What Is Broadband?

• What is Broadband
• How does bandwidth come into it
• What can Broadband do for you
• What are your options (and where can you learn more)

Broadband is fast internet. Simple as that.

Well, okay, it's not quite that simple: Broadband in telecommunications refers to the signalling method that handles a relatively wide range of frequencies, which may be divided into channels. TV is kind of broadband. So is FM radio. And there are lots more.

But seeing as you've come to BigPond for a definition, let's stick to the good stuff... Broadband is fast internet.

ADSL, ADSL2+, Cable and Wireless are all types of broadband services.

How does bandwidth come into it?

Broadband Internet access, often shortened to just "Broadband".

The wider the bandwidth, the greater is information carrying capacity. It allows you to do a lot more stuff faster...

The alternative is a Narrowband service like conventional dial-up, which downloading will take time and costs you a local call to make a connection every time. While your using the Internet on dial-up you cannot use your landline.

What can Broadband do for you?

Obviously the technology that drives Broadband is a lot more complex than dial-up. In terms of getting and using Broadband, however, it's still very easy with BigPond. The internet connection is always on and on an ADSL 256kbps service it is 4 times faster than a 56kbps Dial up service:

• High speed - up to 20Mbps. (Download a TV show in minutes.)
• Enjoy data-hungry content like games, streaming video, etc.
• Use your phone or fax while you're online (ADSL operates on different frequencies, and Cable and Wireless don't use your phone line at all.)
• Leave your internet and email constantly connected^*. (Data volume is what counts, not time.)

What are your options (and where can you learn more)?

Broadband can be powered by communications technology (like DSL), advanced networks (like Cable, Next G™ wireless and fibre optics), or both.

Based on Australia's current networks, that means you can choose from:

• DSL (ADSL, ADSL2+)
  
  DSL delivers broadband over the existing copper wire networks, using special technology back at the exchange, at high frequencies. These higher frequencies mean your internet signals don't conflict with your phone or fax calls on the same line.
  
  Find out more...
  
  
• Cable
  
  This is an advanced network solution. Cable internet uses the same network of fibre optic cables that carry FOXTEL Pay-TV around some metropolitan areas. These cables can carry a LOT of data, including superfast internet transmissions as well as Pay-TV.
  
  Find out more...
  
  
• Wireless Broadband
  
  Basically, Wireless Broadband is like giving your computer a mobile phone to talk with other computers on. BigPond Wireless Broadband is delivered over the Telstra Next G™ network - the world's fastest and largest wireless network.
  
  Find out more...