So what is Broadband?

Until a year or so ago, if you wanted to access the Internet, chances are you had to rely on a trusted 56k modem (dial-up service). If you were lucky, you may have had access to an ISDN line which could perhaps download the average webpage in 5 rather than 10 seconds with dial-up. Broadband is the successor to these services - a vast number of providers are fighting to equip consumers with far faster Internet access (starting at 1 or 2Mb speed) following the de-regulation of BT's stranglehold on fast Internet access.

The benefits of broadband are understood - the connection is 'always on', access to the Internet can be dozens of times faster than the old dial-up connections of 'yesteryear', and you should be able to get a 'starter' package for under £20 per month with a wide variety of big name suppliers - not a great deal more than the old dial-up anytime services, which were unreliable in many cases.

Although you can access broadband services via satellite or wireless, the vast majority of UK consumers will receive the service via their existing telephone lines (DSL), or via Cable (for services such as Virgin Media).

xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is perhaps the most convenient, since it uses existing technology embedded in your normal BT line. Using the other part of your BT twisted cable line, you can still use the telephone as usual while broadband is accessed on the other part of the line. There is therefore minimal disruption to install the service. The most popular type of DSL in the UK is Asymmetrical DSL (ADSL).

Cable is the other main broadband vehicle - companies such as Virgin Media will run a cable into your property from the main street cable (or your existing TV cable) enabling you to receive a broadband service. Download rates will be similar to the DSL services.

Although price will be a key driver for most small businesses' choice of broadband provider, there are several technical aspects to service offerings which you may consider perusing before jumping in.

In a very competitive marketplace, you should be able to get a good deal with one of the major broadband suppliers, quite often with several months' free service, or with a free modem.

For some handy broadband links (including speed checkers and online comparison sites), try our Broadband resources page, and our Top tips for choosing a broadband supplier.