ISP FAQ

What is ADSL?
ADSL, or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line technology is a means of transmitting digital information at high bandwidth down existing copper telephone cable. It is permanently 'switched on', unlike normal dial up access and is asymmetric in that it uses most of the available bandwidth downstream. This makes it particularly suitable for applications where customers expect to receive more data than they transmit such as for Web browsing, use of corporate intranets, and reception of digital audio-visual material. The technology also supports analogue connection on the same line, which enables voice or fax calls to be made simultaneously.

What are the key benefits of ADSL for me?
Firstly, the Speed. ADSL provides high-speed digital access - e.g. potentially 10 to 40 times faster than today's typical modems.
It¡¯s Always On. You will no longer have to waste valuable time obtaining a dial-up connection to your Internet Service Provider or Corporate Intranet
It¡¯s Flexible. It does not affect the normal telephone, so you can make and receive telephone calls or faxes whilst you¡¯re online.

How fast is it?
Typical rates for ADSL are shown in the table below.
Downstream speed Upstream speed
Up to 500 kbit/s Up to 250 kbit/s
Up to 1 mbit/s Up to 250 kbit/s
Up to 2 mbit/s Up to 250 kbit/s
This is between 10 to 40 times faster than today's typical modems.