Browse Articles By Tag: phone and broadband 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

Ways To Reduce Your Household Bills

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:48:00 +0000

// Since the triggering of the financial crisis in 2008, it seems that households in Britain have less and less money to spend. Things are generally getting more expensive but wages remain static. So it’s no surprise that people are looking for ever more creative ways to reduce their expenditure. And while it’s possible to simply stop spending on some things, others – like gas and electricity bills – need to be minimised rather than eliminated. If you’re looking for advice on how to keep your bills low, read on for some handy tips. In the summer, gas bills may be almost negligible. But in winter, they can be astronomical. To keep the cost of heating your house down, follow a few simple rules. First, is your heating on a timer or do you simply turn it on as and when you need it? Try re-setting your timer so it only comes on when you’re in the house, or just before you wake up, rather than during the day when you’re at work. A thermostat can also be an effective way of controlling your home’s temperature without having your heating on all day. Also, don’t underestimate the effect of wearing an extra jumper or throwing another blanket on your bed. Keeping your electricity bills low is also relatively simple. Advice like turning the lights off as you leave the room and shutting your TV down at the mains switch might seem obvious, but they’re also effective. If you have a games console or DVD player, make sure you don’t leave it on overnight as this can eat up a lot of power. Plus, if you’re a regular tea or coffee drinker, try to only boil enough water for the number of cups you’re making – for example, if you’re making one cup of tea, don’t boil a full kettle. Getting a home energy monitor is an effective way to keep track of which appliances use the most electricity in your home. Another way to reduce your household bills is to change your service providers entirely. This can be particularly effective with your phone and broadband connection, as fierce com... 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

Tips For Moving Into Your First Home

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:11:00 +0000

// Leaving your parent’s home for the first time is an exciting (yet daunting) time for many young men and women. Whether you’re going to college, or just feel that it’s time to fly the nest, you’re probably going to feel nervous and not know what to expect. The first thing to remember is that once you move out, it won’t be constant parties. You will need to take responsibility for yourself. Location, Location, Location When you’re looking for a new place to call home you need to be picky; don’t just go for the first place you see. Even if the flat seems ideal, think about how you would feel to live in that area. Ask yourself: how long would it take to get to work? How far is the nearest supermarket? If you have a car, is there on-street parking or will you risk a fine every day? Finding a Flatmate In this economic climate, there are very few young adults that can afford to live alone. Choosing a flatmate is like choosing a partner; except if things don’t work out, it’s far more difficult to end the relationship. Before you commit to living with someone, go out for coffee together to find out if your personalities are a fit. It may seem like a good idea to live with a lifelong friend, but remember in a close environment things can get heated very quickly. You may find that their annoying habits become magnified. If you do choose to move in with a friend, make sure it’s someone that you really care about. Organising Your Bills When living with your parents, bills are one thing that you don’t have to worry about. When you move into your own place, make it a priority to sort out the essentials like phone and broadband and then sit down with your flatmate to figure out a payment system. The best way to do this is for one of you to pay the bill, and the other to set up a standing order into your account. Chasing a flatmate for rogue payments is never fun, so set up measures to prevent you from becoming a debt collector. Housework You’ll certainly hav... 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

Choosing The Best Business Phone Line

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:57:00 +0000

// A reliable phone system is widely considered an essential asset for any type of business, whether you rely on your phones to make sales calls or offer customer support, or just want the peace of mind of knowing that your everyday business communications will go without a hitch. Understanding the different types of business phone systems available, and their respective pros and cons, could help point you in the right direction when upgrading your office utilities. Phone systems are constantly evolving as new and emerging technologies become available, and businesses now have more choices than ever when it comes to the type of system that's right for them. You should carefully consider your requirements from a phone system to give you a head-start when looking into different options, taking into account factors such as the size of your business and whether you operate in multiple locations. Smaller companies may be satisfied with basic keyless systems that can support two to four separate lines, ensuring that as many calls as possible will get through even when other lines are occupied. This limited number of lines may not be sufficient for larger companies of more than 10 employees however, which may be better suited to key systems (KSU) and private branch exchanges (PBX), which can support many more connections and offer more advanced options. One of the most efficient options for business phone systems is a leased line, which can connect multiple business premises in close proximity to each other, as well as make it easier for businesses to receive stable and high speed broadband, compared to relying on standard copper phone lines. Leased lines are a more expensive option, but could be well worth it if your company handles a large amount of phone or internet traffic and you want to minimise problems. Receiving your business broadband service from the same company that provides your phone line can also be cost-effective and improve convenience, and o... Read more

Do You Need Fibre Broadband In Your Home?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:52:00 +0000

// You may have heard people talking about 'fibre optic broadband,' but unless you're in the industry you may not be entirely sure what it means. The major difference between fibre to the home (FTTH) broadband and standard broadband connections is the physical lines used to deliver the connections between suppliers and households, as traditional copper lines are being replaced with higher density fibre optic cables that are capable of handling significantly larger quantities of data. What this means in practical terms is that fibre broadband offers much faster speeds than standard broadband, which can take the frustration out of browsing websites, playing online games or downloading large files. Broadband speed has always been a contentious issue and one of the major factors that customers look for when comparing different broadband services. With the news that the average domestic broadband user in the UK downloads over 17 gigabytes per month, it's clear that current broadband services will not be up to facing these increasing demands in the future. Research has revealed that users on faster connections do indeed download more content on average, with those on 10 megabit per second (Mbps) connections consuming around 19 GB per month and those on faster 100 Mbps lines downloading more than 130 GB. With more than two thirds of the UK expected to be able to access superfast fibre broadband services by the end of 2014, it's clear that the technology is finally catching up to the demand. Fibre optic broadband is more than just a technology fad, and although its speeds may seem daunting to many people who primarily use the internet to access websites and check emails, the increasing complexity and higher definition of websites, online games and online videos will likely make standard broadband connections insufficient for the average user's requirements within the next few years. Fibre broadband is on the verge of becoming an essential household utility, and ... Read more