How to Get Instant Broadband

Source: DepositPhotos

Dial-up has been widespread for decades as the go-to tech to gain internet access. But although it has left its mark in the history pages, it's now considered outdated as it's been replaced by broadband. And if you're not on it yet, you should strongly consider upgrading via one of the various broadband options.

But you probably don't want to wait for too long and go through a period of no internet. And that's why we're bringing you this guide on how to get instant broadband.

We'll discuss what you should consider before making the switch or installing broadband for the first time to ensure the process is smooth and fast.

Instant Broadband at a Glance

First, you should decide what kind of broadband you want, whether it's DSL, cable, wireless, or fibre optic. Afterwards, check the availability of your chosen type by the internet service providers in your area, then call them to book an installation appointment. You should have broadband in no time.

Understanding the Different Types of Broadband

Before we start discussing how to get a broadband connection, you should be familiar with the types to see which best suits your needs.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

Source: DepositPhotos

One of the oldest types of home broadband is digital subscriber line, or DSL.

It's similar to dial-up technology in its reliance on the ubiquitous landline infrastructure that's available everywhere, which allows you to transfer data through telephone cable lines. But it makes a huge advancement by transmitting telephone and internet on different frequencies to prevent interruptions and internet disconnections whenever you receive a phone call.

And because the internet connection line is dedicated and direct between the internet service provider and your home phone and modem, it offers much faster and more stable internet.

Cable Internet

Cable internet technology is similar to DSL, but instead of transmitting data over phone lines, it does so over coaxial cables, which are used to power our cable TV stations.

Generally, cable broadband is faster than DSL and offers more bandwidth, making it more suitable for internet-intensive activities such as streaming movies.

Wireless Broadband

Thanks to the advancements in wireless technologies in recent decades, wireless broadband has become a viable option that doesn't force you into a frustratingly slow internet connection.

There are many forms of wireless broadband, including connecting to a central and nearby WiFi network, cellular data, and, more excitingly, satellite internet.

Out of those options, satellite internet is the most recent and is capable of delivering fast broadband speeds to rural areas that may not have the cable infrastructure for wired broadband.

Fibre Broadband

Source: DepositPhotos

If you're looking for the fastest and most reliable internet service, you'll want to consider a fibre plan, as that's the highest-end data transmission technology currently available.

Fibre transmits data in the form of light pulses (instead of electric) through ultra-thin strands of glass or plastic fibres (instead of copper wires). And since the speed of light is the fastest in the universe, you can see why a fibre connection can deliver such high speeds.

Fibre optic is also much less susceptible to external interference, so you'll be getting a more reliable service.

The only caveat is its availability. Although fibre ultra-fast broadband is available to 86.4% of New Zealanders, that leaves about 14% who might have broadband access issues.

Finding the Right Internet Providers and Broadband Plans For You

Once you've decided on which type of broadband suits your needs, you'll either find a new internet service provider or stick with your existing provider.

You need to consider the availability and coverage of internet service providers in your area, as different companies will provide varying results to specific regions or cities. For example, if you want satellite broadband, check who offers it in your area and find out how reliable their services are.

While considering providers, ask about their turnaround times, as some companies have notoriously long installation times.

But to make it easier for you, you can compare broadband deals here.

Installing a New Broadband Network

Source: DepositPhotos

Setting up your new broadband internet connection might be the most tedious part of the whole journey, especially if there are physical barriers to overcome.

We'll simplify broadband installation as much as possible for each of the four connection types.

DSL or Cable Internet

Contact your provider to book an installation appointment. They'll tell you when to expect a technician to install a modem and router on your landline phone infrastructure (if you choose DSL) or through your coaxial cable lines (if you choose cable broadband).

After the installation, your provider should guide you through your first-time router configuration, and that's it.

Wireless Broadband

Installing wireless broadband is typically simpler than its wired counterparts since there are little to no physical barriers to overcome. But it also depends on your chosen wireless plan.

In many cases, you'll need to book an installation appointment with your ISP, where they'll send someone to install a signal receiver that connects your house with their nearest broadband station.

Fibre Broadband

Contact your local fibre company to schedule an appointment with one of their technicians.

Once the technician arrives, they'll inspect your house to determine how to install the customer splice point outside your house and a small box called the optical network terminal inside of it.

Fibre installation can take hours to complete, but once it's done, the technician will test the connection and configure it with you. Then, you can connect it to your router and enjoy ultra-fast and secure internet.

Conclusion

There are many broadband plans, and it can even be difficult to pick the right one for your needs while not going too much over your budget. But once you've decided on the type of connection you want, the internet service provider, and your preferred broadband plan, the installation process should be seamless and relatively fast.

Once you're done with the installation, check out our guide on how to use broadband to get the most out of your plan.