ADSL Broadband
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) technology is available in several forms and is the service most commonly associated with broadband.
The technology splits your telephone cable in two allowing you to make telephone calls and access the Internet at the same time.
Not only is your telephone line kept free for calls but it also means you do not need to have a second telephone line in the house dedicated to Internet access.
The speed of the data being delivered (download) is twice as fast as the speed that it is sent (upload), hence asymmetric. BT are currently trialling Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) but this service is not widely available. Typical connection speeds are 500kbps for downloading and 200kbps for uploading.
Two factors determine whether you can get access to broadband through ADSL You need to be located within 6km from a BT telephone exchange. The signal degrades with the distance from the exchange so you may experience slower connection speeds and in the worst case scenario the service will not be available. Your local exchange needs to have been upgraded.
Advantages
Competitively priced
Connection to the service is quick and easy
Freedom of choice - there are over one hundred suppliers who provide broadband using this technology.
Disadvantages
Not available in all areas of Wales
Line quality and distance from exchange determines your connection speed Contention ratio will affect service.