Tips On Shopping for Broadband - By: Emmanuel DeFreitas

In the event that you use your computer to shop online, play video games, make phone calls, watch movies, listen to music, or use other “hot” applications, broadband lets you do it faster.Broadband refers to the high-speed Internet access you can get through a variety of services, including digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, fiber optic, wireless, or satellite. With broadband, you access the Internet simply by turning on your computer and there is no need to dial a phone number to reach your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

One of the first things you should do when signing up for broadband is to know whether you also want to get Internet, telephone, and TV service from the same provider. If there is a discount by getting more than one service from a particular company, check out what conditions apply. Buying a bundle of services from one provider can be a good deal, but it might make it more difficult to change providers for any one service if you’re tied into a long-term contract. In addition, promotional prices may have time limits. You should ask what happens when they end, and what the post-promotion cost will be.

Certain special promotions like introductory pricing may be enticing, but be sure to read the fine print. The promotion price probably does not include taxes or the cost of extra equipment, like a digital cable modem, or additional fees, like an activation fee or an early termination fee. Ask the provider to explain all the one-time, recurring, and special charges, including taxes and fees. Make sure you get all promises in writing.

Setting up your broadband connection may be a problem if you are required to install cables, modems, routers, satellite dishes or software yourself. Problems that can go along with setting up a connection can be daunting, especially if you’re not technologically savvy. Find out early on what you’ll need to do. Most providers will help you troubleshoot on the phone or make instructions available online. Checking out message boards on a manufacturer’s website also can be helpful.

Know exactly what speed you are getting as low promotional pricing may be for the lowest speeds available. Make sure the listed download and upload speeds are the ones that you’re expecting, and if there’s a trial period, test the service to see if it meets your expectations. Be aware that the actual transmission speeds you experience depend on many factors, such as the type of application you are using or the number of other visitors to the website you are viewing, and may be less than the maximum potential speed your provider touts.

Be aware that some deals are available only online or by phone. Even if you have to order online, call the provider first to ask questions. When you are online, review any frequently asked questions, minimum system requirements, and fine-print terms and conditions. Read the entire customer service agreement, and print a copy for your records.

Finally, some retailers may offer plans on behalf of phone or cable companies with different terms than those offered by the companies themselves. If you know exactly what you want, you also might try negotiating a customized plan with a provider or a retailer.

After you become a broadband user, you may wish to change plans. Ask about options and costs for changing your plan to reflect your usage. Some plans include early-termination fees. Be sure you understand what the fees are and how they are calculated before you sign up.

If you’re considering fiber optic broadband, ask the provider if the copper wires that are used to carry your phone calls will be removed. High-bandwidth lines are fully capable of carrying calls as well as Internet data and television. But if the copper lines are removed, you may not be able to switch back to traditional phone service or DSL service. Before signing up for fiber service, find out the policy on converting from DSL to fiber,or back to DSL.

Find out what security measures the provider includes, and at what price. Ask the provider if anti-virus, anti-spam, and anti-spyware software are included with your service, and the cost. If the provider does not offer protective software, or if the costs are more than you are willing to pay, download it from the websites of software companies or buy it from retail stores.

Ask if customer service or tech support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and whether it is by telephone or the Internet. Is it free?Check with the provider to find out whether phone and broadband service will be available in the event of a power outage. Services provided over a landline or DSL typically work during short term power outages. Services provided over cable or fiber may not. Of course, your computer needs a battery or other power supply to work during a power outage.

If you have a problem with your broadband, first contact your service provider to resolve the issue. If you can’t get satisfaction, consider contacting your public utility commission or other appropriate state or local regulator.

In the event that you use your computer to shop online, play video games, make phone calls, watch movies, listen to music, or use other “hot” applications, broadband lets you do it faster.Broadband refers to the high-speed Internet access you can get through a variety of services, including digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, fiber optic, wireless, or satellite. With broadband, you access the Internet simply by turning on your computer and there is no need to dial a phone number to reach your

Additional information on Internet broadband connections.