Explanations and Clarifications

For Broadband

Package Name:
The Package Name is the name the provider has given to this package.

Connection Type:
Connection Type refers to the method with which this package will allow you to connect to the internet. The most common connection type for broadband in the UK is ADSL (which stands for Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) which works along your telephone line. The other common connection type is cable which is exactly what it says on the tin: the broadband comes via a fibre optic cable buried under the ground.

Maximum Speed:
The maximum speed at which you can receive data (eg. Web pages, emails, videos, images etc) from the internet. It is unlikely you will ever actually receive the full down speed as this decreases the further your house is located from the telephone exchange. Even if you lived right on top of the exchange, congestion on the line and other factors would probably prevent you from reaching the full maximum down speed.

Usage Limit:
The usage limit refers to the amount of data (eg. web pages, emails, videos, songs, images etc) you can download in any one month. Some companies will charge more if you exceed this limit. Most usage limits are very generous and only heavy users (or users who regularly download large numbers of high bandwidth items such as songs and videos) regularly exceed them. To be sure though, the ChooseISP.co.uk usage calculator in the broadband search form will give you a good idea of how much usage you require.

Hardware:
Hardware refers to the gear that is required or supplied by the provider in order for you to connect your computer to the internet. Hardware is usually a modem or a router - both of which are small boxes that allow your computer to connect to the internet.

Anti-virus Protection:
Software that protects your computer from malicious computer programs that find their way onto your computer via infected emails or websites.

Firewall:
A firewall protects your computer from unwanted internet traffic. This could include malicious programs or individuals trying to access your computer via your internet connection.

E-mail Account:
Allows you to set up an email address (or in some cases multiple email addresses) and send and receive emails. It is very unusual for a broadband package to not offer at least one email account.

Webspace Provided:
Webspace is a bit like internet real estate. It is your own bit of empty property on the internet where you can display your own web site. Most web sites are much smaller than you’d imagine, and the amount of webspace provided (measured in MB) is normally much more than you’d ever need.

Domain Included:
Some providers include a domain name as well. A domain name is an internet address. For example www.chooseisp.co.uk is our domain name. Having your own domain name is only useful if you plan to host your own website, so shouldn't be a major criteria for selecting a broadband provider. Most domain names can be purchased elsewhere for as little as a few pounds per year.

Backup Dialup:
Backup dialup is normally an 0845 telephone number that will allow you to connect to the internet via your phone line if your broadband connection goes down. You will have to pay the per-minute call rate of the number if you do connect this way. You will need to have a dial-up modem in order to use it though, however most computers include a built-in dial-up modem.

Consoles Supported:
This refers to games consoles (such as the Playstation 3 or the Xbox360) that can be connected to the internet for online gaming.

For Home Phone

Package Name:
The Package Name is the name the provider has given to this package.

UK Weekend Tariff:
The amount you will pay per minute if you make your call on the weekend (this usually begins at some point on Friday evening and continues to the early morning of Monday, however you should always check the exact start and end times with your provider).

UK Evening Tariff:
The amount you will pay per minute if you make your call in the evening of a weekday (this usually begins at 6pm or 7pm and ends in the early hours of the next morning, however you should always check the exact start and end times with your provider).

UK Peak Tariff:
The amount you will pay per minute if you make your call during the day of any weekday (this usually begins at around 7am or 8am and ends in the early evening, however you should always check the exact start and end times with your provider).

International Tariff:
The amount you will pay per minute if you make calls to countries outside of the UK. There will normally be many different international tariffs, depending on the destination you are calling.

For TV

Package Name:
The Package Name is the name the provider has given to this package.

Included Channels:
The TV channels you will receive as standard with this particular package.

Optional Channel Add-ons:
The TV channels you can add to your TV bundle for a fee.

Video on Demand:
Video on Demand allows you to watch shows or films when you want them. Think of it as a bit like having a giant DVD collection stored inside your TV that you can turn to any time you like.

Pay Per View:
Pay Per View allows you to watch premium films or sports games on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Record TV / TV Hard Drive:
These features vary from provider to provider, but essentially they allow you to record programmes from the television onto a hard drive (rather than onto tape or disc). Other features could include the ability to pause or rewind live TV. Check with your provider exactly what is offered in this department as it can vary.

Hardware:
Hardware refers to the gear that is required or supplied by the provider in order for you to receive your television package. Hardware is usually a set-top box of some description.

Extras:
Extra features not usually offered by competing providers.

For Mobile

Package Name:
The Package Name is the name the provider has given to this package.

Network:
The mobile network on which this mobile package operates.

SIM / Phone:
Does the package include a SIM card and/or a phone as part of the deal.

Free Minutes:
The number of talk-time minutes given free each month with this package. This means that the first so many minutes of call time is free.

Free Texts:
The number of free text messages you can send from your mobile each month.

For Payment, Installation and Contract

Payment Method(s):
The methods in which you can, or must, pay your bill.

Activation Fee:
The Activation Fee is the one-off fee applicable when your service first kicks in.

Installation:
Installation refers to the method in which your service will be installed. In almost all cases, this is self installation, but some packages may require an engineer to install it.

Minimum Contract:
The minimum length of time you must stay with this provider. There is normally a penalty of some sort of you cancel your contract within the minimum contract period. In some cases this may be a one off fee, while in others you may have to continue paying for the service until the minimum period expires.

Line Rental:
Line Rental is the cost you will pay for the privilege of being connected to the telephone exchange. Line Rental is always a fixed figure (in the region of around £11) and until recently was monopolized by BT. Recently, other companies have been permitted to own the lines from the telephone exchange to your house, opening the market up to competition and lower line rental prices. Note that line rental is not applicable to telephone customers who have a cable telephone package.

Support:
Support refers to the methods with which you can contact the providers' technical support or customer services team.