So you've decided that an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) service is the way to go. Good call: who wants dial-up these days anyway? If you're looking for an ADSL plan, you need to know what to look out for. Here’s what you need to pay attention to when searching for an ADSL provider. There are plenty of Internet service providers out there who are more than happy to take your money and get you online but what's important to you?
- Price. If you've started to do some research on ADSL, there's a good chance price is of concern to you. You can get started with monthly rates as low as $9.95 from Primus (Primus Starter), but understandably, there are catches.
- Speed. The cheaper ADSL plans start at 256/64. In other words, you can download 256kb of data per second, while uploading at a speed of 64kb. If you think you're only likely to use the Internet for emailing, this is fine. However, if you plan to download an lots of large files, such as movies, then you will want to get a plan with a higher speed, at the extreme end, the lightning quick 24000/1000.
- Download Limits. For emailing or reading the newspaper online, you don't need a big download limit but if you plan to download photos, music or, especially, video you will need to get a bigger limit. If you opt for a smaller limit but then go over your designated limit your connection will either be slowed down considerably or you will be forced to pay extra – so look out.
- Contract. Some Internet service providers (ISPs) offer no-contract ADSL, which means if you move house or want to change providers, you're not liable for a charge. Other packages can look great but you may be put off by the 24-month contract. You will know what suits you best.
- Location. Do you even know if you can get ADSL in your area? Most metropolitan customers will be fine (though speeds can vary a lot depending on where you are in relation to the exchange). In a rural area you may not get the signal so ADSL is probably not an option for you. One thing about ADSL – the further you are from the exchange the weaker (and slower) the signal gets, even in metropolitan areas.
- Installation Costs. These are generally additional and can differ greatly – so shop around. Deals come all the time that offer reduced start up costs – usually for longer term contract customers. Also watch out for fees and / or freebies if you transfer from another provider.
- Any Extras. Some packages offer free technical advice hotlines, some offer free wireless modem ports, some offer free off-peak downloads. They may also offer free email accounts, but with web-based email and programs such as Outlook, do you really need it? Probably not.
- Bundle options. Smaller ISPs won't be able to give you an all-in-one phone and Internet package but some of the bigger providers might be able to make it worth your while.
- Reputation. Some ISPs just have bad reputations, plain and simple. They may offer cheap ADSL but if they are always congested and slowing you down, is it worth it? Ask friends and colleagues who they use and save yourself the headache of signing up to an irritating time-wasting provider.
Time to get broadband? Thinking about ADSL? Here’s what to look out for when looking for a plan. There are plenty of Internet service providers more than happy to take your money but what's important to you? A Broadband Buddy guide.
Lists the key things to consider before you sign a contract with a new ADSL Internet service provider. A Broadband Buddy guide.
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