Getting the best broadband connection is an integral part of London life, especially if you find yourself working from home occasionally, or indeed if you work from home full-time. Sitting for hours in front of your computer, waiting for files to download or videos to stream is infuriating to say the least.
So, whether you’re new to London, moving home within the London area, or are simply looking to improve the broadband service that you currently have, here are a couple of handy tips on how to get the best broadband in the capital.
Do Your Due Diligence
Shopping around for deals on broadband may not be at the top of your to-do list, but a few hours of discomfort could save you up to 12 months of frustration, as well as a few extra pounds.
There are lots of price comparison sites online, which will tell you exactly what download speeds and usage terms are available in your postcode area. Once you’ve narrowed down your shortlist, it’s time to give the providers a call and see what’s on offer.
Note, however, that the deals that you see advertised are rarely the best that a provider can offer; being able to quote competitors’ prices always puts you in a strong bargaining position.
Opt For Fibre Optic
When it comes to finalising your shortlist of potential broadband providers, it’s imperative to select one that offers fibre optic broadband. Broadband providers that utilise copper wiring have significantly slower download speeds than they advertise. In addition, the further that you live away from the telephone exchange, the slower your connection speed will be.
If you’re in search of the best broadband in London, fibre optic broadband really is the only way to go. Its use of light as a transport mechanism for information ensures that little speed is lost overall when it comes to downloads.
Ask For A Personalised Quote Regarding Download Speed
While fibre optic broadband should be your first choice, financial or administrative complexities may not make its acquisition feasible. If you’re looking for quick broadband, make sure that you ask any potential suppliers for a personalised download speed quote specific to your postcode. For more information, be sure to check out the Virgin Media site.
As London is so large, the download speeds between postcodes can vary dramatically. For example, a 2012 study indicated that average download speeds on South View Road in Haringey are a paltry 0.639Mbps…
Check Your Usage Allowance
In order to ensure that you’re getting the most appropriate broadband deal for you, it’s imperative that you check the small print in a prospective supplier’s fair usage policy, or request the information from a customer service representative.
While many broadband suppliers now offer ‘unlimited’ downloads, if you’re a particularly heavy user you may find that your connection is automatically slowed if you exceed certain arbitrary data usage limits. It’s best to be aware of this information before you enter into any formal agreements, to avoid any extra charges or inconvenience.
Re-Negotiate With Your Current Provider
When it comes to getting the best broadband deal possible, switching suppliers is not always necessarily the best option. Once you’ve done your homework, it’s always worth calling your existing provider before making any rash decisions.
The threat of cancelling your current broadband contract with your existing provider is often enough for them to upgrade the speed of your connection for free, or at a greatly reduced cost, at least. If you can agree a better deal with your current provider, you also negotiate the hurdle of the inevitable week or two without internet, which generally comes as par for the course when it comes to switching providers, alas.
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