What To Consider When Choosing Broadband For Remote Working‍

Nowadays, we rely on the internet for so many aspects of our daily lives. We use the internet for work, banking, medical care, and even watching TV. And with the recent surge in remote working, reliable broadband has become more vital than ever.

As such, you want a speedy internet connection. One that won’t leave you screaming at your screen as it slowly buffers. This is why choosing the best broadband package is crucial.

Whether you’re looking to switch providers or start a new contract for the first time, there are some important things you need to consider when choosing broadband. You want a package that can keep up with both working from home needs and your needs and your bank balance.

So, to help you make the right decision, we’ve created this guide of nine things to look for when choosing broadband.

Read on to find out more.

1. The different types of broadband

Not all broadband is created equally, and you need to think about the type of broadband that is going to be best suited to your needs. There are several different types of broadband available, and these include:

• ADSL broadband, known as ‘standard’ broadband

• Fibre optic broadband.

• Superfast broadband

• Ultrafast broadband

• Hyperfast broadband

• Mobile broadband

These might all sound like relatively similar ideas, but they depend on the different techniques used to create the connections. For example, Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) technology requires a copper telephone line, but fibre optic uses special cables. In comparison, mobile broadband is wireless and relies on 4G or 5G connections, much like a mobile phone.

The type of broadband you choose can impact your connection speeds and monthly costs, so you need to consider this carefully.

2. What broadband is available in your area

Though there might be a wide choice of broadband connections and providers, these aren't always available in your area. In fact, some areas have not yet been set up for certain types of high-speed internet connections, with some still relying on traditional phone lines or ADSL technology.

For this reason, it’s important to do a quick bit of research and find out what is available in your area. If you’re unsure, you could also speak directly with providers, as they will be able to advise you on the best options and what is currently available to you.

3. The number of people using your connection

If you’ve got a big family, or perhaps you live in a shared household with multiple occupants, you need a connection that can keep up. This is particularly important if you’ve got lots of devices connected within the house at one time.

In this case, you’ll need to look for a faster package that can handle this increased usage; otherwise, you might be faced with endless buffering and frustration.

4. How much time you spend online

You know what you use the internet for better than anyone, and understanding this can help you to select the right broadband package. If you spend a lot of time streaming, gaming or having long video calls, you will want more modern, high-speed connections to ensure you can do this smoothly.

When looking for the right provider, let them know if you spend a lot of time online taking part in these activities. They will be able to help you find the right package at the right speed.

5. Remote working considerations

When working from home you’ll want fast, reliable broadband so you can continue to work uninterrupted. If you only work from home occasionally, this might not be so much of an issue, but if you are there every day, you’ll need to think about this when choosing your provider.

What’s more, if you run your business from home, you might want to consider business broadband rather than a residential package . This might be required to keep up with all your business needs, depending on the nature of your work, that is.

6. The different providers

As well as being lots of different broadband options, there are also lots of different providers out there. You have probably heard of some of the larger names, but it’s a good idea to shop around and look at what each provider can offer. And again, some may not operate fully in your area yet, so you need to be aware of this.

7. The length of the contract you want

Broadband contracts can vary in length, so you need to consider how long you want to be tied in. Some contracts can be as short as 30-day rolling deals, while others ask for a commitment of anywhere between 12-24 months. If you only want something temporary, shorter contract terms can be great. The problem is, these are often a lot more expensive. You’ll likely find that the longer you commit to a provider, the cheaper your bill will be each month.

8. The cost of broadband packages

One of the biggest considerations when choosing broadband is going to be the cost. You need to make sure that you choose a package that meets your requirements, but that also doesn’t break the bank. This might mean doing a bit of shopping around and comparing deals and providers until you find the one that’s right for you. Comparison sites can be a great tool for this.

Never settle for the first package you come across, as lots of providers will run deals and sales throughout the year. So don’t rush the decision and certainly take some time to do your research and compare prices.

9. Whether to get a bundle

Finally, you can buy broadband packages that will solely provide you with internet access. However, if you require a home phone and perhaps you have a smart TV with lots of subscriptions, a phone and TV broadband bundle could be more cost-effective.

Getting everything you need from one provider can make life much easier! So as you begin to look around for the right package, ask about any available bundles or take a look at the provider's website to see what’s out there. Again, comparison sites can help with this.

This can save you a lot of time, effort and money in the future.