There is a lot more hype around high speed broadband ever since ADSL 2+ was introduced in the UK by providers like Be There. With many IPTV services and online game consoles hitting the market, the need for fast internet connection has been acutely felt by many users and make ADSL 2+ broadband deals worth hype. But, what is ADSL 2+ actually? Can it provide better quality, better coverage? Is it true that cheap broadband is loosing its ground when big technologies enter the market? What is your stance - cost-effective deals or these higher level packages?

ADSL is the type of broadband that you get via your telephone wire. The splitter in the ADSL allows your broadband access as well as your telephone calls on the same copper line. Although the speed of a broadband connection is many times that of dial-up, the actual speed that you get depends upon the quality of wire, distance from the exchange and the package. Since data transfer in ADSL is asymmetric, downstream speed is usually higher than upload speed. Generally speaking, ADSL can work well for you if you are within 5 kms from the exchange.

Top ADSL 2+ Broadband Packages

These are improved versions of ADSL and can offer higher speeds over long distances. ADSL 2, also known as ITU G.992.3 can offer downstream speed up to 12 Mbps while ADSL 2+ can double this speed and can offer 24 Mbps download speed and up to 1024 Kbps upload speed at theoretical conditions.

However, like ADSL, both ADSL 2 and ADSL 2+ connections will shed speed gradually after certain distance. They are also affected by the factors like line quality, line length and the interruption on the line. It is always a good idea to ask your provider over the actual speeds you are likely to get, before you subscribe to these services.

Many popular internet activities like online gaming and streaming videos like IPTV services require faster download speeds than what normal ADSL can provide. If you are using high bandwidth applications like P2P or IPTV and bandwidth sensitive applications like VoIP and online gaming and if you want to get the best out of these programs, it is time for upgrading your ADSL to ADSL 2 or ADSL 2+.

If you are within one km from the DSLAM (DSL Access Multiplexer) and if your line is perfect with no interruptions whatsoever (no line noise), there are chances that you can get download speed up to 22 Mbps. As the speed degrades after a certain distance, you may get around 15 Mbps when you are 2 kms away from the exchange. If you are farther away from DSLAM or local exchange, the speed may decrease to 5 Mbps or even lower.

Since the existing telephone lines (copper wires) can also be used for ADSL 2 or ADSL 2+, all you need to is an ADSL 2+ enabled modem / router. Often you get it free from your ISP when you sign up for a contract. ADSL 2 is a proven technology in time so it is less susceptible to any service problems.

A few ISPs like Be, UK online and O2 offer ADSL 2+ using their LLU network. You can get your own ADSL 2+ connection, only when you are on LLU lines of any of these providers.

Currently, the ADSL 2+ is mainly available in urban areas while these providers are slowly extending their local looped lines to other areas. Use our broadband checker availability tool to find out whether ADSL 2 service providers are available in your area.

While the UK's largest ISP BT is setting up its 21CN which also includes nationwide ADSL 2+ network next year, LLU operators like Be and UK online have been offering high speed broadband services in many areas across the UK.

The ISP owned by O2 Telefonica is best known for its high speed services. Its packages like Be Unlimited and Be Pro offer up to 24 meg downstream and 2.5 meg upstream speed. Be has been fast unbundling the exchanges to offer its ADSL 2+ services in more areas. Its parent company, O2 recently launched ADSL 2 packages that offer downstream up to 20 meg.

Easynet, the subsidiary of BskyB has unbundled the largest number of exchanges (1,154) by October, 2007. Both UK online and Easynet, the members of Sky Group, offer ADSL 2 packages with speed up to 16 Mbps.

One-tenths of Virgin Media customers are on its ADSL lines. Currently, Virgin offers 24Mb ADSL 2+ broadband after upgrading its lines.

Bulldog, owned by Pipex, also offer ADSL 2+ services with speed up to 16 Mbps or 24 Mbps.

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