What types of broadband are there?

There are a number of different types of broadband – while the end result for you normally amounts to the same thing, the technologies that make it possible vary. The main types of high speed internet access are:

Via your BT telephone line – just so you know, this is called ADSL (which, if you are interested in such things, stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line). The important thing is that, although this type of broadband connection is through a BT phone line, you do not have to use BT as your Broadband Provider. There are many other companies who provide ‘ADSL’ broadband – they just have a deal with BT to use their lines!
Cable – in many parts of the UK the roads have been dug up and cable has been laid. This has allowed people to get digital television in their homes without the need for a satellite dish and the same cable is now offering internet access. The main cable companies are NTL and Telewest (who offer Blueyonder internet) and, of course you have to live where cable has been installed. Use our Postcode Checker to see if this is an option for you