Applying for a Broadband Internet Connection ? Read This

Before you order a braodband connection (ADSL) through the standard phone line, pay very close attention to the Internet connection speed numbers that are promised by the service provider.

The Internet connection speed is measured in Megabits (Mb) or Kilobits (Kb) which is not the same as Megabytes (MB) or Kilobytes (KB) that are typically used to measure file sizes on a hard disk.

1 Mbps connection = 1,000 Kbps ~= 125 KBps [1 Byte = 8 Bits]

Therefore if you ask for a 1Mbps broadband connection, it will take minimum 8 seconds to download a 1 MB file from the internet.

» We say that "minimum 8 seconds" because it's very unlikely that you'll ever receive the full download speed promised by the broadband company [unless it's late in the night when the entire city is sleeping and you are the only person who's connected to the internet]

» Most broadband companies define 1K as 1,000 and not as 1,024 which is the standard in computing. So 1KB is 1,024 Bytes but in broadband jargon, 1Kb is equivalent to 1,000 bits and not 1,024 bits as you would expect.

» Broadband connections are generally asymmetric meaning the download and upload speed will be different [generally the upload speeds are lower than the average download speed]

» The download speed can also vary depending on the quality of your telephone line wiring.

» Finally, if you use the internet even for a few hours daily, try to opt for a plan that has no "download limits" (or unlimited bandwidth) - that helps you browse and download music, videos and other large files with complete peace of mind.

Else those rising bandwidth meter graphs will spoil your browsing mood especially when you are about to exhaust your monthly quota.