Accessing the Internet

Broadband technologies

The following technologies can be used to provide broadband services:

Fixed Line (also known as DSL broadband)
Fixed Wireless (wireless connection, no land line required)
Mobile Broadband (on the move broadband, no line required)
Cable (provided via the television network, fibre based)
Satellite (provided via satellite connection, line is required)

How do I know if I can get broadband?

There are various methods\ways of connecting to broadband. If you have a phone line you may be able to avail of fixed line Broadband but not all exchanges have been enabled for broadband. Even if your local exchange is enabled, you may be too far from the exchange to get broadband. There a other methods of getting broadband and it is important to contact all of the suppliers in your area to see what is on offer.

The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is being run by the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources with the support of ComReg.

It aims to provide broadband services to the areas of Ireland that are currently not served by any broadband provider and ensure that every reasonable request for broadband in these unserved areas is met.

For further information go to
http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Communications/Communications+Development/National+Broadband+Scheme

Considerations when choosing provider

There is an increasing number of communication networks and Internet Service Providers to choose from. If you want to improve your internet connection or if you are connecting to the internet for the first time, consider the following points:-

You will need to have an estimate of the volume of data you intend to download/upload over your connection each month, this may have a bearing on the cost.
Consider if you will need technical support and if there is a charge for accessing it.
Consider What additional equipment do you need to use the service, the cost involved and whether the service provider supplies it.
Check the terms and conditions of your new contract; including pricing, minumim contract period and termination clause.
Ensure you are aware of the monthly costs. Variable costs may be dependent on usage or other factors. For example, there may be a download limit, which, if exceeded may mean that an additional charge may apply.
Check the payment terms and what payment options are available.

Information about Fair Usage

A number of telephone and broadband packages being offered are described as ‘unlimited’. In this context the word ‘unlimited’ would normally be taken to mean that a subscriber, having agreed to pay a set price, may make as many calls or spend as much time online as he or she wishes. However, some service contracts qualify the meaning of ‘unlimited’ by stating that it is subject to an ‘acceptable’ or ‘fair’ level of use by the subscriber. This is referred to as a “fair usage policy” in some advertising.

ComReg would like to advise consumers that any provision of a contract which sets usage thresholds, or describes what constitutes ‘fair’ or ‘acceptable’ use, should be clear and unambiguous, particularly where the service is described as being ‘unlimited’.

Usage thresholds or limits should be clearly set out, as should the manner in which they may be updated or amended.

ComReg expects each service provider to implement a clear, transparent and policy for dealing with customer usage above any set thresholds. The policy should set out the rules for contract termination, including penalties, the charges that shall apply for any use above the threshold/limit, and the policy regarding migration of the customer to other packages, if applicable.

ComReg advises consumers to carefully read the terms and conditions of their contracts and to be aware of the particular limits or thresholds that apply before purchasing.

Broadband Speed

Advertising Broadband Speed

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) issued a revised Advice Note to Broadband Providers which sets out new requirements for broadband advertising. The Note came into effect on 7th April 2008.

In relation to availability, advertising must not exaggerate the level of availability and particular care must be taken when using national media to advertise a product that has limited geographic coverage.

In relation to speed, advertising containing a reference to speed, must set out the speed in the busy hour As before, unless a headline speed claim is guaranteed, it must be shown as an ‘up to’ speed.

In drawing up the Advice Note, the ASAI drew on the guidance and advice of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) and the National Consumer Agency (NCA).

For further information please contact the Advertising Standards of Ireland.

Factors affecting Broadband Speed

The technical maximum speed associated with products may not be the typical speeds that you may experience. There are a number of related factors:-

Contention Ratio
The distance from the exchange or Base Station or other geological factors
User Equipment such as Internal wiring, equipment and software, modem, internal cables,software such as anti-spam and anti-virus programmes and the actual configuration of your pc

Security Issues

Modem Hijacking

ComReg has provided details with respect to safeguards against Modem Hijacking:-click here

PABX Hacking

ComReg has provided details with respect to PABX hacking and telephony fraud:- click here

General IT Security Information

For further information the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) has published a website with information regarding IT Security at www.makeitsecure.ie.

How to manage spam

Depending on your service provider, you may be able to avail of a service to filter out SPAM emails ensuring that such emails do not get forwarded to your mailbox.
Make It Secure provides details on personal management of SPAM - click here