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Can I self-install?
With advances in installation methods and technology ADSL services are now available as 'self install' or 'plug and play’. In most cases a visit from a BT engineer is not required and you therefore pay a reduced line activation / installation charge. In addition it gives you more flexibility to choose your own ADSL hardware based your requirements, features and price!
The 'physical' installation is typically no more than plugging a small microfilter / splitter into each telephone socket on the same line as used by the ADSL broadband service and then plugging your telephone equipment and ADSL modem (or router) into the sockets on the microfilter.
After that its just a case of installing the drivers and software provided with your ADSL modem and entering your username / password to connect. Basically it should be no more tricky than connecting a normal modem onto your computer and connecting to the Internet. |
What is a filter and why do I need them?
Filters - also known as micro-filters - are little gadgets that you need if you are using a broadband modem on a phone line that is shared with ordinary phones. It makes sure that the digital broadband signals do not interfere with ordinary voice signals - and allows you to chat on the phone while simultaneously surfing the Internet at high speed.
You need to install a filter for each telephone in your home. To do this simply disconnect each telephone from the wall socket, plug a filter into the socket and then connect the phone cable to the filter. Do this before trying to connect your modem/router.
You will also need to use filters if you have other devices connected to your phone line including answering machines, fax machines, conventional modems (used with another computer at home) and digital satellite TV receivers with a built-in modem.
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Do I need any new hardware to use Broadband?
Yes, you will need a special ADSL modem or router that links your PC to the ADSL phone socket and 'splitters' which need to go into every telephone socket you currently use in the house. These splitters split the ADSL (or Broadband) signal from the normal voice signal and make sure that both will work together. If you shop around, you will find several ISPs will give you all this included in the monthly cost. Otherwise you can either buy it yourself or from your ISP. There is also an "activation fee" of 50 pounds, although again, many ISPs are offering this free as well.
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What speed can I get?
Can I get any of these speeds in the 'what product' answer? Not necessarily. This will depend how far you are from the North Cadbury exchange. (fyi - its near Chapel Cross .. where the masts are). If you're over 3km and under 6.5km (approx) from the exchange you will only be able to receive 512k. If you have a look at the BT ADSL telephone number checker, this should tell you what you should be able to receive, although no guarantees are given by BT at this time.
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Which product is best for me?
I've seen lots of different products, which is best for me? It depends on your requirements and your pocket. Basically, there are the following products currently on the market:
a: 150k 'Always on' ADSL - the cheapest, but not technically "Broadband". This runs at 3 times the speed of a normal 56k modem, but does allow you to use the phone at the same time. Great for people on a budget and who need to use the phone at the same time as surfing the web. Expect to pay around 16 pounds/month. Make sure that you can use the telephone at the same time as the internet with this service - I hear some ISP may not allow this. So caps include: check if it is ‘always on’, max connect time, max usage inc. up & download, and if telephone calls can be made at same time. A Windows service pack could be 100mb+ download!
b) 512k Broadband. The 'standard' speed for home use. 10 times the speed of a 56k modem. Every Broadband ISP sells this product. Expect to pay around 20 to 29 pounds/month. It's worth shopping around!
c) 1mb Broadband. This speed has been around for a while for business use, but it is now available from a number of ISPs aimed at home users. 20 times the speed of a modem. More suitable for heavy home use (with very large, frequent downloads or multiple PCs) or for a business. Prices are around 32 - 40 pounds/month (dropping).
d) 2mb Broadband. The fastest you can currently get over BT broadband lines. Aimed at business users and prices are around 70 pounds/month and over.
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