Broadband Guides: Understanding Broadband

Making sense of website statuses

With numerous different types of website status, it’s not always obvious why a site isn’t accessible

Why you shouldn’t undervalue emojis

Despite being associated with lowbrow culture, emojis are a surprisingly valuable tool

Why does my broadband slow down at night?

The nightly broadband slow down on many connections is caused by numerous factors, some of which you can control

The pros and cons of different internet connections

Long-lost ISPs, and the innovations which shaped modern broadband

Modern broadband was forged on the crucible of ideas from ISPs who are no longer with us.

Why Fibre to the Cabinet is being phased out

Time is running out for Fibre to the Cabinet, as full fibre broadband replaces it across the UK and Channel Islands

The pros and cons of 2Gbps home broadband

With 2Gbps home broadband now being marketed, we consider what households might do with all this bandwidth

What is Google TV?

In a world of fragmenting streaming platforms, it’s worth taking a moment to consider Google TV and how it works.

Broadband jargon people rarely understand

We explain some of the broadband jargon and technical terminology consumers are often confused by.

Top ways to quickly speed up home internet connections

Why do housebuilders do deals with full fibre ISPs?

Most new homes now have broadband connections pre-installed by full fibre ISPs, but why has this become the case?

What’s your broadband connection called?

We investigate the consumer confusion around broadband connection terminology

Pros and Cons of no-contract broadband deals

No-contract broadband is a great option for many consumers, but it does bring some disadvantages as well.

Programming languages that changed the world

A handful of programming languages underpin the modern-day internet and the programs and apps we all rely on

How do I find a foreign ISP if I’m moving overseas?

It’s not always easy to find a foreign ISP when emigrating or moving overseas, but these tips will help

How has UK broadband changed in the last 25 years?

What are altnets?

Altnets provide an alternative to Openreach-powered ISPs – but should you consider their services?

The pros and cons of different broadband contract lengths

Different broadband contract lengths have unique merits. We explain which might work best in different scenarios

What is RAM, and why do I need it?

What is RAM? It’s the foundation stone of everything you do on a computer, tablet or smartphone

Can you still live without the internet in 2025?

With broadband connectivity underpinning everything from the NHS to dating, can you still live without the internet nowadays?

Does living in a rural region mean slow broadband?

There’s a popular misconception that living in a rural region automatically means slow broadband, yet full fibre can be found everywhere

What can I do if my street has slow broadband?

Slow broadband affects entire communities, so what can you do if you live on a street with inadequate connections?

What’s the difference between bytes, megabytes and gigabytes?

Understanding the difference between bytes, megabytes and gigabytes makes purchasing new hardware like phones and tablets much easier

What is Twitch, and why should I watch it?

We answer a couple of significant questions: what is Twitch, and why does it have over 140 million monthly users?

What does the World Broadband Association do?

You probably haven’t heard of the World Broadband Association, but their mission is to improve global internet access and connection quality

What is live streaming?

The definition of what is live streaming can be confusing. We explain what qualifies – and what doesn’t

What is the Wayback Machine, and how can I use it?

The Wayback Machine is more than just a glimpse of bygone times – it’s a genuinely useful resource

Should I consider no-contract broadband?

Signing up to no-contract broadband frees you from long-term commitments, but it does involve some compromises

How is broadband defined?

If someone asked how is broadband defined, only 16 per cent of Brits would know what to say

What are paywalls?

Paywalls are the main alternative to advertising when it comes to making online services economically viable

A beginner’s guide to chatbots

Our beginner's guide to chatbots explains what these automated tools are, how they help us – and why they’re occasionally infuriating

What are hyperlinks, and why do they matter?

We examine what are hyperlinks used for and how they act as the glue which holds the internet together.

What’s the surface web?

We rely heavily on the surface web every day, yet it’s only a tiny part of the wider internet

Why don’t we have broadband in our cars?

In-car infotainment systems continue to evolve beyond mere music players, but broadband in cars remains beyond our reach.

What do the lights on my broadband router mean?

Broadband router lights aren’t just a flickering irritation – they’re conveying important information

How is ‘full fibre broadband’ defined?

The definition of full fibre broadband is a mystery to many consumers, despite Ofcom’s attempts at clarifying it

What causes buffering?

The question ‘what causes buffering’ is often asked – but only usually once it’s already happened…

How to get a better broadband deal by understanding jargon

Broadband terminology is often confusing. We explain what it all means, to help you negotiate a better deal on your next contract.

A guide to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide a bridge between home broadband and your car’s infotainment system

Automatic updates might be causing your slow broadbad

Automatic updates might not seem an obvious cause of slow broadband, but they can dramatically slow down your system.

How does UK broadband connect to the wider internet?

UK broadband only works as part of a global network, buried beneath the seabed around our coastline.

The importance of internal links and backlinks to website SEO

Many factors influence website SEO, but hyperlinks are a vital component of ensuring pages rank highly in search results

What is ChatGPT?

We get under the skin of ChatGPT and put the headline-generating AI to the test for ourselves.

How to recognise and avoid modern spam emails

Avoiding spam emails is easier than ever, because ISPs have invested huge amounts of time and energy in combating them.

Could you save money by lowering your broadband speed?

Many of us don't really need the top speeds we pay for - you may be able to save on broadband without any real drawbacks.

House hunters should consider ever-changing available broadband speeds

Residential broadband speeds aren’t just a key factor in property marketing – they’re also constantly changing.

How to get broadband without without a landline in 2023

It’s quite possible to live without a landline nowadays, and in many cases, it won’t affect your broadband provision.

What broadband speed do I need for working, streaming and gaming?

Minimum broadband speeds determine what type – and speed – of home internet connection you need.

What is the World Wide Web?

To understand what is the World Wide Web, we need to go back to an age when the internet existed but web browsing didn’t.

What are URLs?

Many people wouldn’t know how to answer the question ‘what are URLs’, yet the answer is surprisingly straightforward