By: Matt Sharp


Let’s take a look at a new mobile PC, designed to give you mobile broadband right out the box, wherever you are: the awesomely powerful HTC Shift.

Mobile computing made easy

There’s no doubt that mobile broadband is a cool thing. I’ve gone on at great length about how it’s changing the world in 2008, and it is. The internet is becoming something we don’t just sit at a desk to use, but something that we carry round with us, in our pockets. Well, since laptops are still quite big, nearly in our pockets. Maybe in some kind of bag-type arrangement. The point is, though, that with the advent of mobile broadband, people are finding that they not only can use broadband wherever they are, they want to use it wherever they are.

So, the desire to use mobile broadband is there, but what technologies exist to let people actually use it. The one that’s most prevalent at the moment is, essentially, a case of taking a laptop, plugging in a USB Modem with mobile broadband sim card, and going for it. And that is a very, very simple solution, as the steps are 1) get USB Modem; 2) plug in; 3) enjoy. But some people want a solution even simpler, one that they just fire up, straight out of the box, and go for it.

That’s where the HTC Shift comes in!

Essentially, the HTC Shift, if you want to tie it down to one particular category, is a UMPC, and Ultra-Mobile PC. So, think mini-laptop. And it really is, too, because it’s powered by Windows Vista. Yes, that’s proper Windows Vista, no compromises here! Well… I say that, but there is one… but it’s a positive compromise! You see, the HTC Shift is powered by Vista, but it also uses a stripped down version of Windows Mobile. The importance of that is that you can move about with it, in-between working sessions when you have it in full-on laptop mode, you can switch down to low power mode, still check your emails, and so on, but drastically increase your battery life.

It’s things like that that make the HTC Shift such a powerful mobile broadband device. There’s no two-ways about it, with a spec list like this baby has, it’d be hardly surprising if it conquers the online world. Sure, it has competition from mobile phones like the iPhone and the vast range of laptops on the market, but nothing comes close to providing this level of internet speed with this level of portability. Want to see for yourself? Compare mobile broadband packages with, for example, the iPhone, and you’ll see what I mean!

By: Matt Sharp


O2 recently announced their mobile broadband offering, making them the last of the big 5 operators to get involved in that online world. But is their offering good enough? Is it too little too late?

Mobile Broadband - why is it important?

Mobile broadband is changing the world, no two ways about it. The ability to get online, and to get broadband speeds of upwards of 1.8Mbps, while in motion, is a great thing to have. Just imagine surfing the net on the train, or on holiday, or in a pub, or even on the beach, all using your own connection, and all getting the kind of super-fast speeds you’ll get at home. That’s what mobile broadband is, and that’s why it’s great.

Of the big 5 networks, 4 of them already offer amazing deals on mobile broadband. You’ve got T-Mobile, the trend-setter, the first ones to really go headlong into it. You’ve got Three, the funky one, offering super-cheap mobile broadband deals. You’ve got Orange, the unlimited one (well, unlimited, but capped), with a sexy, slim modem. And you’ve got Vodafone, the fast one, with speeds up to 7.2Mbps. But where’s O2 in that list?

O2 Mobile Broadband - was it worth the wait?

Well, now, O2 have announced their mobile broadband offering. And, I’m sorry to say, it’s rubbish. The cheapest package comes in at £20 per month, which is nowhere near good enough, when compared to the other 4 networks. And then there is the big killer, the big fly in the ointment. You can only get O2 mobile broadband if you’re already an existing O2 customer. Erm. Hello? O2? That’s rubbish. Do you not want new customers on your network?? All in all, it’s a serious let-down, and a real shame.

Looks like it can be summed up in one phrase, unfortunately. O2: great for mobile phones, absolute bobbins for mobile broadband…

By: Dalvin Rumsey


In order to fully benefit from a broadband internet connection, the first and most important thing one will need is a high-speed modem. Starting from the early 2000’s, the internet has become more and more popular among people from various countries. No matter the field we are working in, the internet is a very useful tool, as well as a means of relaxation in our spare time. There are three types of broadband internet connections: DSL, cable and satellite. All three of them offer a high speed in accessing the information we are interested in.

Many people having dial up internet connections may not get the whole picture of having high-speed internet access. Once they have the chance of comparing their home internet service to a broadband internet connection on their office computer, they will surely see the huge difference.

The most popular type of broadband internet connection is the Digital Subscriber Line, or for short, the DSL connection. Large amounts of data can this way be easily and quickly transmitted everywhere in the world. There are many rural areas that have cable which offers broadband connections. The single drawback of a DSL connection is the fact that all the customers share a certain amount of bandwidth. The broadband internet connection can therefore get quite slow at times. Cable companies try to avoid this by adding additional connections as the number of users increases.

Let us take a look at the benefits broadband internet has brought over dial up internet access. First of all, broadband is way faster. A customer can therefore instantly access information on the Internet. There is no need for a phone line, so the internet connection doesn’t need to be terminated in order to make a phone call. This will ensure the fact that one will never get disconnected, as it used to happen to dial-up users. The problems related to connecting to the internet during peak hours will also be solved.

The broadband connection can be a very pleasant means of spending your free time, as there are millions of movies and videos one can watch over the internet. The user has the choice of either downloading them into his own computer or directly watch the movies online. The buffering is very good, so there will not be any chance of not having a good time watching videos or listening to music over the internet.

The best option for getting a broadband internet connection is to get a package deal on cable services and broadband internet. You will save money over having them at two separate providers. Just go out and experience broadband internet and you will not be able to live without it!

By: Nick C


Experts have warned that the speed of Britain’s broadband is falling way behind that of our European neighbours.

With high-speed internet access becoming more and more of a necessity, we are running the risk of future internet developments accelerating away from what our aging UK networks can cope with.

Britain’s broadband is delivered to the majority of users via twisted-pair telephone lines. This broadband technology depends upon advanced digital signal processing and creative algorithms to compress data. This new technology is relying on the old technology of the UK’s aging phone networks to deliver the service and cracks are now beginning to show.

Broadband customers are increasingly becoming dissatisfied with the speeds they are receiving; this has not been helped by ISP’s luring customers in with promises of cheap broadband with speeds of “up to” 8Mbps. The reality is that few will be able to achieve even half this speed.

There are too many factors that can affect the quality of broadband speeds via the telephone line to ever make it a reliable service.

These include:

• How close you are to the exchange (the closer you are then the faster your connection)

• The amount of people being served by your local exchange

• The length and gauge of the line from the exchange

• Electromagnetic noise from other lines. So basically, this can mean the quality of the wiring within your own house.

• The quality of the modem you use

It’s obvious that we need a new way of delivering broadband to the users if we are ever going to keep up with the rest of the world.

Fibre optics is the way forward, but laying fibre cables to every house in the UK is impractical and expensive.

A solution to the problem could lie in using 360,000 miles of pipelines that are already under our feet. The sewage systems!

A company called H20 Networks has already provided super fast broadband to Universities in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Bournemouth via their sewage systems. They are enjoying high-speed fibre connections that provide speeds of up to 20Gbps!

It’s a cost effective and quick solution to what would be an expensive and time consuming problem. With Japan and Paris already using sewer-based fibre networks, it looks likely that Britain will be forced to follow suit. For the millions of internet users who are already beginning to get impatient with their service providers false promises, this can’t come soon enough.

By: James Dyson


A broadband router is a basic device to set up a wired or wireless network. Broadband routers ensure that all the computers on a network can send and receive data to each other and across the Internet. These routers are of both wired and wireless but their features are very similar.

A router actually transfers data packets along networks. It requires at least two networks for a router to connect, commonly it connects two LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISP’s network. As a connecter device, routers are positioned at gateways, where two or more networks are connected.

Key Role of Broadband Routers

Routers enable sharing your broadband internet among computers or laptops in your office or home network. It directs data to travel along the computers on your network and out over the internet to distant computers and to networks located elsewhere.

Routers are first to face any possible outside viruses, hacking threats and so they are vital in a network. But most internet user may not know this, practiced using anti-virus softwares only. A router safeguards your network by working as a filter between the outside internet world and your computers. In general, broadband modems don’t usually have sophisticated built-in security features, so having a network without a router can leave the door open to hackers and other online threatens. Using a router with an in-built firewall makes your wired or wireless network safer and secure, without being vulnerable for internet threats.

Broadband Router Categories

If broadband is classified into two types in major then the routers also has to be of two types. ADSL modem routers for ADSL broadband users and cable routers for cable broadband users are that two.

Both type of broadband router perform the same function of being an interface between your network and the internet and enabling you to share your internet connection among other computers. The main dissimilarity between these two broadband routers is the way in which they connect to the internet.

Actually, ADSL broadband is accomplished by upgrading your existing telephone line for high-speed internet services. Here ADSL modem routers work by just plugging directly into the upgraded telephone line and thus avoids the need of a separate modem. Once connected, the ADSL modem router is automatically able to share the broadband internet with all the computers in your network.

Cable broadband users connect to the internet via cable modem that is plugged into the cable socket. Cable routers work by plugging it into the provided cable modem’s in-built networking port. This is also known as Ethernet port or RJ-45 connection and you need this to share your cable internet with in your network. Once connected to the modem, which in turn is connected to the cable socket, the cable router shares the broadband internet with all the computers in your network.

By: Liam G


According to statistics released by the BBC during the summer of last year, nine out of ten users connect to the internet using a broadband connection.

The simple reason for this is that over the year’s broadband has gotten cheaper and faster. Exactly how fast and how cheap your broadband package will be is influenced by a number of factors.

Availability and how exactly the broadband reaches your home will play a large role, with ADSL and cable being the most established methods of connection within the UK.

ADSL has proven considerably popular for home users and small businesses as it allows for far faster download speeds when compared to traditional dial-up services; ADSL is also “always on”, meaning users don’t need to dial in.

As its popularity has grown, so has the demand for faster download speeds, in response to this various new technologies are emerging such as ADSL2 and ADSL2+. These technological advancements will allow providers to offer download speeds of up to 24Mbps.

The other gripe users have with ADSL is the slow uploading speed, which is where SDSL comes in; as this allows for much faster upload speeds. This is particularly useful for businesses or those hosting websites; however, it does require a separate line.

The second major broadband technology is cable, with an estimated 45% of broadband users connecting to the internet this way. Its popularity is likely to be linked with its convenience, as providers often bundle broadband, TV and telephone services into one package.

The difference with cable is that it does not make use of your telephone line, but a cable and modem that is provided as part of package. Also, availability depends on whether or not a provider has cabled your street.

For the more remote user requiring broadband access, there is satellite broadband This broadband technology however, often works out considerably more expensive than ADSL and cable.

By: Adair Cameron


The communications industry regulator Ofcom has again questioned the big name broadband providers’ reliability when it comes to broadband speeds.

Advertisements such as “Up to 8Mb Download Speed” have been criticised for a number of months now, with the average user reaching speeds around 2.7Mb.

A recent survey showed that out of 3,000 people, 62% who carried out a speed tests got less than half the top broadband speed advertised by their provider and only 30% were satisfied with their broadband speeds.

Ofcom has now stepped in and requested an explanation from each of the top broadband providers.

Ofcom wants to prevent consumers from being misled about the speeds they sign up for. It wants customers to know the full facts - such as factors what may affect their speeds - before they buy. There is also talk customers being allowed to terminate their contract without penalties if broadband speeds are well below what is advertised.

The alternative is a “try before you buy” system, which would allow customers to test a broadband connection at home before committing themselves to a lengthy contract. With many broadband providers offering great deals at 18-month contracts, this only seems fair.

This isn’t the first time Ofcom has had to step in this year, forcing providers to operate a code of conduct with respect to the MAC (Migration Authorisation Code) in Feb 2007. The inclusion of a “try before you buy” system would really help millions of broadband users nationwide.

If you are interested in taking advantage of current broadband internet technology then you should compare many cheap broadband providers available in your area.

By: James Dyson


Are you still hanging out with a dial-up internet service? If so, you have practiced yourself to wait for a time of having your lunch while a web page get loads on your browser. Had you thought of the time you waste waiting for a page to appear on your computer screen? Presently most of the UK households are provided with the infrastructure nearby to have a broadband connection and a broadband provides you a high-speed internet service that once experienced you cannot look back. Still few feel a broadband to be an expensive option. So, here is a way to get free broadband service and save your money without being spent.

Majority of people pay huge bill for their phone service together for the dial-up internet service. You can get rid of the phone service that passes you huge bills but can have your phone and internet service and also at the same time can have your money left in your pocket. Doing this is very plain and you need only a simple but clear plan in your mind.

Go for a high-speed internet from a cable provider and then get an internet phone service from a VoIP provider. The total bill for the broadband and internet phone will be less than of what you paid before and will be sparing the money now, which you paid towards phone service.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technique to remove your huge phone bills. This is accomplished because the phone signal here uses the same line used for your internet and so no need of paying extra. It also allows you to use the phones you use for regular phone connection and there is no need to find a computer and headphone for using your VoIP. To add, few internet phone systems are capable of supporting video. Just think of seeing the person to whom you talk in real-time. You feel more naturalistic something like talking to someone in person.

Also, you can apply and enjoy the same concept over DSL broadband. You can attain great savings by using cable for your broadband. This is finest concept to get an all-inclusive service and save money as well as. Therefore, by getting rid of one of two bills, you get the broadband internet service free.

The another very good news for the internet users here is that BT is in plan to offer free broadband to all its customers once its latest network project is on. The all-new free broadband will be available to the customers in a way that by just plugging the computer to the existing basic line the setup installation will be accomplished. So, with the new network coming to live, there will be no need of boxes or installation engineers for a broadband setup. You can speed up your broadband by buying additional fast download speeds from your provider. But it actually needs some time waiting to have the service.

A simple plan and little smart thinking offer you a free high-speed internet service. Be informed to get a clear-cut free broadband internet service, which is shortly to come.

By: Derek Rogers


SDSL or Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line is a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) variant. SDSL Broadband provides a high-speed internet access service, with matching upstream and downstream data rates ranging from several speeds from 512K to 2MB. With SDSL Broadband, data can be sent to the internet from the client machine or received from the Internet with equal bandwidth availability in both directions, hence its name Symmetric.

In most often cases, the DSL service is asymmetrical (ADSL), with the bulk of the bandwidth reserved for receiving data, not sending it because of the limited uploading known by users. However, unlike ADSL, it cannot co-exist with a conventional voice service on the same pair as it takes over the entire bandwidth. So using your phone line and the SDSL simultaneously is impossible. This broadband also runs at a contention ratio of 10:1 at the exchange compared to 20:1 or 50:1 for ADSL. This means that in a worst case scenario instead of sharing your connection with 19 or up to 49 other users, you’d only share it with 10.

Although SDSL is not available in all areas, speeds might vary depending upon your physical distance from local hubs and your provider. This broadband service is also a little more expensive from the other services, but well worth the difference for those with demanding upstream needs like small businesses. It typically falls in price between ADSL and T-1, and it is mainly targeted at small and medium businesses who may host a server on site, and want to use DSL, but don’t need the higher performance of a leased line.

Also apart from small businesses, SDSL Broadband can also serve individuals that require high upload speeds. Network sharing, for example, has become very popular and with it the need for uploading programs and files - often extremely large files. SDSL is a good choice for heavy network sharing, as long as the user has a second telephone line to dedicate to the service or chooses to suspend telephone services while online. This broadband is also especially useful for home-workers needing faster upload speeds, or who host a server on site (such as a Virtual Private Network or Terminal Server).

SDSL Broadband service is an “always on” service, meaning that the computer is actively connected to the Internet whenever powered up. If the computer always remains on, the Internet connection will be continuously active. An Internet service provider offering SDSL may offer different grades for varying prices. Generally the faster the data rate, the more expensive the service. Usually, long-term contracts are required for SDSL service regardless of the grade chosen.

You will find that they provide voice-quality, business-grade access without port blocking or proxy servers. The speed of service can improve efficiency and productivity of usage. In the end this broadband is an excellent choice for users who need its improved upload speed and its benefits to small business are colossal. For those who do need SDSL Broadband, it is really the best choice because of its practicality and affordability.

By: Shirley Stevens


It is astonishing that so few broadband providers seem to have noticed what an absolute turn-off their £15 an hour telephone technical support costs are to their customers; this in return for just getting a straightforward £6 a month broadband service going. Some bargain, you may well say. Telephone support at zero cost The popular broadband providers such as Be broadband and its sister company O2 Broadband, as well as Fasthosts, have for some time been offering completely free telephone support. Since the beginning of April this year, BT broadband has also introduced free telephone support to customers by making their six most frequently used chargeable numbers totally free. This means that instead of 92% of numbers, it is now 99%. Now that’s a whole lot better, isn’t it? BT’s managing director, Gavin Patterson, has calculated that broadband customers are losing out to the tune of as much as £70 million a year (yes, that’s right – 70 million quid!) with the inexcusably high prices they are being forced to pay for technical support. BT is justifiably feeling very proud of itself. Will free support mean higher prices? It does not seem likely, at this stage, that many other broadband providers will follow suit and this may not be such a bad thing overall. Free telephone support is likely to raise the price of broadband packages and means that you might be paying for something you are seldom likely to use. No use = no value, so why pay for something you may not need? As they often say, there is no such thing as a free lunch and with access to the Internet never being free, why should you have to pay for getting to the bottom of your broadband provider’s blunders on top of that cost? How much then is your broadband provider charging you for their technical expertise which, incidentally, you may never or seldom need (especially with the amount of help and support information you can now easily obtain online)? Before you buy, it is advisable to do some research on a broadband comparison site like ChooseISP.co.uk and also carefully check the small print so you know exactly what you are letting yourself in for. The devil is always in the detail! Something you need to watch out for A devious little ruse among some broadband providers is to throw in a free support line for the customer and cheekily advertise free support, but then to provide a technical support number charged at a premium rate. A useful hint if you are experiencing a problem with your service but are not in a desperate hurry, is to send off a letter by email or even snail-mail. This will solve the difficulty just as well, is a lot cheaper and you won’t have to listen to canned muzak whilst waiting… and waiting… for the next available consultant to help you.