Wireless broadband
ADSL or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line is a kind of broadband technology that uses telephone line to provide internet connection. Amongst other technologies like cable, wireless, mobile and satellite broadband, ADSL is the widely used broadband technology, not only in UK but in many countries around the world. Factors like easy availability and cost-effective features were behind their popularity. In UK, the largest ADSL broadband provider is BT that has over 4 million connections while other major ISPs like AOL, TalkTalk, O2, Be and Tiscali offer ADSL broadband using BT lines or their own LLU network.
Technically, ADSL has the capacity to provide up to 8 Mbps download speed while it offers much less upload speed (up to 1 Mbps). The newer versions of ADSL like ADSL 2 and ADSL 2+ are gaining popularity due to their high speed broadband services (download speed up to 24 Mbps). However, only a few ISPs like Be, Sky and UK Online offer such high speed broadband services using their LLU network With their LLU network fast spreading over many cities, these services are available in many cities across UK. BT is already on its way to complete its 21CN programme that can provide fast broadband services for anyone in UK by 2010.
How ADSL works?
To get an ADSL broadband connection, all you need is a telephone connection as ADSL uses the same copper wires. When you sign up with your ISP, they usually provide you a micro-filter that enables the line to carry both voice and internet data. Now, you can talk over phone to someone while you are online. Connection is so much easy that you can do it yourself or you can get help from your ISP. Right from the configuration of your modem/router or to setup a wireless router, your ISP should be happy to help you whenever you have problems with your connection. Just contact their customer support on phone or by email.
Is ADSL better than other broadband technologies?
Statistically speaking, ADSL has made the largest penetration in UK as it enjoys following advantages:
- In UK, you cannot find a household that cannot access BT’s telephone network. As such, ADSL broadband is available to anyone who gets BT lines.
- Most of the ISPs in UK offer ADSL broadband with a range that can meet the requirements of majority of internet users. Whether cheap broadband deals or bundles or business or fast broadband services, the infinite choice that ADSL broadband offers to UK broadband population is unique.
- Connecting to ADSL broadband is simple and hassle free. You can find infinite range of modems/routers for your needs.
- When you switch to other providers, you will find that the procedure is easy thanks to the new norms implemented by Ofcom. All you need is a MAC from your ISP.
ADSL broadband providers in UK
- AOL broadband
- BT
- Be Unlimited
- Demon broadband internet
- O2 broadband
- PlusNet
- Pipex
- UK Online
- Madasafish
- Sky broadband
- Toucan broadband
- Tiscali
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