Broadband is the common term for a high bandwidth internet connection one that can send or download information many times faster than with a standard telephone and modem. You can do everything you want to do online more quickly and more easily with broadband:
Back to top Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is the generic name for a technology that allows large amounts of digital information to be sent over an ordinary copper telephone line. DSL increases the bandwidth possible over the line, enabling broadband services to be offered and received in the home or at work.
ADSL - Asymmetric DSL - is so called because it allows information to be downloaded to the home or office more quickly than information is uploaded. This makes it particularly suitable for internet surfing and for downloading files, music, movie and sports clips. In other words, ADSL is ideal for home and business use.
The distance related limits for the most popular broadband services have been removed and more than 99.8 per cent of lines connected to a broadband exchange should now be able to get an ADSL broadband service.
BT sells wholesale DSL-based broadband to a wide range of service providers who in turn market and sell broadband services to businesses and individuals.
See our directory of service providers.
There are different ways of delivering broadband services over telephone lines, cable connections, via one or two way satellite systems and even by radio and there are many companies who offer these services.
BT offers wholesale broadband services based on DSL technology to a wide range of service providers on an equal basis and they market and sell broadband services to individuals and businesses.
To get broadband services, you will need to sign up with a service provider. See our directory of service providers offering DSL-based services.
Back to top Only network operators, service providers and major businesses can buy broadband on a wholesale basis from BT. Customers at home and smaller businesses must get their services through one of the many service providers offering broadband. Your service provider will guide you through the process. See our directory of service providers offering DSL-based broadband services.
To receive ADSL broadband you need:
Use the Availability Checker to see if you can already receive broadband services.
Back to top The distance related limits for the most popular broadband services have been removed and more than 99.8 per cent of lines connected to a broadband exchange should now be able to get an ADSL broadband service.
BT's ADSL Exchange Activate product offers a new business model that can help bring broadband even to small and remote exchanges. ADSL Exchange Activate uses a different business model and service providers will want to partner with a sponsoring body that has a social, business or developmental interest in bringing broadband to an area, to help recoup costs and to keep charges down for broadband end users. Parish or town councils, local authorities or Chambers of Commerce and even regional and central Government and European bodies may be able to help with sponsorship.
Broadband can also be delivered to more remote areas by other technologies such as satellite and radio.
Back to top Probably but you need to check. Our Broadband Availability Checker will tell you if your exchange can already offer broadband and will conduct a first assessment of whether your BT line is suitable. If you do not have a BT line, you can check using your postcode. Further technical tests will also need to be completed to ensure you can get broadband.
The distance related limits for the most popular broadband services have been removed and more than 99.8 per cent of lines connected to a broadband exchange should now be able to get an ADSL broadband service.
Other conditions may also apply to Symmetric DSL (SDSL) services.
Use the Availability Checker to see if you can already receive broadband services.
Find out more about broadband in your part of the country.
Back to top Yes. Customers who want to change to another service provider with compatible products can follow a simple three-step process.
Step 1 - contact your existing service provider and ask for a Migration Authorisation Code (MAC). Make sure you understand any terms and conditions that may apply if you discontinue your existing contract for broadband.
Step 2 - contact your preferred new service provider, let them know that you want them to provide your broadband service and give them the MAC code.
Step 3 - your new service provider will use the MAC code to validate your details and then switch you to their service. Standard lead-times will apply and you should check with your service provider for more information on terms and conditions.
Back to top Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is the generic name for a technology that allows large amounts of digital information to be sent over an ordinary copper telephone line. DSL increases the bandwidth possible over the line, enabling broadband services to be offered and received in the home or at work.
BT offers Symmetric DSL services, so called because they allow information to be both sent and received from the home or office at the same broadband speeds. This makes them particularly suitable for businesses that regularly need to transfer and receive large files or volumes of information between offices and with people working from home. Symmetric DSL services are based on Single pair High bit rate DSL (SHDSL) broadband technology.
There are several ways broadband services can be delivered. Cable companies offer broadband services as well as television and telephony over networks that serve about 45% of UK homes and businesses. You cannot get cable broadband if your street is not already cabled and you can only get cable broadband from a cable company.
There are several ways broadband services can be delivered. Satellite broadband requires only a dish antenna and can be used in virtually any location, though transmission may be affected by weather conditions. One-way satellite services download (up to 1Mbps) via satellite and upload via an ordinary phone (up to 56Kbps) or ISDN line (up to 128Kbps). Two-way satellite services use the satellite link in both directions to give even greater bandwidth (up to 4Mbps). Installation and running costs may be expensive compared with DSL broadband.
There are several ways broadband services can be delivered. Radio broadband also called 'mesh radio' is a high capacity wireless network that enables downloads at up to 4Mbps. In effect, each user has a private connection to an optical fibre trunk line linked to the internet. Availability is limited and setting up a wireless network is complex.
There are several ways broadband services can be delivered. Fixed wireless broadband is a mesh network in which every station is fixed. It is ideal for distributing data between buildings ie. for multi-site companies. It is not a practical technology for the home or workplace as devices and actions can block or interfere with the radio paths.
Did you mean What is Wi-Fi broadband?
Did you mean What is wireless networking?
Back to top There are several ways broadband services can be delivered. Wireless local networks (Wi-Fi) offer connection to broadband services at up to 512Kbps at thousands of 'hotspots' across the UK. To use the services you need a notebook PC with a wireless networking card fitted and to pay for the time you are online (vouchers can be bought online or at the hotspot). Connection is wireless via a small antenna at the hotspot with a range of 50-100 metres.
Did you mean What is wireless broadband?
Did you mean What is wireless networking?
Back to top If your device has a wireless networking card fitted you should be able to use it to receive broadband services via satellite (if you have a subscription to satellite services) or at a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Back to top