How To Compare UK Broadband Internet Providers. A Buyers Guide.

I am regularly asked by friends and customers to advise on which is the best broadband ISP (Internet Service Provider) to choose. A lot of people just can't be bothered to browse around all the providers web sites to find the deal that best suits their requirements. I am not surprised, the amount of providers and their various options is bewildering.

To make it easier for you to compare the most popular broadband internet providers I have split their various offerings into the following categories:

• Compare Local Loop Unbundled (LLU) broadband packages
• Compare broadband only packages, non LLU.
• Compare broadband and phone call bundles, non LLU.
• Compare value / cheap broadband packages, non LLU.
• Add on call packages.
• But what about reliability and customer satisfaction?

The most popular broadband packages are those with speeds upto 8MB and I recommend you go for this speed if you can afford it. It only costs a few pounds more but the download speed is four times that of the value packages and that makes a big difference.

Local Loop Unbundling is where a service provider fits their own equipment in your local telephone exchange enabling them to directly provide you with voice and broadband services without having to go through BT's network. Theoretically this should make LLU services cheaper.

LLU services are not available to all of the UK. To check if LLU services are available in your area, click the 'LLU Exchange List' links below which will take you to The Broadband Resource. (Note to my customers, there are currently no LLU services in Stamford Bridge)

These packages offer broadband only but add on call packages may be available, see below. Please click on the links for more information.

Visit the Tesco website for details of other equally low speed, poor value (In my opinion) packages.

These packages offer broadband and phone calls. Most inclusive calls are via an internet, or IP phone. Please click on the links for more information.

Usually slower download speeds and / or lower monthly usage allowances. If you anticipate being a light user you may want to consider these options. Add on call packages may be available, see below. Please click on the links for more information.

These call packages can be purchased as add ons when signing up for the providers broadband options above. Please click on the links for more information.

Are you a Pay T.V. customer or do you have a mobile phone contract?
Some mobile phone and pay T.V. providers offer cheaper or even free broadband to their customers. Check your providers web site to see if this applies to you.

Whilst price is important there is no point being with the cheapest provider if the service is poor. Thinkbroadband have some great graphs on their site that allow you can compare the speed, reliability and customer satisfaction ratings of the above providers.

To the best of my knowledge the information above is correct as of today, 8.October.2007. This page is intended as a guide only. Please ensure the packages suggested and equipment recommended are suitable for your requirements before purchasing.

• Wireless Broadband. Do you need wireless & recommended routers and adaptors.