 |  | By Helen Storey Staff Writer Friday, 1 February 2008 |
MAYBE you’ve been amazed by a glitzy campaign that appears to offer broadband nirvana, or maybe you just happen to like the bloke from My Family who does the BT ads.
Broadband providers today are pushing themselves to eye-popping limits just to get you to notice their best broadband deals.
If you think you’ve found the perfect broadband package, first consider the wealth of options available to you.
Here are our 8 top reasons why you should compare broadband before you hand your bank details to the first provider that catches your eye.
1. Limitless possibilities
If you do a lot of downloading, some broadband packages will hit you where it hurts – with a download limit.
Always compare broadband before you buy to make sure you know if there’s a monthly limit on downloads, and it’s also worth keeping in mind that a download limit isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Do you really want to pay more for unlimited use when you only use the internet to check out what your mates are doing on Facebook?
A simple broadband comparison will reveal that TalkTalk’s stonkingly light-on-the-wallet TalkTalk Free Broadband (with Talk2 International) package (under £6 a month!) offers a whopping 40GB limit, which is enough for even the most diehard YouTube enthusiast.
2. Uncovering hidden surprises
Some broadband providers will require more than the advertised amount to get you up and running with your new package.
Common broadband charges that often aren’t always advertised include:
- Installation fees
- The cost of your modem/router
- Line rental
Don’t wait until your first bill hits the mat to find out that you’ve had to fork out for something you weren’t expecting.
When you compare broadband with ChooseISP, you get an easy-to-follow rundown of any extra charges you should be expecting.
In some cases, like with Tiscali's Broadband & Talk packages, line rental is included and you’ll pay nothing at all on top of your monthly bill!
3. Grabbing Free Stuff
Loads of broadband providers offer nifty little features like webspace, a firewall and a security package for free, and everyone loves a freebie, right?
If you compare broadband, you can find out which providers offer these services, and whether this is for a limited time, or for the duration of your contract.
For example, BT Total Option 2 provides up to date Norton Security to veritably fight off any nasties that could be trying to enter through your ports.
If you didn’t compare broadband, you may have missed out on the
freebie to end all freebies: AOL's
current superdeal of a free
Dell laptop or free Sony PlayStation 3. (Yes, totally free!).
Our insider at AOL says the free laptop offer is ending in a couple of months’ time, so don’t dilly dally with your broadband comparisons.
4. A Need for Speed
You can check the speed of each package when you compare broadband.
If you’re one of these people who furiously clicks on a link repeatedly at the faintest hint of it not loading, or you’re sick of YouTube videos that seem to stop and start at will, you can easily find a package that’s quick enough for you.
Even better - ChooseISP’s individual broadband reviews (such as the O2 Broadband review) give you a great insight into how consistent the advertised speed actually is.
There’s no use paying for the broadband equivalent of the Roadrunner, then finding out it actually has the capabilities of a heavily salted slug.
5. Contract Length
Gone are the days of the standard 12-month contract.
Comparing broadband means you can check out the minimum contract time, which is worth taking note of if you happen to be a fickle character.
Before you slap your signature on that 24-month contract, compare it to other broadband packages and check out what else is around and you might be surprised.
Fastest UK broadband provider Be* offers broadband with no contract whatsoever (although they do ask for 3 month’s notification if you do plan to cancel).
Another quick broadband comparison also reveals Plusnet’s packages can all be taken on a no-contract basis, but you’ll have to pay £40 if you leave before 12 months is up and pay for the wireless router they have given you.
6. Because Seeing is Believing
With the promotion of bargain broadband deals, lightning fast broadband speeds and top-notch reliability being thrust at us from all angles, can broadband providers really deliver what they promise?
When you compare broadband using ChooseISP.co.uk, not only do you get an independent, unbiased account, you can also read honest reviews from customers.
Getting rave reviews from both us, and their customers right now is O2 Broadband’s fab deal for mobile customers (and now it's even better for non-O2 mobile customers too).
7. You Can Bundle Up
You might find that including other services in your broadband package will save you even more cash.
If you’re willing to combine your broadband, TV and phone, then one choice you can’t have failed to have seen is the Sky See, Speak & Surf Base 1 broadband bundle for £17 a month, which is astonishing value if you’re prepared to merge your services under one provider.
Make sure you compare broadband as well as any accompanying TV and phone packages to spot the best broadband bundle deals.
8. Making future plans
You may just be in the early stages of a blossoming relationship with your broadband provider, but it is worth thinking ahead.
Some broadband providers will offer a discounted service for your first 6 months, or the first year, only to yank up the prices, leaving you mourning the dent in your wallet.
ChooseISP.co.uk is the only site on the web where you can compare broadband, compare broadband & phone, or compare broadband, phone & TV packages and see the costs in your second year too!
 Compare broadband and bundle services
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