Gaming broadband

Here at Top 10 Broadband, we realise that online gamers need three things from their ISP: broadband compatible with their console, fast broadband to make the experience as slick as possible and high or no-limit monthly downloads.

The following broadband ISPs are ideal for gamers.

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#1

PlusNet Pro for Gaming

Gaming traffic prioritised. Free wireless router & £40 Game voucher

More info…
up to 8Mb15Gb1month£19.99
Sign up »
2

O2 Broadband Standard

Free wireless router. Discounted for all existing O2 customers

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up to 8MbUnlimited12months£7.50
(£12.50 for non-O2 customers)Sign up »
3

Virgin Media M Phone (Cable)

Free weekend calls, modem & PCguard

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up to 2MbUnlimited12months£4.50
(landline £11)Sign up »
4

Be Unlimited

Free wireless modem, static IP & technical support

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up to 24MbUnlimited3months£18.00
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5

O2 Broadband Premium

Free wireless router. Discounted for all existing O2 customers

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up to 16MbUnlimited12months£10.00
(£15 for non-O2 customers)Sign up »
6

BT Option 2

Free wireless HomeHub & off-peak UK calls. Optional BT Vision TV

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up to 8Mb8Gb18months£13.99
(for 3 months)Sign up »
7

Tiscali Option 2

Free wireless router & free connection

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up to 8MbUnlimited12months£6.49
(first 3 months)Sign up »
8

Orange Home Max

Free line rental, free calls, VoIP & wireless LiveBox modem

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up to 8MbUnlimited18months£12.00
(first 3 months)Sign up »
9

O2 Broadband Ultimate

Free wireless router. Discounted for all existing O2 customers

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up to 20MbUnlimited12months£15.00
(£20 for non-O2 customers)Sign up »
10

BT Option 3

Free wireless HomeHub, HubPhone & off-peak UK calls. Optional BT Vision TV

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up to 8MbUnlimited18months£18.99
(for 3 months)Sign up »
11

Virgin Media XL Phone (Cable)

Free wireless router, weekend calls & PCguard Total

More info…
up to 20MbUnlimited12months£10.00
(for 3 months, £11 landline)Sign up »
12

AOL Broadband Wireless (Free Sony PS3)

Free Sony Playstation 3 & wireless router. Sign up on 0800 049 1283

More info…
up to 8Mb40Gb24months£19.99
(price can vary on area)Sign up »
13

Be Pro

Free wireless modem, static IP & technical support. Up to 2.5Mb upload

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up to 24MbUnlimited3months£22.00
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14

Eclipse Home Pro

Free wireless router, switch & static IP

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up to 8Mb50Gb12months£29.95
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15

UK Online Lite

33:1 contention ratio & free email address

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up to 2MbUnlimited12months£14.99
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16

UK Online Pro

20:1 contention ratio & free connection

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up to 8MbUnlimited12months£19.99
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17

UK Online Premier

20:1 contention ratio & free connection

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up to 16MbUnlimited12months£24.99
Sign up »

Gaming broadband explained

Although still a relatively small sector of the videogame industry, internet gaming is increasing in popularity exponentially, and it has never been easier to get involved. This guide will take you through a few things to take in consideration if you decide that you want to start gaming on the internet.

Factors to consider:

  • Speed- obviously you are looking for as fast a connection as possible.
  • Download allowance- download limits are soon reached when gaming intensively, so if you‘re a high internet user you might prefer an unlimited package.
  • Avoid ISPs that use datastream- such as Tiscali and Bulldog as the internet speed slows down as the telephone exchange becomes busier with datastream.

What platform do you want to play on?

  • PC - Connecting to the internet is simple enough.
  • PSP, PS3, Wii or DS- Pretty simple to connect too and these three have wireless capability - just make sure your wireless router is compatible.
  • Xbox 360- You're going to need to buy a wireless adapter, or connect directly to a modem.
  • Playstation 2, or Xbox, or older- You may have to buy additional hardware such as a network adaptor.

Note: - Some internet games require subscription payments even after you have bought the game. Mostly these are MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) such as the very popular World of Warcraft, this is because when you play these games you involve yourself in a community that needs maintenance, hence the subscription.

However if you just want to race someone on the other side of the world on Mario Kart DS, then your DS will connect immediately through a wireless network straight out of the box.