So if price is put aside when choosing the right ISP for you, what should you look out for?
“If you’re looking to subscribe to a new broadband service it really is worth spending some time comparing providers and jotting down their pros and cons. If you do end up choosing the wrong ISP for you then you are risking wasting valuable time and money solving poor service” said Ciaron Dunne from Broadband Genie. “Comparison sites such as Broadband Genie make light work of this.”
For those new to the concept of broadband service, Broadband Genie offers a few hints and tips for tracking down the perfect offer:
Speed
Think about what you will be using your broadband for. Are you interested in downloading lots of music, films or playing games online? If so, you will need to look at signing up to a faster service. Generally, a broadband ISP will upgrade your speed when it upgrades its packages, so your connection will get faster without you having to change packages. However, if you’re only a light user who only carries out the odd internet searches or e-mails you should look into a slower service, as this will inevitably be cheaper for you.
Download caps
Monthly usage caps are an increasingly important feature of broadband packages, and could be important if you download lots of large files (such as MP3s and videos). Some providers charge you extra if you go over your limit. If you don't do much downloading, just web surfing then don't worry too much about usage caps.
Availability
Importantly, not all packages will be available to you and what is will depend on your postcode and whether you have a BT line. If you have a cable line from Telewest or NTL, you're pretty much limited to taking broadband from these companies. So the first step should be to find out which broadband packages you can physically get. You can establish this by typing in your postcode into the Broadband Genie comparison search at www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/
Extras
Price is affected by what 'extras' are included in the package, such a free firewalls, email addresses, and so on. Most packages come standard with an email address or two, and some give your security software.
Bundles
Several providers such as Telewest, TalkTalk, Orange, Homechoice and BT offer bundled packages where you pay one price for broadband, a phone line and phone calls and sometimes digital TV channels or a mobile phone contract. Sometimes these companies market the broadband as "free" with other services, but it's not really free - it's just part of a bundle.
Brand
Price is also affected, of course, by the brand name, so you might find that comparable services cost more from a household brand name because they have a track record and have built up a certain level of trust with the buying public. Don’t be afraid to look into a smaller service provider. As long as you do your research, there’s nothing to lose!
For more helpful advice on signing up to a new broadband service provider visit www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/
Notes to editors
Broadband Genie allows users to compare broadband online, and is part of Genie Group.
Genie Group Ltd is a leading independent provider of internet comparison shopping services in the UK, and was set up in 2004 by Philip Wilkinson (co-founder of Kelkoo UK). Genie Group's unique selling point is 'the Genie', which makes personal recommendations to internet shoppers based on ground-breaking, intelligent technology. This gives Genie Group the ability to provide an enjoyable and satisfying internet shopping experience, and deliver an unmatched quality of sales leads to our affiliate merchants. Genie Group launched its flagship broadband comparison service Broadband Genie in January 2005.
More information can be found at http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk . Please direct all media enquiries to Stephanie Rogers. Interviews with Philip Wilkinson can be arranged on request.
