FCC definition of Broadband Internet Access: Data transmission speeds over 200 kilobits per second (Kbps) in at least one direction whether it's downstream (downloading from the Internet on to the computer) or Upstream (uploading data from a computer to Internet). Sound geeky? Okay let's read more to find out what exactly does broadband access really mean. Tired of slow dialup connections that disconnect you off the net just when you are about to finish downloading that 10 MB file? Tired of slow logging on process? Tired of waiting so long to download a single file? Dialup is so slow and dial up is definitely old.
I know it's frustrating but thanks to broadband connection (which is about 10 times faster that the dialup connection) the wait is over. No more disconnections and long waiting time to download a simple file. It's time to make your bandwidth broader - It means that the World Wide Wait is over. So whatever you download from the internet be it e-mail, videos or songs or even just surf the web-pages it is faster. For example a file of 3 MB would take 7 to 8 minutes on a 56 K dialup modem, 3 to 4 minutes for 144 K ISDN line but the same file will only take 15 seconds using 1.5 MB broadband internet access connection.
Broadband net connection can be a fast and permanent internet service. Unlike dialup, once the computer is connected to the ISP (Internet Service Provider) it remains connected unless physically unplugged. May be that's why it is called as "always on" internet service, you stay online all the time! Broadband internet truly allows you to surf the internet highway as it was meant to be. You would like to consider broadband internet access if you want to use quality internet services which are bigger on size. Some of these internet services are online gaming, watching live videos over the net (streaming media), Internet telephony (VOIP), etc. Accessing these high quality services on meager dialup access is not technically possible. One of the things about broadband access is, it does not use the phone line to connect to the internet. So no fears of getting disconnected from the internet when some one calls you on that phone number.
Broadband Internet access can be in various types:
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): It is a high-speed internet connection that uses the same cables as a regular telephone line. But you can use the DSL line for internet and still receive calls.
Cable Modem: Cable companies providing broadband net access using fiber-optic or coaxial cables.
Wireless: It allows you to access internet on the go.
Satellite: You can connect to the internet through the satellite using a dish antenna.
So what are you waiting for, say bye to good ole conventional telephone dialup connections and get the fast and 'always on' broadband internet access. Boradband internet is a boon, especially if you used that old PSTN dial-up connection.