Backup Anytime

Broadband providers of all types are upgrading clients both home and commercial at present. The focus here is download speeds which are being improved (at limited or no cost) to far greater rates than before. This is welcome and will have a very positive effect on not just downloading but end user browsing experience.

The focus of broadband providers is to tell you they have “great news”. The will explain that download speeds are increasing by or to such a level. Some will flippantly just say your broadband speed in increasing without mentioning that this generally relates to download only.

If you are considering moving to a new provider (or getting broadband for the first time) it is important that you focus on upload. Good download speeds are important but they are easily got. Good upload speeds are somewhat less ubiquitous.

Other important terms relating to broadband service are:

Contention ratio : In its simplest format, the contention ratio pertains to the max number of simultaneous users you need share with. This figure can run from a low of 1 to a high of 24.

Limit : The limit as to the amount of transfer you can use.

Fair usage policy : A data transfer figure beyond which your usability (generally speed) is reduced to allow other users their share. Fair usage policies can be implemented on “no limit” accounts!

Back to upload.

Upload speeds are becoming more important for everyone because of critical apps such as cloud data, online backup, web diaries, email and games.

So, word up - “upload”, ensure your provider doesn’t hold you back. Your upload speeds will generally be far less than your download speeds. This is normal (at present) but ensure your chosen provider compares favourably overall. The trick is not to be lead in to judging the suitability if a service based on download only.

We are aware of competitive new offers currently being offered by UPC (NTL) and Magnet business. If you know of an offer we should mention here, please advise.

Has anyone got this already? Tell us about it. If its as it sais it is we should put the word out.  I have a upc account at home and expect to be upgraded (no charge as I am on old ultra pack) next week. I will report back late next week but any interim info would be much appreciated.

In my experience I would say the following about NTL. TV is awful, phones OK and support woeful. Ntl / UPC broadband is excellent generally.

I did not know they had a commercial pack. Maybe they didn’t up to now.