Why switch to wireless broadband?

Wireless broadband, also known as 'Wi-Fi', simply means accessing the internet without a direct cable connection to your PC. The advantage of this is that you can position your computer anywhere around the house/office and check your emails in the garden, lying in bed or even cooking the dinner. Because you don't need cables or extra phone lines, you can share your connection with other computers around the house/office.

Wireless broadband is a simple way to get flexible internet access for the office or home, without losing download speed or having to worry about loss of connection.

What equipment will I need?

A standard setup for wireless broadband access will consist of:

A phone line.
A computer - laptop, desktop PC, PDA etc.
A wireless router - this plugs into your phone line and manages your wireless broadband signal. Using a router means you don't need your main computer to be on to access broadband.
A Wi-Fi adapter - This receives your broadband signal and is typically a small antenna that plugs into your USB port or a card that slots into your laptop. Some laptops and PCs will come with this built in.

Will I lose connection speed with wireless broadband?

Your connection/download speeds should not be affected by changing to a wireless setup. Your connection can be affected by concrete, metal or very thick walls and this should be taken into account when you install your wireless broadband network. For most out-of-the box systems, you should get a range of anything between 50-100 metres from your wireless router (check product specifications for a more accurate figure). Note: When buying wireless networking equipment, check the specifications to make sure it matches or exceeds the connection speed of your wireless broadband provider.

How secure will my connection be?

Generally, your wireless broadband connection will be protected from unwanted access from other users. You should be provided with your own personal code and only people who know this code will be able to access your connection. As with all internet connections, there are some risks and it is recommended that you have and up-to-date firewall, antivirus and anti-spyware software. There are other (more expensive) methods of protecting your wireless network and businesses should speak advice from their service providers about how to make sure sensitive data is secure from professional hackers.

Can I make and receive phone calls while I'm online?

Your wireless broadband connection works just the same as a traditional broadband connection and means you can talk on the phone and surf the internet at the same time.

Will it cost me more than my standard broadband package?

On a month-by-month basis your wireless broadband service should cost the same as your existing broadband package. Some service providers will provide you with the equipment you need to setup a wireless network - free of charge. If your provider doesn't offer the router and network cards/antennas for free, you can buy directly from them or from most high street electrical stores and internet shops. Please see individual wireless broadband providers for more information on setup costs.

Is it available in my area?

To find out what broadband providers are available in your area, use our availability search option on our homepage. You can also check availability on individual provider websites.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Wireless broadband lets you do exactly the same things online that you have been doing with a standard broadband package. You can still download music, check emails, surf the internet, but now with added flexibility. It really is simple to go wireless, but if you have any questions or want more information on specific wireless broadband packages, please visit the websites of the broadband providers listed on our homepage.