The Blog of Ross C Brown

With universities and colleges around the country starting up teaching again for the 2008/09 session thousands of students nationwide will be moving into shinny new accommodation, most of which will be in the private sector.

One of the most important utilities for students besides electricity and gas will be high speed internet access. With an ever growing array of online study material and of course entertainment in the form of music and more recently streaming video such as BBC iPlayer, Sky Player, ITV’s offering and Demand Five, getting the right connection is more important.

If you are in college or university accommodation you’ll probably find that your internet is all ready provided but if you find yourself in your own accommodation or renting in the private sector you’ll probably have to sort it out yourself and in most areas you’ll three options, fixed-line broadband, cable broadband and mobile (sometimes known as 3G, cellular, HSDPA) broadband. Let’s check them out. 

You should be able to get DLS broadband almost anywhere in the UK unless you are in a very remote area or in rare circumstances have an aluminum telephone line.

What will I need?
You’ll need a BT telephone line to get DSL provider. If you are viewing a flat be sure to enquire about the telephone line. It is not uncommon for a property to have the physical wiring for the telephone line but for the line not to actually be connected to the network. If the phone line is not connected, you need BT to connect the line. The standard charge for this is about £120 along with the monthly line rental.

You will also require a modem or router. Most DSL providers will provide a modem free of charge and offer a wireless router either for free of for a subsidized price. If you already have a modem or router, you do not have to accept their offer.

What will it cost?
Prices vary wildly between providers. Some providers like Sky Digital offer free broadband connections to subscribers of their other products. But remember, nothing in life is really free and you tend to get what you pay for. Generally speaking, a connection will cost between £10 and £25 a month and most providers insist on a 12 minimum contract. You’ll also have to factor in the telephone line rental at about £10 a month. For the least expensive connection including line rental, you’ll be looking at around £250 a year. A more expensive connection could run you upwards of £420 a year.

Pros: Relatively inexpensive, often free with Television service.
Cons: Phone line and line rental required. You won’t always receive the advertised speed.

Which provider should I sign-up with?
This is a very subjective question in as much as there are many variables to consider. Monthly caps differ as do connection speeds. Furthermore, not all providers are available in all areas.

If you are interested in broadband on its own, you might wish to check out the packages from o2. They even offer discounted packages if you have an o2 mobile phone contract.

f you are also looking at getting Sky television, you can get free broadband internet access with your television for just £17 a month. But remember, if you go down this road you’ll also need a television license to stay on the right side of Auntie Beeb.

In most major cities you will be able to sign up for cable. However, be aware that not all streets are wired for cable so even if cable is available in your city, you may still be unable to get it.

What will I need?
You’ll need to live in a cable area and have a cable modem or router. You will usually be provided with a modem. Installation costs vary between properties. You’ll also need a wireless router if you want to enjoy wireless internet access.

However, you don’t need to have an active telephone line like the ADSL services.

What will it cost?
The major provider of cable services in the United Kingdom is Virgin Media. While packages vary depending on the lever of service, for internet alone costs vary between £10 and £30 a month. Over 12 months you’ll be looking at £150 to £400 depending on the level of service you choose.

You might be able to add extra services on to your account like television and phone services. But remember, if you get the TV option you’ll be liable for television tax.

Pros: Super fast, super reliable service.
Cons: You must live in a Cable area to receive the service.

Which provider should I sign up with?
For most cable areas you’ll only have the opting of signing up with Virgin Media. You can check out the package options and sign up online at their website here.

The most recent entry into the broadband internet market is by the major mobile phone companies offering a product called ‘Mobile Broadband’. Over the last few years most mobile phone companies have invested heavily to establish world class 3G cellular networks across he United Kingdom to provide high connectivity to support video calling, television and internet access on your mobile phone. Now, the operators are extending said services to your notebook computer – that said, you can use the service on a desk top if you so choose.

What will I need?
You will need a 3G cellular modem. Most mobile phone providers are providing these free of charge when you sign up to a certain number of months service – usually 18 or 24 months.

If you wish to use the internet connection on a number of computers, you will also need a 3G enabled wireless router. Some providers like 3 are now offering these for a reduced price to subscribers – be sure to enquire about this if you purchase a 3G broadband account.

What will it cost?
Prices vary between provider and are typically derived from the contract period and bandwidth limit. Many providers have services starting a £10 per month raising to £35 depending on the level of service you require.

Pros: Ideal alternative to fixed line broadband. You can use it anywhere.
Cons: Long contracts, low usage limits and often temperamental service outside city centre locations.

Which provider should I choose?
Personally, I’m with T-Mobile for my mobile internet service but only because I have my mobile phone with T-Mobile. I’d recommend the network 3 for your 3G stick – they also offer a 3G router to share your connection with more than one computer.  And if you don’t have a computer, you can even select a package that includes a notebook computer with your line rental!

A point worth nothing here is that you might be able to get an amazing deal for the mobile broadband from your existing cellular provider if you already have a contract with them Something worth checking out!

And that concludes my round up of internet services available to students. If you have anything to add or would like to ask me something, please feel free to do so in the comments below.