Broadband is the popular terms for ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (yes, quite). ADSL uses a your existing telephone line, but operates on a wider range of frequencies (hence broadband) to achieve much higher transfer speeds.
What are the advantages?
1. Speed. Connection to the internet on a standard dial-up connection in Findon is rarely better than 40kpbs. The most common broadband package now starts at 512kpbs - over ten times faster - but it is possible to have a connection four times quicker than even this at 2,048kpbs.
2. Convenience. Not only does the internet respond much quicker, but you can still use your telephone line at the same time.
3. Cost. The internet connection is "always on" but at a fixed monthly price, so no internet call charges are incurred.
4. A wealth of extra services. Suddenly the internet can be your friend instead of the frustrating behemoth which takes delight in losing its connection at the end of a long Sainsbury's to you session, causing you to have to start again! People in Worthing are listening to worldwide internet radio stations, downloading music and films, and watching live telecasts. We have been denied this - up to now.
How do we get it?
In November 2003 BT finally decided that they would set targets for rural communities based on the number of people who registered a genuine interest in having broadband. Our target is 500, and as of 9th February 2004 we have had just 173 people register. Follow the link on the left to the BT site to register and let's see how quickly we can get to our target. On average it appears that once the target is reached and is verified, the average time BT take to upgrade the exchange is around three months, but don't quote me.
Some points about registering.
1. BT will check registrations and will delete any they think are bogus or duplicated.
2. By registering you are not committing yourself in any way - you are simply expressing interest.
3. You are not tied to BT to take their broadband line when we are activated. If you look through the ADSL Guide (see link on left) you will see that there are lots of companies in competition for your connection!