Super-fast and other types of broadband
Find out how to check your current broadband speed and more about what super-fast broadband means to communities.What is super-fast broadband?
Although there is much talk of 'next generation superfast broadband', there is no agreed definition.
It is universally accepted it will be faster, give improved download and upload speeds and be more reliable and consistent.
The Government wants all homes and businesses to have access to download broadband speeds of two megabits per second (the speed data transfers over your connection) by 2015.
How can superfast broadband help me?
We believe that super-fast broadband is vital to improve the lives of residents and improve opportunities for businesses across Derbyshire.
People's home life and leisure time is becoming increasingly dependent on fast and reliable broadband − from banking to bill paying, film viewing to game playing. Social networking through sites such as Facebook and Twitter continues to grow and is reliant on strong and reliable web access.
Speedier connections give a big boost to businesses. Online businesses are able to interact more effectively with their customers, to access global markets, and to make the most of online file storage opportunities.
Added to that is the increased efficiency of being able to work away from the office − at home, from multiple offices, or when on the road with work.
We want to bring jobs to Derbyshire by attracting new businesses. To do this we need to ensure we are an attractive place to locate − access to fast and reliable broadband could be the factor which swings a company's decision.
What services are available?
The type of broadband service available to you will differ depending on where you live.
There are four major types of broadband available:
ADSL via telephone lines
cable broadband
3G and 3G plus broadband
satellite broadband.
Which services are available to me?
Checking which services are available for your address can be done online by entering your telephone number or postcode.
ADSL via BT
ADSL broadband is the most common form of broadband. It is available to 95 per cent of UK households through existing phone lines and is provided by a range of companies. Download speeds typically range from two megabits per second (mbps) to 24 mbps. You can find out whether it is available in your area using the ADSL checker from BT (opens in a new window).
BT Infinity
BT Infinity is BT's new superfast broadband service. It is being implemented at some UK exchanges and promises download speeds of up to 40 mbps. You can find out about BT Infinity on their website.
Cable broadband from Virgin Media
Virgin Media provide both cable broadband and services via ADSL phone lines. People living in cable served areas can enter their telephone number to check their predicted speed. Find out more on the Virgin Media website (opens in a new window).
3G broadband from mobile phone network
Mobile phone internet coverage varies widely and can be affected by the type of property you are in. Coverage checkers should not be used as a definitive guide. Find out more from the OfCom website (opens in a new window).
Wireless delivery via radio masts
Wireless delivery via radio masts is one way of reaching remote communities which might otherwise struggle to get high speed broadband internet connections.
An example of this is W3Z which is provided by Ripley-based Zycomm Electronics Ltd to homes and businesses in Derbyshire.