What is Broadband?

Broadband refers to a high-broadband internet connection like ADSL, iBurst and 3G HSDPA.

Broadband as opposed to dial-up internet access offers users fast access to the internet, changing the whole experience. Internet users can now download in a fraction of the time previously required, and are able to download larger content files, such as music and movies. Broadband also allows users to be connected 24/7 at a single monthly fee.

What you can do with 1GB (1000MB) Values are estimated and vary to content, quality, length etc

• Download 290 MP3’s, or
• 200 Video Clips, or
• 4.5 hours of video conferencing, or
• 20 000 word documents (@50KB per document), or
• send 200 000 emails (without attachments), or
• browse over 36 000 web pages, or
• talk for 1400 minutes over Skype (VoIP @12KB/s).

Here are some estimates of how many Megabytes people use on average:*

• 1 hour emailing/surfing 10 - 20 MB
• 1 hour phoning with Skype 20 - 30 MB
• 10 minutes Video Conferencing 20 - 30 MB
• Downloading a song from iTunes 5 MB

* Note: Usage varies widely from person to person and program to program.

Advantages of Broadband

• The fixed rate access and no dial-ups make it easier and more affordable.
• You can connect any number of pc’s to the same broadband access line. This means that everyone in your household or business can have simultaneous access to the internet.
• Wi-Fi modems pc’s or laptops can connect wirelessly to the internet.