Broadband ADSL
Frequently asked questions

What is Broadband ADSL?

Broadband ADSL provides the ability for an ‘always-on’ connection from a PC or network to the Internet via a standard telephone line. This is generally provided for a fixed monthly fee plus a one-off activation charge. An ADSL modem is also required in order to make the connection between your PC and the ADSL source.

Who should use it?

Broadband ADSL is for anybody who uses the internet on a regular basis, whether a home user or a business.

What are the benefits?

• faster access times than a dial up modem
• ability to have an 'always-on' connection for a fixed monthly fee
• uses your existing phone line
• allows others to continue to use the phone line whilst the ADSL service is connected
• simple and quick to connect and configure
• ability to receive web-based email immediately rather than having to dial up for it
• a single connection can provide Internet access to a single PC or a network
• different options available to suit different user requirements
• typical monthly costs from just £20 plus VAT

Where do I get it from?

There are many ISPs (Internet Service Providers) that provide this service; it doesn’t have to be purchased from BT just because you have a BT phone line. Other service providers will generally use the BT exchange line but can still offer the service at prices that are competitive and often cheaper than BT. You will continue to pay rental on your BT line at the same cost as currently. In addition you will pay a monthly fee to your ISP for the ADSL service. Call charges for voice and fax calls are unaffected.

Is it available in my area?

In order to be able to receive Broadband ADSL services through your phone line, you must be within 5.5 kilometres of an ADSL enabled BT exchange. We will be happy to check this out for you, just provide us with your telephone number. To enquire about Broadband ADSL, click here.

If you are not within range of an enabled BT exchange, then satellite ADSL is an option. At the current time this is a more expensive, but prices are coming down all the time. Depending on your Internet usage this may still be a cost effective option.

Are there different types?

Yes. The Broadband ADSL product is sold in many different ways. These are largely different combinations of 'bandwidth' and 'contention ratio'. The bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred per unit of time. This is usually specified in kilobits per second (kbps). The contention ratio is the potential maximum number of other connections competing for that bandwidth. Therefore the higher the bandwidth and lower the contention ratio, the faster the Internet access should be. In practice, at the current time, most connections are not fully contended and therefore data transfer speed is generally higher than the minimum.

Can I use my existing phone line?

You must have an operational BT phone line of sufficient quality. BT line quality does vary and your line will be tested on receipt of your order. Failed orders will be subject to full refund. The telephone line must not use incompatible services. Click here to view Broadband incompatible services. You can have Broadband ADSL activated on an existing telephone/fax line and these existing services will run alongside your ADSL service. This enables you to access the Internet without tying up your telephone or fax line.

What will I need?

You will need an ADSL provider, an ADSL modem, 1 or more micro-filters to adapt your telephone line and, depending on your planned use, a firewall may also be advisable. We are able to assist and advise with all of these. Click here to enquire about Broadband requirements.

How do I get it?

We are happy to offer a free consultation to advise and assist you with your choices and selections. We will then make all the arrangements for connection to the service and come along and install and configure it for you.To arrange for Broadband, click here.

For more information or a full fact sheet on ADSL Broadband, including illustrative costs, please contact us