Essential checklist when shopping around for a broadband plan

Here’s our essential checklist of tips and traps when shopping around for a broadband plan.

• Can you get broadband? Most providers’ Web sites allow you to check this.

• How fast is it? The cheapest ADSL plans offer a 256/64Kbps maximum download/upload speed, which is roughly five times the top download speed of a dialup connection. But heavy downloaders will want more than this.

• Get a suitable download limit. Cheap plans with sub-200Mb monthly limits may be OK for occasional Web browsing, but many users will soon bust those limits. So, try to avoid excess download penalty fees. See if the plan has Shaping [ where you are not charged extra, but the speed id droped down to half ], at least with shaping you won’t get hit with a nasty excess bill.

• Watch out for contracts, minimum terms, early termination fees and other hidden charges. To give yourself the option to move to a cheaper or better service when you want, try to stay with a contract that goes for no longer than six/twelve months.

• For the same reason, look for an ADSL provider that supports rapid transfer.

• Read the fineprint. For example, some plans have data limits that include both downloads and uploads. You’ll also find some benefits too, such as some providers with special sites (eg. for downloads and online games) that are not included in the download limit.

• Check the initial one-off costs, such as the connection fee and the cost of the modem.

• A relatively new catch: some new budget plans offer an enticing monthly fee for the length of the contract only, after which it reverts to a higher price. And if you live outside capital cities, check for regional price differences.

• Most ADSL plans assume you’ll do the installation yourself, so check the availability and cost of on-site installation if you need it.

• Check the tech support options and hours. Some budget providers don’t have any phone support.

• Look for extras such as the number of email accounts, Web space on the provider’s computers for your own Web site, free spam and virus protection for your email, a free dialup account for travelling or emergencies.

OK, these tips will help you in deciding which Internet Service Provider to go with.