Guide to Student Broadband - Part 2 of 3

There are many factors to take into account when choosing a student broadband package that’s right for you. This section will outline all of the aspects you should think about.

What should you consider when searching for student broadband?

1. Long or short term contracts – The vast majority of broadband contracts have 12 or 18 month contracts. However, if you’re moving to a student house then chances are you won’t be there for a full year so you might want to consider short term contracts that last for just one or three months at a time.

However, there is more to factor into the equation. Short term contracts do tend to be more expensive and often come with an activation fee. They are also less likely to include freebies as you are unlikely to be rewarded for offering such a short-term commitment.

So once again it’s vital to think about what you want from a contract, how long you’ll be in residence and whether you really need the additional incentives longer contracts may offer.

2. Cable, ADSL or alternatives – There are pros and cons to both cable and ADSL, which are examined in our cable or ADSL guide . In short, ADSL is more widely available and is generally considered more reliable but cable can potentially gain faster speeds and has the advantage that it does not come with a landline which is a huge money saver – activating a BT landline can cost as much as £140. However, there are alternatives now available in the form of USB modems. For example, 3 Mobile made a USB modem available as part of its packages in 2007 – you simply plug the modem into any laptop or PC and you’re ready to go. This offers real flexibility and is ideal for students as there is no line rental, no wires and no hidden fees.

3. Broadband only or a broadband bundle – Broadband on its own is obviously cheaper, but if you’re going to be paying for a TV, home phone or mobile phone anyway then why not consider bundling these services? It can make life simpler as you have one monthly bill to pay, and it is often cheaper to get several services through one provider. However, on the downside you could be paying for services you don’t need and you will have to pay line rental unless you’re with Virgin Media.

4. Bonus incentives/freebies – As mentioned above, the majority of incentives are only available on lengthy contracts. However, they could be huge money savers. For example, in 2007 AOL offered a free laptop to customers who signed up for 24 months – though it did require a credit check. Other common incentives include free modems and wireless routers. The key is not be swayed by freebies unless they are something you really need.