What is ADSL?
ADSL is the name for the technology used to provide broadband. It stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It is a form of internet connection in which the bandwidth available for downstream connection is significantly larger than for upstream. So users benefit from the increased bandwidth available when downloading information (i.e. when Internet surfing or downloading files from the net), which makes it ideal for both residential and business users.
ADSL is a fast, always on internet connection, which removes the need for users to ‘dial-up’, meaning that the possibility of experiencing connectivity problems is dramatically reduced.
How does it work?
ADSL utilises your normal copper wire telephone line but because it transfers data using a different frequency than that used for voice, you can also use the same line for a phone or fax simultaneously.
How fast is it?
KeConnect Broadband is available with download speeds of 512k, 1Mb and 2Mb. This makes the service many times faster than a 56k modem dial up or even a 128k ISDN connection. The upload speed is up to 256kbps whichever service you choose. So the faster the connection you choose, the faster you will be able to download information and receive emails.
If you have a high upload bandwidth requirement (e.g. for running business applications or VPNs) our SDSL, Bonded Broadband or Fixed Line products would provide a more appropriate solution.
Can I get ADSL?
To get ADSL you have to be in an ADSL enabled area. i.e. your local telephone exchange must have been upgraded by BT to provide ADSL technology. You must also have an available BT analogue line that is not part of a telephone system, and does not have an alarm system on it.
To see if your area has been enabled, and check that your line is suitable, please visit our Broadband Availability checker.
Not everyone can get ADSL, and some users will be limited to a 512Kbps service because of the length between their phone line and the telephone exchange. If the checker returns a marginal result, or you have any questions about the result please call Customer Services on 08450 506050.
I currently have ISDN or BT Highway. Can I still get broadband?
Switching from ISDN or Highway to KeConnect Broadband can potentially save you a significant amount of money. As the line rental from BT for your ADSL line will only be that for a normal analogue line, and you will no longer be paying for your internet calls as you dial up, there are significant savings to be made.
KeConnect can upgrade you from ISDN or BT Highway to ADSL but this process requires significant cooperation from BT, and as much notice as possible. Please call our Customer Services team 08450 506050 for advice before you speak to BT. We will talk you through the process and give you specific instructions to give to BT.
How much will it cost?
Whichever KeConnect Broadband package you choose, there will be an initial connection or installation fee to pay, and then a monthly charge. All you will continue to pay your telephony provider for is your telephone line rental, and your phone/fax calls.
Some of our packages include unlimited internet usage, which means that you will not pay any other charges in addition to your monthly subscription. Other packages incur additional bandwidth charges for usage that exceeds the monthly download limit. All packages are clearly described in the the residential and business broadband sections of our website. If you have any queries about packages and charges, please call our Sales Department on 08450 506050.
Which KeConnect Broadband package is the right one for me?
If you are a Home or Small office Home office (SoHo) user, sign up for one of our Home User broadband packages. This will give you a 512K - 8Mbps ADSL connection for your home or office and up to 3 separate @keme.co.uk email addresses.
Our broadband service can be installed on an existing BT analogue line, and there’s just one fixed monthly fee for all your Internet call charges. You will, of course also be able to carry on using the line for voice calls simultaneously.
We also offer packages for light home users. These connections provide a broadband connection with varying levels of usage and availability. If you wish to connect a medium to large network of users, or you have high download bandwidth requirements (e.g. for business use, online trading or gaming) you can choose from our business broadband packages.
If you have a high upload bandwidth requirement (e.g. for running business applications or VPN’s) we would recommend a SDSL, Bonded Broadband or Fixed Line product instead.
Please note: Not everyone can get ADSL Broadband, and some users will be limited to a 512k service because of the length between their phone line and the telephone exchange. If the broadband checker returns a marginal result, or you have any questions about the result please call Customer Services on 08450 506050.
Use any of our broadband packages in conjunction with a KeConnect Commerce Pack to give you a complete business package, including internet access, domain hosting, webs pace and email facilities.
We can also offer an anti-spam and anti-virus screening service for your home or business email.
What does contention ratio mean?
Regardless of the Internet Service Provider you use, broadband services are subject to ‘contention’, meaning that the network bandwidth available is shared between a number of subscribers at the local telephone exchange.
The ratio to which the available bandwidth is shared between users is called the ‘contention ratio’. All UK providers, including BT, are subject to the same contention ratios at the exchange. Services targeted at home users are cheaper, but have a higher contention ratio (50:1), which means that the available network capacity is shared between a greater number of users. Business services have a lower contention ratio (20:1), and therefore offer a more consistent level of performance. A 50:1 contention ratio means the bandwidth may be shared with up to 50 other subscribers, whereas a 20:1 contention ratio means the bandwidth may be shared with no more than 20 other subscribers.
It is important to note this and choose the correct package accordingly. If you require any advice at all, please call our Customer Services team for more advice on 08450 506050 (Option 1)
So why use KeConnect? If BT’s exchanges are the point of contention why not just subscribe to the cheapest link?
It is extremely important that your broadband provider keeps their own internal bandwidth to user ratio at optimum level too, otherwise they could actually be slowing the service down once it gets to them, regardless of the contention ratio quoted at the telephone exchange.
We are aware of several well known ISPs who have oversold their bandwidth in order to offer a ‘cheap’ service, resulting in download speeds as low as 16Kbps. In effect their subscribers may have saved £2 per month or less and yet get speeds of little more than a quarter of the speed of a standard 56Kbps modem.
KeConnect subscribers have experienced download speeds on our standard 20:1 contention of as much as 630kbps. We recommend the right service for your circumstances in order that you will receive the best connection possible. In our opinion the choice is clear.
You can compare us to other broadband providers and see how we rate against our competitors. We are consistently beating others for connection speed, reliability and customer service and we are confident that you will be satisfied that we are the best choice there is.
What equipment will I need?
If you are a single user with a PC or Apple Mac you will need an ADSL modem. This comes with a setup CD and is easy to install yourself.
If the broadband is to be used by more than one person at once, you will need an ADSL router. This will need to be installed on your network by your IT consultant.
You will also need a line filter (this plugs into your ADSL line to separate the voice and data frequencies. It has 2 sockets in it, one for your ADSL modem, and one for your phone or fax.) We can provide these (our modems come with 2 line filters) or you can source them yourselves.
If you have any analogue extensions on your ADSL line anywhere in your building, you will need an additional line filter for every extension, whether you are using the extension or not.
We’ve found this web site is very good at explaining where you should place microfilters and why you need them.
How exactly is my LAN connected to the ADSL connection?
If you are connecting to a network you will need an ADSL router . The routers that we supply all have 4 RJ45/Ethternet ports. It is possible to connect up to 4 networked PCs directly to the router (which will act as a hub) or connect the router to your existing hub/switch to service all the PCs on your network.
How many IP addresses will I get and will they be static or dynamic?
This will depend on the home or business broadband package you select and how many IPs are included. If you have any queries regarding IP addresses, please call us on 08450 506050.
Why choose KeConnect?
- Informed, personalised advice in plain and simple language — at KeConnect we are certainly qualified to speak ‘jargon’ but if you would rather we spoke in plain English we will be pleased to do so! We will ask the right questions to ascertain which connection is right for you and talk you through the process.
- Hassle free, totally managed service from beginning to end — just place your order and we do the rest. We liaise with BT to get your line activated at your local exchange and can even order a new line on your behalf if you need one.
- Quality service and support — Customer satisfaction is of paramount importance to us. In the unlikely event of any problems, or even if you just need some advice, our support staff are here to offer a solution quickly and efficiently. We only have one tier of support at KeConnect, so wont keep you holding while you are transferred between different support departments.
- Reliable infrastructure — Unlike some other Internet Service Providers, we do not oversubscribe our internet bandwidth. This means that our customers benefit from a higher user to bandwidth ratio, giving them a quality of service that is second to none.
- Compare us to the rest! — You can compare us to other broadband providers and see how we rate against others. We are consistently beating others for connection speed, reliability and customer service and we are confident that you will be satisfied that we are the best choice there is.