The meaning of the term "Broadband" is contextual. It refers to the information carrying capacity. If the broadband is wide, it increases the information carrying capacity. In a Radio, a very narrow broadband can carry only the Morse code, a slightly broader band carries speech. Music with all its audio frequencies intact requires a broadband with more width. A TV antenna with normal broadband will carry some channels. A broadband with more capacity will carry more. In data communication, a modem can transmit a bandwidth of 56 kilo bits per second over a telephone line. A bandwidth of several megabits can be handled by ADSL.This is known as Broadband.

Data communications when handled by a fibre optic cable can be described as Broadband. The term is, however used in a technical sense. Sometimes multiple pieces of data are sent simultaneously to increase the effective transmission rate. This is also called as Broadband Internet. In video, the term refers to video files that possess bitrates high enough require the Broadband Internet to view them. Its speed is defined in terms of maximum download. The ADSL technology is also "asymmetric" because it supports slower maximum uploads. The reach of Broadband today, is considered as an economic indicator of an area's connectivity.

The technology employed in many areas is the DSL and cable modems. Broadband has been made easily accessible. Fibre optics has played a crucial role in this by making transmission more cost effective than the traditional copper wire technology. In areas not served by ADSL, local governments have stepped in and installed Wi-Fi networks. WIMAX is the latest technology being deployed for mobile and stationary Broadband access. There are also Multi-Linking Modems which double up the dial-up capacity. Two modems, two telephone lines and two dial-up accounts are needed. ISP support is needed for multi-linking.

ISDN: This is the Integrated Service Digital Network. It is the oldest high-speed method of digital access for consumers and businessmen to connect to the Internet. It was used extensively in the USA before DSC and cable modem technology. Using ISDN terminal adapters, it is possible to bond together two or more separate ISDN-BRI lines to reach speeds of 256kbits/second.Faster and cheaper alternatives are beginning to replace ISDN offerings.

Wired Ethernet: This method of broadband communication to the internet makes access to the later very fast. It would be wrong to imagine that the full 10,000 or 1000 megabits/second can be utilized. This speed would be available at a POP or a data centre, and not to a residence. Ethernet has a low latency. No special software is necessary.

Providing broadband access to farmers and ranchers in rural and far-flung areas is the next challenge. If this can be accomplished, connectivity will improve greatly. Making rural broadband cost effective is only a matter of time.

Satellite Internet: This makes use of a satellite in geo-stationary orbit to relay data from the satellite to the customer. This has proved to be expensive. It has a high latency problem as signals take a longer time to travel. Sun spot activity, inclement weather and travel increase the drop outs.

Cellular Broadband: Cellular phone towers are widespread and can provide broadband access to the internet with the help of a cell-phone, card bus, Express card or the US.

Pricing: At present, internet service providers have a flat rate determined by the maximum bitrate chosen by the customer. This may have to be revised as the demand for bandwidth increases. However, there are Bandwidth Calculators in online broadband provider websites that assists to plan and monitor your bandwidth usage.

Technological advances may circumvent these problems in the future and make broadband more accessible and affordable. Its has become indispensable in the economic activity of a country. Its presence is an important tool to gauge a country's capability to be connected, with it and with others outside. Broadband is not an option, it is the only choice.


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As the iPhone 3G is linked exclusively to O2 Broadband, there are huge advantages to owning one - not least that you'll put yourself in line for arguably the best broadband deals currently available.

Here's three reasons why bagging an iPhone 3G could be the best broadband decision you ever make:

1. Being an O2 mobile customers means you can get REALLY cheap O2 broadband
Owning an iPhone, whether on contract or Pay As You Go, entitles you to a sizeable discount on an O2 Broadband package, in addition to exceptionally fast and unlimited broadband at home and unlimited internet usage.
O2 Broadband's enviable high-speed broadband packages (and we're talking up to 20Mb here!0, when taken with O2 mobile contracts, ensure that you pay at least £60 a year less than you would pay for O2 broadband on its own through another mobile phone provider.

2. O2 broadband has a REALLY good reputation
O2 Broadband is one of the fastest broadband providers in the UK, besides being one of the cheapest, and considering the generous discount on broadband that O2 gives its mobile customers, it is streets ahead of its competitors - really no contest.
O2 Broadband's packages comprise Standard 8Mb, Premium 16Mb and Ultimate 20Mb options and cost O2 mobile customers as little as £7.50, £10, and £15 a month respectively.
These packages really do offer amazingly good value when compared with other current favourites.

3. O2 Broadband offers LOTS of extras
O2 Broadband's packages are all unlimited and also have a more generous fair use policy than most other providers.
This cuts out the possibility of having your connection throttled at the busiest times, and allows you to download music and movies for your iPhone pretty much at will.
Customer service is free and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For a limited time the connection charge is also free.
Believe it or not, there is a free wireless router thrown in with the O2 broadband package and by using the phone's WiFi capabilities you are able to surf the internet on your iPhone, whenever you stumble across a wi-fi zone.
Generously, O2 Broadband comes with a 30 day money back guarantee, should you decide it is not for you. This lets you try it out for a reasonable time without any financial risk at all.

Considering the quality of the connection, we're unsure anyway has ever had to cash in on this!

Conclusion
The O2 Broadband/iPhone 3G combination package, with its bargain prices, shouldn't be missed by anyone who may be at the end of their current contract and is looking for a great broadband deal.

It would also suit anyone who wants to make full use of the unlimited internet usage to surf at home or on the move - as well as having a gorgeous gadget in your pocket!

Shirley Stevens is a freelance technology journalist specialising in the UK broadband market. She has written for sites that allow you to compare broadband deals and specialises in finding the fastest broadband deals.

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