View our “Compare Broadband” Video
Broadband comparison can be complex. When assessing whether a broadband plan is right for you, keep these things in mind -
- How often do you send and receive emails, and do these emails have large files attached?
- How much do you download? This includes music and video files as well as any other type of larger media file.
- Are you an avid online gamer? Online gaming requires a high amount of data download, so you will need a bigger plan.
- How many people will be using the broadband connection? The more users, the bigger plan you need.
Consider more than price alone when doing your next broadband comparison and ensure you get an internet plan that is right for you.
Broadband Comparison with Internet Speed
Depending on what you will be using your connection for, you will need to consider what kind of speeds you will need. It will also make a difference if you are a residential or business customer.
ADSL2+ connections provide much faster downloads than standard ADSL and some cable connections. Average ADSL speeds offered are between 1500kbps and 8Mbps. Cable broadband offers high speed internet with most plans offering speeds of up to 10Mbps. Wireless and mobile broadband connections tend to have slower speeds than ADSL and cable broadband.
Download Capacity
ADSL plans provide greater speed for downloading but not uploading, so it is better suited to residential customers. Cable broadband differs from ADSL, and it allows greater speeds for both downloads and uploads. For this reason, cable tends to be more popular amongst business customers.
Peak and Off Peak Broadband Comparison
Most broadband providers, allocate their customers an ‘allowance’ of downloadable data during specific time periods.
During ‘off-peak’ periods, the amount of data you are permitted to download will generally be larger than during ‘peak’ periods. Depending on your internet provider, peak and off-peak time periods will differ.
In general, an off-peak period is usually somewhere between the hours of 10pm – 6am. Whereas, peak periods are generally between the hours of 8am – 10am and 6pm – 9pm, respectively.
Broadband Plan Contract Length
Depending on the type of broadband connection and the service provider you choose, varying contract lengths will be in place. Contracts can range anywhere from 6 to 24 months, with 12 and 24 month contracts being the most common.
There are some providers who offer no contracts, or alternatively allow you to pay month by month. However, many of these options tend to have small download limits.
Compare broadband plans at iSelect to find an internet deal to suit you.