The Pros and Cons of Broadband

Broadband is the main UK communications network for connecting with the rest of the world online. Different providers offer differing levels of quality in their services. Use broadband comparison by TheComparison.co.uk and you can find the best deal. But broadband itself has its fair share of disadvantages for both the customer and society as a whole.

Here’s a list of the main pros and cons of broadband.

Speed

Broadband provides the best way to access the Internet at superfast speeds. You can download images and surf the web in mere seconds. It’s a far cry from the dialup nightmares of the early 2000s.

Faster isn’t necessarily a good thing for everyone, though. With faster times comes more expense. Customers can’t always afford to take advantage of this new technology. Furthermore, it’s a fact many people pay for faster speeds they never get because they live in a certain area of the country with poor reception.

Broadband Companies

A company specialising in broadband access offers TV, line rental, and Internet access as part of its range of services. You no longer have to sign up with a separate company for each package. It means you get a single bill each month. It’s simple to set up a direct debit for one company and forget about it.

It also offers you a cheaper service. Most broadband providers have package deals. You pay extra for the whole range of services, but each individual service is much cheaper than you can get anywhere else.

Phones

If you used dialup Internet like everyone else, you had to go through the frustration of having to turn off the Internet to use the phone, and vice-versa. Broadband allows you to use multiple devices at the same time. Its wireless and it’s up to the computer to pick up the signal.

Construction

Most broadband connections are installed underground. Countries like the US still have overhead cables, but the UK aims to place as many connections underground as possible. It gives it the best protection and provides more stability for users. It can cause some serious hazards during construction projects, though.

Firstly, there’s a risk of the connection being damaged for customers in the immediate area. The construction company could accidentally disconnect or damage the wire. The chances are customers will continue to experience disruption because they have to disconnect broadband for safety reasons.

On the other hand, some building companies don’t realise there are broadband wires underneath them and the connection cuts off without warning. It can take weeks to fix.

Capping

Broadband companies have full control over their customers. They can cut the connection and place severe limits on it if they want. This often leads to extra charges, which the consumer didn’t know about, and hours of frustration when the Internet refuses to come back online.

The extent of capping differs between companies. Check the small print after using thecomparison.co.uk to make a buying decision to find out how your broadband provider deals with connection capping.