How will you use broadband?

Before you speak to an Internet Service Provider such as BT, we suggest that you think about the following questions. This will help your Internet Service Provider to give you the broadband service that is fast enough to do everything that you need.

How long will you spend looking at websites (this is known as "surfing the net") each week?

Some services have limits on how many hours you can use the Internet each month.

How many e-mails will you send and receive each week?

Many broadband packages have a limit on the amount of information you can send and receive each month. Although small, each email will take up part of your monthly amount

Will you send e-mail attachments, for example photographs?

Attachments are usually much bigger than just an email, so sending and receiving a lot of attachments will use up much more of your monthly allowance.

Will you download music and video from the Internet?

The speed of broadband now makes it possible to download these from the Internet, but if you are going to get a lot of clips you might need to choose a broadband package with a higher usage limit.

Will you watch films and listen to on-line radio?

These are great examples of services that are available through broadband.

Do you want to be able to play games on the Internet?

Broadband lets you play against others all over the world, either through you computer or through some games consoles. If you think you will play a lot of games a higher speed connection might be better.

Do you want to build your own website?

Some broadband packages include some webspace and software to let you put your own site onto the web.

Do you need security to stop other people looking at your web access?

It is a good idea for any computer to have security software, especially if you are going online. Some broadband packages come with security packages to give you peace of mind. See out IT Help section for more information on keeping your computer safe.

To help you choose the right package for you, BT has created a usage calculator, that lets put in what you expect to use broadband for each month and then suggests the sort of package that would suit you. To use the calculator go to the page on BT Broadband packages and click on "Explain monthly usage".

In this section Broadband guide Getting connected to the internet Getting started with broadband Choosing the right broadband package Ordering BT Broadband Instructions for installing broadband Frequently Asked Questions Broadband dictionary Benefits of broadband BSL Broadband Guide Broadband Case Studies The Internet: it's easier than you think