Browse Articles By Tag: phone and broadband package RSS

Is Unlimited Broadband Really Unlimited?

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:59:00 +0000

// The idea of connecting to a 56K modem to use the internet for half an hour at a time is, nowadays, absurd. These days, we're constantly connected; if you have a broadband connection at home, you probably leave your router turned on all the time, so that you can jump online whenever you need to do so, be it by laptop, tablet or desktop. This is why unlimited broadband packages can seem awfully tempting; it's easy to reach broadband limits, especially if you download and stream a lot of videos online. So why not put an end to worrying about download limits by opting for unlimited broadband? The truth is, 'unlimited broadband' isn't always unlimited. It's a phrase that's often used by broadband providers to tempt customers into signing up, though these packages are only 'unlimited' in the sense that strict limits are applied to, say, a '60GB' package which will charge you after you have downloaded 60GB of data. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; truly 'unlimited' broadband packages are likely to be more expensive than those that aren't, so unless you really need to use up thousands of gigabytes, you may be happy to plump for a ‘somewhat limited’ package of unlimited broadband. The way in which providers enact so-called ‘unlimited’ packages is by including a fair use policy within the terms and conditions. This could mean that your download speed is restricted at certain times of the day, or it could mean that your downloads can be capped if you use an excessive amount of data. In other words, while the provider doesn't attach a numerical limit to your usage, they essentially reserve the right to cut your use down, apply traffic management restrictions or stop you from downloading large amounts of data. There are a few unlimited broadband packages out there which offer 'true' unlimited broadband, though these are likely to set you back a little more. For the majority of users, an unlimited broadband package with a fair use policy included will prove to b... Read more

Finding The Right Telephone And Broadband Deal For You

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Whether you’re moving into a new home or simply changing your provider, finding the right telephone and broadband deal can be confusing. In fact, some comparison websites are so jargon-heavy that it feels like you need a degree in technology to understand what they’re talking about. However, providers are striving to make it easier for customers to understand what they’re committing to when they take out a new broadband deal. If you’re looking for a new package, here are some tips to bear in mind.

First, consider how you use the internet. For instance, perhaps you only use your home broadband to check your emails or look at Facebook after work. This qualifies as relatively light internet use. Alternatively, maybe you’re a keen online games player and you watch a lot of films and TV on your computer – on BBC iPlayer or via Netflix, for example. This makes you a heavier internet user, and it’s advisable to pay more to increase your monthly usage allowance. If you live in a household with several people – like a shared student house or a family with several older children – a higher monthly usage may also be necessary.

Next, you need to understand the difference between advertised broadband speeds and the one you’ll actually receive. Broadband providers have made several improvements to speed in recent years, and as the UK’s broadband infrastructure improves, these speeds will only get better. But just because a broadband connection is advertised as 16Mb, for example, that doesn’t mean you’ll get that speed and it will often be slower. If you think your broadband is running too slowly, be sure to call your provider about it as it may be a problem that’s particular to your area.

You’ll also need to decide if you want a telephone and broadbanddeal, a phone, broadband and TV package or broadband on its own. Many new TVs already have Freev... Read more

Phone & Broadband Packages

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:03:00 +0000

// You can communicate in so many ways these days. You can phone, text, email, message via a social networking site or video call from your tablet. There seems to be no end to the new ways we, as a very social human race, are coming up with to communicate. Phone and broadband are two mechanisms for communication that you likely use on a very regular basis. Many of you probably can’t imagine a day when you went without using these two methods yet despite their commonality, many people are paying more than they need to for their phone and broadband. You can make sure you are getting the best deal by selecting a package that includes both phone and broadband together. There are several advantages to picking a package that gives you both phone and broadband together. One, it is generally less expensive than if you were to pay for them separately. The package can usually become even cheaper if you are willing to sign up for a longer contract with the communications company, say a 24 month contract rather than a 12 month contract. If you know you are going to be using the phone and broadband for a longer period of time then this is definitely something you can consider. Two, it is less hassle getting both phone and broadband together than if you were to get each separately. You can order both services together from the same company, leaving you with only one bill to deal with. Why not do this and simplify your life. There are enough utility bills, bank statements and other notifications coming in the post so if you have your phone and broadband together you can look forward to just the one letter. Finally, in today’s world you may not just have a landline phone in your home. If you are one of the millions who have a mobile phone then your life can get even easier. You can get a communications package that covers your landline phone, mobile phone and your broadband. And, as mobile phones are constantly advancing, this includes your smartphone. If you lead an ... Read more

How Many Phone Lines Does Your Business Need?

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:09:00 +0000

// Phone lines are still essential utilities for most businesses, but if you don't take care to choose the most suitable type of phone system for your company, you could run into problems or be paying more than you should be for business phone calls. The size of your business is one of the most crucial factors to consider when comparing different types of phone systems, as the more lines your business needs, the more sophisticated a telephone system you're likely to need. If you run a small business with just a few employees, you may feel that a single phone line is all you need, though in many cases even a relatively small business could soon find that more phones are needed to ensure no calls are missed during peak times of the day. Even the simplest type of key-less phone system is capable of handling up to four lines, whereas larger companies may opt for KSU systems to connect more users. That way, you won't have to worry about certain employees not being connected to your network, and you may even choose to have dedicated lines for services such as voicemail or fax machines. The number of people you employ isn't always a reliable figure to use when determining a suitable number of phone lines however, as some workers may not need their own phone lines, such as those working out in the field rather than in the office. Conversely, a small business that relies heavily on telemarketing or offers customer support may benefit from installing more phone lines than there are employees. If you're trying to ascertain how much use your employees make of your phone lines at present before installing a new phone line, one useful source to look to is itemised bills of outgoing calls from your premises, which won't only be useful for informing you which numbers are dialled most frequently, but may also lead to you finding out certain times of the day when more calls tend to be made. If your company makes frequent international or long distance calls, you could b... Read more

Getting The Most From Your Phone And Broadband Package

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:54:00 +0000

// Many of us feel daunted by the sheer volume of options that are available when it comes to home phone and broadband connections. With so many service providers and different packages out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Instead of fretting however, sit down and think about the services which you require, and those that you don’t make the best use of, this will make the process much easier. In fact, doing so could actually save you money, as it means you won’t have to fork out for unnecessary extras. First off, it could be an idea to figure out if your needs can be best served by a standalone phone line or broadband package, or by a package that combines them both. Whilst common sense might dictate that you can save a bit of money by combining the two, there may be circumstances where this isn’t necessarily the case. However, the bulk of the time, combining packages can save you money, so it could be worth having a look at the various package options that various suppliers offer. Secondly, consider your options with regards to your internet connection. Would you like to take advantage of the latest wireless technology and be able to browse the internet without the need for cables? Or are you happy enough using your telephone line to connect to the web? Or then again, would you prefer to use either a cable or wireless dongle? By selecting the option that suits your needs here, you’ll be ensuring that your broadband package is one which suits your particular circumstances – saving frustration further down the line. Also, consider the reputability of prospective providers. The last thing you need is an unreliable service – particularly during important times where it’s necessary for you to make a phone call or check your e-mails. Then there’s the price. While phone and broadband services can be considered necessities in a modern household, so you shouldn’t have to pay through the nose to take advantage of them. Have a... Read more

Choosing The Right Broadband For You

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:26:00 +0000

// The dawn of broadband has made it easier for more and more people to get access to the internet in their own homes. And with so many different broadband providers competing for your business, it can be overwhelming when trying to make a decision on who to choose. However, it needn’t be a stressful decision. By taking some time to carefully research your options and thinking about what you are actually going to be using the internet for, you can find a deal and broadband package that is right for you. First of all, do you have a phone line already or are you looking for a phone and broadband package? If this is the case, then you should definitely consider those providers who can install both – the chances are you will find a much better deal with a phone and broadband package than by going to two different companies. If you already have a phone line, perhaps you could consider changing suppliers to see if this will save you money. However, if you have a current phone line and are happy with the service, then it is simply a case of establishing your broadband needs. If you mainly use the internet to shop online, check your emails and use social networking sites, then you probably aren’t going to need a package that allows for a large amount of downloads. Why not look for a deal that offers unlimited surfing with a small download limit? Conversely, if you spend a lot of time watching films and buying music online, then a package that offers higher download capacities is going to be more important. Consider the internet speeds as well – you can use comparison websites to do this and can even check how fast speeds are in your specific area for different providers. At the end of the day, no matter what you use the internet for, you should expect it to be working as quickly as possible! And if you work from home on a company laptop, then speed is of extra importance, especially if you are waiting on an important email. For those who would admit to not b... Read more

Business Communication

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:43:00 +0000

// Being able to communicate effectively is an important part of a business' success at any stage, but particularly when you're starting a new company. Your ability to get the project off the ground depends heavily on being able to communicate with your staff, prospective customers and clients. The tools you use to communicate are an important aspect of any start-up, and in the early days it's important to take the time to get it right and make sure you're being efficient and effective. In the modern business world, almost all companies use the internet as part of their internal and external communication strategies. The internet offers business users many options with regard to communication. It can be used to send emails, run websites, sell products and deliver media content. While most people acknowledge that the internet is an indispensable tool, many people overlook their internet connection and how it can contribute to a more productive working day. Look for a broadband provider that can offer you a fast internet connection at the right price. When looking at different tariff options, consider how large your business is and what you mainly use the internet for; companies who do most of their business online will require a more comprehensive broadband package than companies who use the internet to a lesser extent. The tried and trusted telephone is another extremely important communication tool. Even though many companies are conducting more of their business online, most would be lost without a telephone. The telephone offers a more personal medium for conducting business. It allows people to use their voice to add emphasis or change the tone of a conversation. When you're looking for a telephone provider, ask about different packages and try and find a tariff plan that includes free minutes and good local rates. If your company is international or you're planning to do business overseas, make sure you include a comprehensive long distance pla... Read more

Choosing your broadband bundle

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

// Choosing a broadband package for your home or business is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly, as you may be using this connection every day for the duration of your contract. There can be many differences between the broadband services offered by various companies, which means comparing prices and reading customer reviews could point you in the right direction and help you avoid mistakes. While there are many aspects of a good broadband connection that should be demanded from every supplier - such as speed and strong connectivity - there are also many features that can make certain packages stand out from the crowd. Features such as 24 hour customer support can make some broadband packages more appealing, and the distinctions can be even greater if you're looking for business broadband - with some suppliers offering extra benefits such as custom domain names and email addresses when you sign up. Even if you've decided on a supplier for your broadband, there may be additional ways to reduce the cost of your package - such as bundling other telecommunications services along with your broadband. It can work out cheaper to receive your broadband and phone services from the same provider, as well as other services such as cable TV. Dealing with a single company can also be more convenient in terms of reducing your paperwork. When looking for a company that offers both broadband and calls together, it's important to confirm that the combined cost of these services is indeed less than you would be paying separately. You may not have to upgrade your existing landline or the phone infrastructure of your workplace when switching to a different provider either. You will find that many telecoms providers offer the option to combine your services in this way, and they can be customised depending on each customer's unique requirements. The duration of your contract for multiple services will likely be the same for your broadband, phone and any other services y... Read more

Choosing a business phone and broadband package

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

// Communication is a core part of business, so you need to ensure the technology in your workplace is up to the tasks demanded of it. If your broadband internet connection is slow or prone to disconnecting, this could be costing you dearly in terms of lost work hours and lost sales. Your business phone system needs to be similarly reliable to ensure you don't miss any calls, and that every call reaches the right person. If you're thinking of upgrading one aspect of your business' communication services, it can be well worth taking a wider view of your other services too, and determining whether you're truly happy with the quality of service you're receiving. If you decide to replace one part of your business telecoms, this could also be the ideal opportunity to overhaul your whole communication network and start again with a new company and a more beneficial package. There can also be cost advantages to receiving your business phone and broadband bills from the same company, as opposed to dealing with separate firms. It can also make dealing with your supplier more convenient, as well as making the process easier when the time comes to make further upgrades or when introducing new communications technology into your office in the future. It's important to shop around and compare a number of deals before deciding on the business phone and broadband package you're happy with, and there are many factors you need to take into account when looking for the ideal package beyond just the price. Business broadband needs to be fast and reliable in order to cope with the ever more complex content of the internet. With fibre broadband being introduced in more areas of the UK, you may wish to check whether this new technology is yet available in your area, as the superior speeds afforded by fibre optic cables can be a distinct improvement over other types of broadband. Checking the extra features of your business phone and broadband packages could also help differ... Read more

Comparing broadband and phone deals online

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

// The internet is now widely regarded as an indispensible utility by many people, and often compared to a phone line or gas and electricity services. The differences between types of broadband packages and between different providers can be just as great as those between other utility companies too, making it important to shop around to find the best deals. Like many other purchases, the best broadband deals can be found online, either by using price comparison searches or by visiting the websites of different suppliers and comparing their offerings manually. If you're looking for discounts on your broadband installation and service, there are also various ways you can save - one of the most popular being to bundle your broadband with other communications services, such as a phone line. Subscribing to a combined broadband and phone package can be an ideal option if you've just moved into a new property, or even if you're simply looking to revamp your home telecoms or save money on your utilities. There are numerous advantages to dealing with a single company for both your broadband and phone services, including less hassle and less paperwork, and you will also usually be entitled to significant discounts compared to the cost of paying for each subscription separately. You may choose to look for further discounts when bundling other products into your broadband and phone package too, including a digital TV subscription and mobile phone contract, if these services are available from your provider. If you've decided to choose combined broadband and phone deals, the internet is once again the best place to find the lowest priced deals currently available, as well as the easiest method of comparing different packages from a multitude of companies. However, you should not allow price to sway your decision too greatly, as you need to ensure that the broadband and phone package you choose includes everything you need to get the most out of the service. For br... Read more