UK Online Lite

• Poor Value 2MB UKOnline broadband
• Unlimited downloads (fair use policy applies)
• Lots of useful extras
• Free connection
• 24/7 freephone support line

UK Online broadband review: Lite

DESPITE what has become a fairly high price tag UKOnline's excellent reputation still makes the UKOnline Lite (Up to 2MB) home broadband package worth a look.

Lower than normal contention ratio

With UKOnline Lite Broadband, your line will run at up to 2mbps with a lower-than-standard 33 to 1 contention ratio (provided you are in a UKOnline supported area - otherwise it's a 50:1 contention ratio).

This means that at most, there will only ever be 32 other users on your line at the same time.

Most other broadband providers funnel 50 users down a single line as standard, so you're almost certain to notice the difference.

This is ideal if you are connecting several computers to your UKOnline broadband connection or you're downloading large files regularly, such as music and video files.

If you want even lower contion ratios (20:1), you should take a look at UKOnline's other two packages: UKOnline Pro and UKOnline Premier, which are marginally more expensive, but still good value for money - even without the super low contention ratios.

Cheapest broadband deal?

However, while UKOnline might have been offering one of the cheapest broadband deals back in the day, their pricing has stubbornly refused to move with the times making this one of the UK's more pricey broadband packages.

On top of that, up to 2Mb broadband is practically an endangered species these days so most providers will throw in a faster speed with their cheaper connections.

We're also unimpressed that despite advertising a free connection and requiring a 12-month contract UkOnline still make you to pay £49.99 for a Netgear wireless router.

Top marks for customer service and support

UKOnline is gradually building a reputation for itself as the kings of customer service and now boast a 24 hours-a-day freephone customer support line with a UK-based support team.

No, you didn't misread: UKOnline's technical support is absolutely free and is accessed by a shiny-halo 0800 number.

We are particularly impressed with their defined service levels which promise, amongst other things, 90% of all calls answered within 30 seconds as well as a guaranteed response to support emails within 12 hours.

A lot more broadband providers could take a leaf out of UKOnline's book here!

Packed with extra features

UKOnline Lite Broadband also includes up to 5 email addresses with 200mb of storage for each.

With its McAfee anti-virus software (free for first 12 months), superb support and rock-bottom price this UKOnline product is an excellent all-round broadband package.

And you thought all broadband was the same!.

A little more detail...

Broadband		Special Note...	Any good?
Package:	Lite	-
Connection:	ADSL	Telephone line
Max Speed:	Up to 2Mb
Usage Limit:	Unlimited	Fair usage policy applies
Totally Unlimited:	No
Hardware:	Netgear Wireless router	-
Internet Security:	Included free	Free McAfee Internet Security Suite for first 12 months.
Online Gaming:	All major consoles supported

Payment, Installation & Contract
Setup Cost:	Free
Hardware Cost:	£49.99
Installation:	Self installation
Line Rental Provider:	BT Line Rental required (£11.54/mth)
Minimum Contract:	12 months
Payment Method(s):	Direct Debit / Credit Card
Support:	24/7 freephone support