In this day and age, most homes and businesses have a broadband service provider who helps them access the internet and stream content.
However, choosing the right service requires due diligence to avoid poor quality that is not value for money.
Broadband needs
Your needs will dictate the type of service you select
. If you are a light data consumer needing the internet only for administrative purposes such as social media and email, then a light package is right for you. In contrast, a heavy consumer with several connected devices and subscriptions to streaming services needs a large package.
If you use a lot of data, subscribe to an unlimited package that allows you to download without buffering. Heavy internet users often sign for fiber optic packages instead of ADSL because it delivers fast streaming without buffering.
How long you need the service
Most providers have monthly packages for homes and lengthy contracts for enterprises. Typically, most businesses subscribe to dedicated data plans that allow them to create an intranet within the premises. Enterprises also prefer lengthy contracts, unlike homes that often subscribe from month to month.
Special considerations
Some households are heavy data consumers. This situation is common in homes where children may be into streaming movies and pro gaming. Such customers should sign up for a stable broadband package to ensure stable internet without buffering. Also include TV channels in the package if you and your family watch a lot of TV programs. Similarly, businesses ought to choose a bundle that covers calls and data because it will save them the extra cost of paying for calls and messages.
Security
Using communication infrastructure comes with an inherent risk of security breaches. Therefore, it is important to select a provider with a reputation for providing secure networks.
Broadband comparison for TalkTalk versus Sky
Sky and TalkTalk are two of the prominent ISPs in the U.K., catering to different customer segments. Sky Group has grown from a satellite broadcaster to an ISP controlling 24% of the U.K. market. Meanwhile, TalkTalk’s security challenges have seen its market share reduced to 12%.
SkyGroup provides two broadband packages to its customers. The first is ADSL with speeds of 11Mbps and is suitable for homes and small businesses using a few devices. The second package is fiber with average speeds of 59Mbps. TalkTalk has three options on its Fast Broadband offering. The ADSL package comes with speeds of 11Mbps, while fiber has two offerings of 36Mbps and 63Mbps. Both companies offer monthly and 18-month contracts.
TalkTalk’s major selling point is its quality services at pocket-friendly prices while SkyGroup boasts of a strong network and reliable services. All TalkTalk contracts guarantee fixed prices while SkyGroup is prone to inflating charges during the course of a contract.
Further, SkyGroup charges new customers set-up fees while TalkTalk’s services do not come with extra charges. Both ISPs provide packages with security features that protect customers from privacy violations and prevent children from accessing adult content.
SkyGroup is more reliable than Talk Talk when customer complaints are considered. TalkTalk recorded 96 complaints per 100,000 consumers compared to just 7 for SkyGroup. SkyGroup continually improves its service with an annual reduction of 9 complaints per 100,000 compared to 18 for Talktalk. SkyGroup customers record a higher satisfaction rate than TalkTalk customers at 54% compared to 44% for TalkTalk.
SkyGroup broadband essential £20p/m Talk Talk Fast Broadband £17.95 p/m
SkyGroup Broadband superfast £27p/m Faster fibre broadband 21.95p/m
SkyGroup customer satisfaction 54% TalkTalk customer satisfaction 44%
Bottom line
The broadband services you choose for your home or business largely depend on your needs. ADSL suits light users, while fiber fits heavy consumers. Sky wins the Broadband comparison for quality while TalkTalk tops on price.
Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash
