ADSL broadband

ADSL broadband explained

There’s a lot of jargon bandied around when it comes to broadband, and sometimes what you want to know is exactly what all the tech-speak actually means. With terms like ADSL popping up everywhere, it's hard to know where to start.

ADSL is one of the most important ones for you to get to grips with, because it relates to the the type of connection you can receive.

The ADSL in ADSL broadband stands for:

Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line

How ADSL broadband works

ADSL broadband is a broadband connection which runs through the copper wires of a phone line. Most standard home broadband is ADSL broadband.

Compare all home broadband deals here Home broadband

When ADSL broadband is installed, a microfilter is plugged into your phone connection which separates the frequency of your phone line from that of your broadband connection. It is this that allows you to surf the web while chatting on the phone.

An ADSL broadband connection comes through the BT phone line network, direct to your house, so it is the most popular type of broadband available. All the technology is already put in place, so connecting up is really simple and the service is available right across the country.

What ADSL broadband deals can you get?

Enter your postcode into the postcode checker on our home page to see what packages are available in your area

ADSL broadband deals

Because the majority of internet service providers operate an ADSL broadband service there is hot competition for business. This has resulted in low prices and great new deals appearing every month. If you play your cards right you could also benefit from bonus features such as free hardware, free landline calls and deluxe security software.

ADSL broadband allows users to access fast broadband connections of up to 24Mb. You can find out more about fast ADSL broadband and compare all fast broadband packages here Fast broadband

Who are the key ADSL broadband providers?

• O2
• TalkTalk
• BT
• AOL Broadband
• Be

If cost is your main concern, then ADSL broadband providers such as Talk Talk, Tiscali and BT offer packages at very keen price points. If you’re a frequent user and want to make more of the internet, you're advised to pay attention to the speedy connections with unlimited download allowances that are offered by ‘all-rounder’ internet providers such as O2 broadband.

**Compare cheap ADSL broadband deals here Cheap Broadband

Is ADSL broadband right for me?

Want to find out more? See our "What is ADSL broadband?" guide.

If you want some help deciding which broadband package is best for you, you can weigh up the advantages of a home ADSL broadband connection against those of mobile broadband by reading our home v mobile broadband guide.