Cheap broadband explained

With so many ISPs vying for your business there has never been a better time to get cheap broadband and save lots of money. Almost all of the ISPs offer a relatively inexpensive package, usually less than £10 per month, which is usually termed “standard”, “basic” or “starter”. As the names of these packages suggest, cheap broadband packages appeal widely to light or beginner broadband users whose internet use will be basic.

The good thing about cheap broadband (apart from the price) is that, those who are not sure what package to choose can start off with a basic package with the option to upgrade at a later date. Down-grading your package may be more difficult and costly.

Cheap broadband is particularly handy for:

• Light users, those who purely use the internet in the evenings and weekends for emailing and web browsing.
• Beginners young and old who are dipping their virtual toes in the web for the first time.
• Students, you can do the bones of your internet use in college so there's no need to pay too much for broadband at home.
• Modem owners if you already own a wireless modem you can save money. For example, UK Online will allow you to continue using your existing modem or router free of charge, even though they endorse the Netgear wireless router which is available at an additional cost.

Additional factors to consider

• Speed
• Download allowance
• Contract length
• Additional features, free technical support, free hardware (router)
• Security suites such as McAfee protection
• Reduced price calls
• Bundle offers, save yourself money by combining your broadband, landline and digital TV. And with the digital television taking over from analogue in 2012, there’s no better time to go digital.