Choosing a broadband service

Online Activity

Light User

Medium User

Heavy User

General Internet browsing

Less than 10 hours per week

10–30 hours per week

More than 30 hours per week

E-mail (no attachments)

Less than 50 emails per week

50–200 emails per week with attachments (e.g. photos)

More than 200 emails per week with large attachments (e.g. video clips, music)

Downloading music (MP3 files)

Less than 5 tracks per week

5–20 tracks per week

More than 20 tracks per week

Downloading large files (video, data, software)

None

Some

Many

Talking to someone on another computer (including using VOIP services such as Skype or those included by a broadband provider)

None

5–20 hours per week with a Webcam

20 or more hours with a Webcam

What To Look For In A Service Plan

Light User

Medium User

Heavy User

Speed

256/64 kbps and up
You may also consider a dial-up service to be appropriate

512/128 kbps and up

1500/256 kbps and up

Data (usage)

0.2–3 GB

3–15GB

15GB and up

Cost

There are a number of services available on the Internet that allow you to compare prices and packages from different Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Broadband Choice, provides details on more than 250 ISPs that offer broadband services in Australia.

Remember to look at all costs involved in getting a connection (e.g. installation and setup fees). Cost will also depend on the duration of a contract. A long term contract may offer lower monthly payments but may prevent you from accessing cheaper and faster services that may come along.