Ofcom - An office of communication
December 30, 2008
This company is which is responsible for regulating the UK’s broadcasting, telecommunications and wireless communications. Ofcom is an independent organisation and a well established one. Apart from regulating the above sectors it controls the rules which results in a fair competition spirit between the companies in this industries.
Legal Duties
Based on the legal duties as per the UK Communications Act of 2003, they should ensure certain factors like –
• Availability of wide range of high-quality television and radio programmes with regard to the varied tastes and preferences
• Different organisations offer varied television and radio services. People watching them are safeguarded from harmful and offensive materials. At the same time they protected from unfair radio and television programmes. The radio spectrum is used in the most effective way.
Though this company is an independent organisation it is answerable to the UK parliament. Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are ones who sponsor the company. In addition to that it receives fund in the form of fees from industry for regulating broadcasting and communications networks and grant-in-aid from the Government.
What you have to consider while choosing USB Modem/Dongle for Broadband
December 29, 2008
When you prepare yourself for signing up for a mobile broadband you reach a point were a particular USB dongles need to be chosen. Though providers offer various models of USB dongles the decision should be wise. It may appear different in terms of size and performance.
Difference can be in size, speeds, price and style. As developments are made varied sized units are available, slimmer and compact ones. Speeds are depended upon the time required for downloading and uploading. Here the network cannot offer any variation in speed but the modem. That is the network may offer 4.5Mbps but 7.2Mbps download speed can be offered by the modem which means modem are the future proof. These variations continue in case of price as well as styles.
Modems provided will offer all the requirements but varies in certain details. These simple things can make a whole lot of difference. Do consider the upload and download speed the modem is capable. Low end packages will not offer modem for free which is possible with high and mid end packages. If you are opting for low end packages additional charges for the modem has to be paid.
Various types of broadband
December 28, 2008
ADSL otherwise Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
This type is essentially one which results in rapid data transmission through telephone lines unlike that of a modem. This one is a kind of a digital subscriber line which uses the frequencies which are higher than normal human hearing. This is not the case with other voice telephone calls. Since these signals cannot travel longer distance ADSL is best suited and applicable within the distance of 5 km.
A single telephone line is required for this purpose and it can be utilised for ADSL as well as voice calls simultaneously. It is considered that in the UK alone about 80% of people has access to ADSL. What makes this one so popular? Its advantages for sure have a positive impact on the people. Easy installation, access to 80% UK population and access to internet and telephone at the same time are the lighter side of this package.
Cable
Cable broadband internet connection is best suited if you are residing in a cable access area or a subscriber of cable TV. All you will require is a modem which is supplied by the cable companies. Even this type has many advantages like the above which include easy installation, access to both Internet and telephone simultaneously, faster connectivity, available with TV and phone packages. However, one factor that lies in the way of accessing this is the availability of a cable operator. Thus it is ideal for those living in larger cities and towns.
Satellite
However, for the user residing in remote areas then the satellite broadband connection will be ideal. As it is people in this area cannot access other forms of broadband internet and this one seems to be appealing. For attaining this connection a special satellite dish needs to be installed. The only advantage of this system is that it is available throughout the city. The cost factor plays a crucial role and thus people with lower income cannot afford this kind of broadband. Procurement of a satellite dish itself requires a huge fund. Dial up service can be used if one way connection is opted for where the data can only be received. In setting up a satellite dish you can send as well as receive data.
About CI-Net Broadband Provider
December 27, 2008
CI-Net breathed life in 1996 as Oxford Community Internet and it was focussed on ISPs. This small yet successful company has now diversified into being a major player in the IP services and fully managed Wide Area Networks. It at present boasts of B2B ISP to managed, secure and resilient networks with excellent performance through the years.
They look forward to each business separately and provide management and deployment of IP infrastructure according to the requirements of individual needs. Their track records speak for themselves and customers have solidified their reference with new technologies being made use in their IP implementations. Customer service regards high among their offerings and also includes managed service.
The design and implementation are allocated to a lead consultant with the same person being referred to future maintenance or upgrades. Along with the consultant they also allocate a Technical Account Manager. This is based on the CI-Net’s Customer Support Centre which has long years of experience in customer relations and acts as an immediate escalation point if needed.
This enables CI-Net to act close to being members of the customers IT department. This allows the team to focus its internal IT resource on system that are specific to the business while the customers do not need to recruit IT skilled professionals to manage their infrastructure.
Simple information on the code that needs to be practiced by the broadband providers
December 26, 2008
Today, there are a huge number of consumers that are misled by the broadband providers regarding the possible speeds through their service. In order to address these concerns, the Ofcom, which is the industry watchdog, drew up a code of practice that needs to be followed by the broadband providers. This Ofcom is expected to publish their research indicating that almost one fourth of the customers of broadband are not provided with the expected speeds during the time of their sign up with the particular broadband provider.
As of now, all the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have accepted the code. In order to implement the same, at the time of sale itself, they have to specify the accurate connection speed that can be expected by their customers. With the same, almost ninety five percent of the broadband customers in the UK will be secured under the drawn up code, as a result of large number of ISPs being signed up. According to Ed Richards, who is the CEO of Ofcom, this means that the majority of the broadband customers, when they receive advice regarding the speeds of broadband, should be well confident about the same.
The code has certain specific requirements that the providers need to fulfil, at the time of sign up. The major requirement is that these providers give their customers, a clear and correct estimate of the speed supported by the customers’ lines up to a maximum. Next is that, they must give proper explanations about the usage policies. Again, for enhancing connection speeds, advice should be offered regarding the technical improvements to be made in home. In addition, if the customer doesn’t get the specified speeds, an alternative package needs to be offered.
If ISP’s do not comply with the code, then it is been said by Ofcom that formal regulation would be considered by them for sure.
