Unlimited Broadband Deals - Too good to be true?

An unlimited broadband connection is one where the provider does not directly impose download caps or have a data allowance. This means that users should be able to download large files including HD videos, online gaming, music, photographs and surf the web as much as they want. There is a catch to this. It is a little too good to be true.

Fair Use Policy

A Fair Use Policy is an agreement between the broadband provider and the user. In this agreement, the user promises not to use their internet connection for large downloads during the peak use times. These times are usually between 6 pm and 11 pm. With this promise from the user, the provider will not limit connection at any other time and will allow the user to download as much as they want with no monthly limit.

Users need to be aware that the Fair Use Policy has other implications. These may allow the service provider to lower the download speed during the peak hours. They may do this because the user has not followed the terms of the policy correctly or because they want each user to have the same connection speed during the times when most people are online with mobile broadband connections.

What does Unlimited Really Mean?

There are many unlimited broadband deals in the UK today which is good for consumers because the competition keeps the price low. However, each package or deal will have costs that are associated to so-called unlimited usage.

Even the cheapest unlimited broadband package will give you a lot of time on the internet when you need it. Some packages have plenty of freedom on the internet to surf or download as much as you want to without any fear of reaching a cap or exceeding a limit that also comes with the package. Average users will not have a problem with the Fair Use Policy.

Your usage will determine the type of package you need. If you only use email and surf the web, you do not need a powerful package deal. If streaming live TV, spending hours social networking, downloading lots of movies and music more describes your internet use, then the powerful package and unlimited deal. This kind or internet usage is well catered for with many high-end packages, but they are not all available in every location.

Unlimited Contracts

In most contracts, if you exceed the amount you have contracted for, you will pay fees for over usage and they may be expensive. T-Mobile does not charge over usage fees, but they will contact you and inform you that you are over and try to get you to take a deal that will suit your usage.

Unlimited broadband deals are often changing, and it pays to research and compare packages every few months. If a company needs to beat the competition, they will offer a great deal at certain times of the year and if you are not looking you could pay too much for what you need.

Broadband contracts are usually for 12 to 18 months, and if you don’t get a package that is suitable for your needs, you could be stuck with it for over a year. If you aren’t sure which package to get, try a six month or even a one month contract, so it is easy to change if it doesn’t suit you.

Some of the fixed-line broadband providers are now offering flexible deals with rolling contracts. You get high-speed internet services without long term commitment.

Vodafone offers a deal where they say users never pay more. They will not be charged extra if they go over the limit. Since it is delivered through their business division, people are not aware of it unless they search regularly for better deals.

Cheap unlimited broadband packages will most likely not have the features and flexibility that the more expensive packages have. Unlimited packages have a download allowance, albeit very large, and will charge extra for anyone who exceeds it. This will be the same for a cheap package and an expensive package.

O2 and Orange have a very generous monthly download allowance which should be enough for almost everyone. Orange also offers additional data bundles where one to 10GB can be added with their rolling 30-day contract.

Types of Fixed Broadband

The most common type of broadband is Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) which is what makes your BT phone line into a high-speed broadband internet connection. Sometimes you need to pay BT rental fees but it could be cheaper if your connection is bundled with a different service provider.

Cable broadband is called fibre-optic broadband and is a dedicated cable brought to your home by Virgin Media. This cable can also provide telephone services and digital TV which will save money when they are all bundled together.