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 be perfectly adequate. Unless your budget is as unlimited as your desire to browse the net, opting for a fair use policy that suits you will generally offer better value. Fair use policies come in all shapes and sizes, some of which include truly unlimited data during non-peak times; looking for the one that will suit your own internet habits is the best way to pick up a bargain.

When you're shopping around for phone and broadband deals that will suit you, it's important to bear in mind what you really need. There's no point opting for unlimited broadband if one of the packages with a suitable 'fair use policy' will adequately cover your requirements. Likewise, if you think you'll probably go over the limits mentioned in fair use policies, then it'll be cheaper for you in the long run to bite the bullet and fork out for a truly unlimited broadband package; this way, you'll avoid the costly fees of going over your limit.

Bruce Giles writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.