Wales Internet Service Providers Association

A united voice for broadband in wales

Representing Welsh providers of internet services

What’s the difference between broadband and Internet services?

For many, very little. For some large companies, everything!  Below is the WISPA guide to different services available and common terms you will read about.

Over time, this section will be developed to allow for new technologies and how to find out what service is available in your area...or how to get a service provided to your area.

The range of connectivity options can be confusing.  Here’s a very simple guide to some of the more common technologies available, and who they can be most useful for.

· Broadband

Broadband connectivity over standard (copper) telephone lines is the most common form of Internet access. Speeds depend on the distance to the telephone exchange and the type of broadband technology used over the copper line. Traditional telephone calls and broadband internet can be carried over the same copper line and you may see terms such as ADSL, SDSL which relate to the technology used to deliver the service. You may also see the term bonded ADSL or EFM (Ethernet First Mile) which refers to a method of carrying improved speeds over copper lines.

Speeds can be affected by the distance the property is from the exchange and the quality of the line.

· Satellite

Broadband connectivity supplied via a satellite dish is a good alternative for rural and/or remote locations.  Speeds are improving, although latency (the time taken to receive signals from the satellite) can be noticeable if accessing real time services such as iPlayer and Skype. It can also be a relatively expensive option.

· Wireless

The term is used to describe 2 very different deliveries so make sure you read the 3 explanations below:

- Wireless Hotspots

Companies may offer Wireless hotspots in specific locations such as hotels, stations, public houses etc. These use the same Wi-Fi technology as in the home or office although the access point may be a little more robust than a home version.  Services are provided on a Pay as you Go (PAYG) or pre-paid basis. The technology used, distance to the wireless site and the number of users can impact performance.

- Microwave/wireless links

Microwave links use a similar radio frequency to those of your microwave but at much lower power levels. They can deliver very fast speeds (from 2Mb to 300Mb) from one point to another with ‘line of sight.’ Some times they are used instead of fibre optic leased lines where the cost of installing fibre is too high.

It is also becoming very useful for ‘not spots’ in rural communities where the backhaul is shared amongst the number of users. The microwave antenna tends to be smaller than an A4 piece of paper and is  positioned to ‘see’ the other microwave antenna unit. It can be installed a lot quicker than many other options too.

·  Fibre Optic (to the premises) (FTTP)

This provides the highest speed connectivity service.  It can be costly if taken as a dedicated service (leased lines), but requires little maintenance and is very reliable, once installed.  It is an ideal option for businesses requiring connectivity to high-bandwidth services, including new technologies such as video conferencing. It is also being installed in some new residential developments in the UK on a shared basis. It is widely used in Asia...some Korean cities have 100Mbps to houses already!

· Fibre Optic (to the curb or cabinet) (FTTC)

This option takes advantage of high speed fibre optics being run to the cabinet, but then the connection reverts to copper wires to the home or business.  This can be a hybrid alternative to the full fibre speed option offering speeds up to 40Mbps. Communities with low connectivity can consider grouping together to access fibre to the cabinet.

· Mobile Broadband

This option uses the data connectivity capabilities of 3G, 3.5G and 4G Mobile services. Speeds are lower with older mobile services. Internet access connectivity can be provided direct to mobile devices or to PCs (desktops, laptops and tablets)  via a mobile USB dongle or integrated mobile broadband capability.

Information about broadband & Internet services