Broadband in the context of UK Internet access is a high speed connection enabled by transmitting data using a broad bandwidth, i.e. a wide range of frequencies.

The most common broadband implementations are termed ‘asynchronous’, because their download speeds are greater than their upload speeds. Technically speaking broadband download rates begin at 256k/bits, but the lowest UK broadband services provide a download speed of 512k/bits.

In 2007 the BBC reported that 61% of UK households had an Internet connection and 84% of these had a broadband connection.

Let's look at the 4 most common types of broadband available in the UK...

• ADSL Broadband
• Cable Broadband
• Wireless Broadband
• Satellite Broadband

ADSL stands for Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line

This method utilises your copper wire phone connection to your local telephone exchange.

ADSL is the most common type of UK broadband connection. In 2006 there were nearly 3 times as many ADSL subscribers in the UK when compared to cable subscribers. 

ADSL broadband is now enabled at the majority of the 5591 local telephone exchanges across UK. There are a few exceptions, numbering less then 100 small exchanges located in sparsely populated rural areas.

In the UK the sole cable broadband supplier is VirginMedia (formerly NTL:Telewest).

Cable broadband connections utilise the cable provider’s optical fibre networks to connect to the Internet.

This method of connection to the Internet is via a wireless local network, often employing 802.11 Wi-Fi technology.  To connect to wireless broadband consumers need to be within range of wireless access points, often termed  ‘hotspots’.

Hotspots are now quite common especially in the commercial centres of large cities, in airports and other transport terminals. Hotspots are increasingly available in bars, shops and cafes.

Customers can subscribe to wireless broadband on an ad hoc, pay as you go basis, but long term Wi-Fi contracts are also available. In the UK the largest wireless broadband provider is The Cloud.

This connection method is via satellite and therefore requires that the subscriber’s PC is connected to a satellite receiver.

• The key advantage of satellite broadband is that access is available in all UK locations. 
• The key drawback is that it has high latency (delay times) and therefore is not ideal for real time applications like online gaming.

Weather conditions also affect satellite transmission.  Satellite broadband is generally more expensive than other broadband connection methods and has higher set-up fees.

Satellite broadband services comes in 2 varieties.

1. One way – data can be downloaded but not uploaded. To enable upload another means of internet connection must also be available (One way with terrestrial return).
2. Two way – data can be uploaded and downloaded via satellite.  Two way systems include a power management component so that the signal transmitted to the satellite station can be adjusted according to weather conditions.  Two way installations are often installed alongside a terrestrial connection which can be selectively used for low bandwidth applications that demand minimal latency.