing the Internet 10 times faster with a broadband connection, you will spend less time online. However, this is not the case – studies have shown that people who access the Internet using a faster connection actually spend more time online! Once you experience the Internet at high speed, you’ll want to see more and more! You won’t have to worry about excessive call charges either. One monthly flat fee is all you will have to pay for your entire month’s Internet access.
Q. How expensive is Broadband?
A. The telecommunications market has become extremely competitive, and with Oftel regulating the availability and pricing of services, you can be sure of a good deal. The table below gives some sample costs of getting an ADSL (see Technologies Explained for more information) broadband connection:| Service Type | ADSL, 512kbps download, 256kbps upload |
| Connection Fee | £80 |
| ADSL router | £60 |
| Monthly flat fee | £25 |
| TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for one year | £440 |
| NB: These costs are guideline costs only and do not reflect the pricing policy of any service providers whatsoever. | |
Q. How will it benefit my business?
A. For a full narrative of how a broadband connection can help not only your business but at home as well, please follow the links to our Go Faster @ series.Q. Do I need new equipment to use it?
A. Yes. To make a broadband connection to the Internet, you will need a broadband connector on your computer, in the same way you use a modem to connect your computer to the Internet through your telephone line. The equipment you require will depend on the technology you are using (see Technologies Explained for more information). For example, for a cable connection, you require a cable modem, to access using ADSL, you will need an ADSL modem or router, and for satellite connections, a receiver is required.Q. Are there different types of broadband services?
A. Yes. Broadband refers to a range of technologies, each offering different features. Within each technology, you will find that different vendors and service providers will offer a different range of packages to suit your individual needs. This is a competitive market, so like anything available for the consumer, it is worth shopping round to make sure you get the best deal possible.Q. My company is in (rural area) – how can I access broadband?
A. One of the biggest issues with mainstream, affordable wired broadband access solutions is its availability in more rural, sparsely populated areas. Wired broadband services have a limited reach, so alternatives such as satellite broadband and wireless technologies must be used. Putting it bluntly, operators will not invest money in infrastructure if it can not be justified by a sound business case i.e. if they will get a good return on investment (ROI).Wireless technologies, and broadband access solutions for more rural areas are being developed at a great pace, so watch this space for news of technologies that may be coming to an exchange near you!
Q. Will it be worth the money I spend?
A. Whether a broadband connection is of any great worth to you depends entirely on how much, and for what reasons, you access the Internet. If you go online seldom, then there is little point investing in a broadband connection. However, if you feel that you often miss out on important telephone calls or faxes because you are online, or if you feel that your Internet experience is limited because you can not send or receive large emails, or download large files, or quite simply, your Internet connection is far too slow, then yes! Broadband will be worth the money you spend! You will get much more from your Internet experience, safe in the knowledge that you are subscribing to leading Internet access technologies.Q. Will I need new computers?
A. No, you will not need new computers to use broadband. As long as you purchase the equipment to connect your computer to the broadband connection, you can continue to use your existing equipment.Q. How will it impact on my existing systems?
A. This is purely dependant on what systems you use. If the broadband connection that you wish to use is connected to just one computer, then there will be no impact on your systems. However, if your computers are networked, sharing information and resources, then all your computers on that network will be able to connect to the Internet through your broadband connection.Q. How do I install it?
A. When you order your broadband service, you will have several options. For most broadband services, you will simply order the service of your choice, and an engineer will call at a pre-designated date and time to install all the necessary equipment and configure your computer.The levels of assistance that you can get for the installation depends on the service you are subscribing to and the service provider you choose. Shop around to find out who offers the best deal in terms of package and installation.
Q. Will it improve business e-mail?
A. Yes! A broadband connection means that you will be able to send and receive emails instantaneously. No more composing emails offline to save online charges or trying not to tie up your telephone line!You will also be able to send and receive large attachments much more easily with a broadband connection.
However, a broadband connection will not answer your emails for you – you will still have to look after all your electronic communications in the same way as previous!
Q. Can it keep my customers happy?
A. Yes! By allowing your customers to send you large emails, and perhaps even allowing your customers limited access to your systems over a secure and reliable line, customer satisfaction should be increased.However, don’t forget that it isn’t just a high speed Internet connection that will keep your customers happy!
Q. Can it improve my dealings with suppliers?
A. Yes! A high-speed connection to the Internet will allow suppliers to communicate with you much more effectively. Like your customers, you could offer limited access to secure areas of your systems, allowing your suppliers to deal with you in a more proactive fashion.Plus, having a broadband connection will raise your professional image as a business, and can help to reduce overheads.
Q. How reliable and secure are broadband connections?
A. Broadband connections are generally very reliable. However, security is an issue.With a broadband connection, you can be online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. With such exposure, your computer and other connected systems will be much more vulnerable to attack from hackers and viruses.
It is therefore essential that you seriously review your security policies, both at home and in business. A software firewall (programmes that limit your systems’ exposure while online) may suffice for home use, along with up-to-date anti-virus software – complete packages can be bought from £60 upwards, with an annual renewal fee of around £15.
For the office, on the other hand, a hardware firewall (equipment that limits your systems’ exposure while online) is a must. Hardware firewalls offer much greater security measures than software firewalls, but can be costly. Prices start from £100, but you may be able to purchase a firewall that is built into your broadband connection device.
Security is a critical area, and you should seek expert advice.