Broadband is a term widely used to describe any form of high-speed
internet connection which is always on and can transmit data through
more than one channel at the same time.
Broadband internet connections are superior to the classic dial-up
method which needed to be manually activated and was limited to
performing one task at a time such as making a phone call or connecting
to the web.
What Does Broadband Mean?
The technical definition of broadband is that of a method of data
transmission that can support two or more traffic types simultaneously
due to its capability of supporting a wide, or broad, band of
frequencies.
Official broadband definitions can vary by region with some
organizations limiting the use of the term to data speeds above a set
minimum requirement. This is typically done to ensure that consumers are
provided with consistent internet services by providers who could
otherwise misrepresent inferior services as being better than they
actually are.
For example, the FCC classifies a broadband connection as having a
minimum download and upload speed of 25 and 3 Mbps respectively while
Ofcom in the United Kingdom states that a broadband connection must have
at least a download speed of 10 Mbps and an upload speed of just one
Mbps.
What Types of Broadband Are There?
Many people think of broadband as a wired or cable internet connection
but the actual physical implementation of the technology shows a much
broader use that widens the broadband meaning quite a bit.
Here are some examples of broadband internet connections:
- DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
- Fiber-optic cable
- Cable
- 3G mobile broadband
- 4G mobile broadband
- 5G mobile broadband
- 6G mobile broadband
- White Space Wi-Fi
- Satellite and space-based internet
How Can I Compare Broadband Deals?
When looking for the best broadband deals, it’s important to look at the fine print and compare the promoted and guaranteed upload and download speeds that each option can provide. Many providers will have a broadband compare chart on their website which will break down exactly what you can expect from each plan. Some may even be able to match broadband deals offered by other companies.
Be careful not to be biased against one form of broadband internet over another. A wired connection can often be faster but you may get better speeds from using a 4G broadband internet connection depending on where you live.
Be aware of what services are available in your area. You don’t want to pay extra for 5G connectivity when you’re only going to be capable of picking up 4G or even 3G.
What’s the Best Broadband Internet Service Option?
When choosing a broadband internet service provider, it’s important to consider the following:
- What options are available for your building? Many apartment buildings are locked into specific plans for example.
- Do you need to travel a lot? If so, a portable mobile option may be better for you.
- Which option is really faster? Many Twitch streamers in Australia use 4G or 5G broadband internet due to the notoriously slow speed of the domestic wired options.
- How much data will you need? If you’re planning on downloading and uploading a lot of data, you may prefer a slower option with a larger data cap.
- What data speeds will you need? If you’re expecting to stream 4K movies via Netflix or use an online cloud gaming service such as Google Stadia or Project xCloud, you’ll need to check which plans will be able to cope.