Broadband FAQS – All That You Want To Know

You’d be surprised to know that the first question everyone asks is ‘what is broadband’. So starting with this, let us look at some of the most frequently asked/answered questions about the broadband service.

What Is Broadband?

Broadband is basically access to fast Internet. It is much faster than our telephone line plus modem. With broadband you can transmit multiple voice, video and data over a common wire.  Broadband can be through cable, DSL and satellite.  

How Does Broadband Work?

Your computer is connected to the Internet by broadband through a high-speed cable modem along with a fiber optic cable network that is capable of letting you have cable phone and cable TV. Data exchange takes place between your computer and the Internet in two directions – upstream when you send information and downstream when you receive information. Different Internet service providers offer different rate plans for upstream and downstream. Here downstream is more relevant since this is usually more than what goes out.

What is DSL?

Digital subscriber line or DSL uses a phone line for fast broadband access. Depending on the kind of package you opt for with your provider you can get various speeds from 384 kilobits per second to 1.5 Megabits per second. DSL keeps you always connected to the Internet, unlike the dial-up where you must connect each time. You can also use your DSL to make phone calls without disconnecting your Internet access. On the flip side, you can get DSL only if the phone company services that area.

What About Cable Access?

Cable Internet access comes via your cable TV line. It is also fast with speeds depending on the cable company and has nothing to do with your home phone line.

Do We Need Any Specific Equipment For Broadband Access?

You will need a special modem both for cable and DSL Internet access. Your broadband provider normally either sells or rents the modem. You also have the option to buy the modem from someone other than the provider.

How Much Does Broadband Access Cost?

Providers charge a monthly service fee depending on the plan you choose and this varies from provider to provider. You could also incur modem charges, extra email account frees, extra web storage fees if you have opted for it. This fee is paid to your service provider and if you happen to also receive cable TV, cable phone, etc. all the charges will be bundled into one bill.

How To Choose A Provider?

With the healthy competition and different packages being offered today, you must look for good quality broadband connection, a minimum of 1 MB per second speed, price in terms of initial costs and monthly fees, the access to customer support and user-friendliness of the service.

Can Any Modem Be Used For Broadband Access?

Your service provider must approve the modem basically because of signal transmission compatibility.

Where Is It Available In The USA?

In the USA, major Broadband Cable Services providers are Comcast, 

Time Warner, Charter, Adelphia, Cox, Mediacom and Insight.

AT&T, BellSouth, Earthlink, Qwest and Verizon provide DSL High Speed Internet.

With so many broadband providers in the market and the variety of promotional plans, it is easy and quick to get a broadband connection that suits your requirements best.