What is Broadband?

Broadband is Internet access at high speed. It comes in two basic flavours, Cable through Optus or Foxtel and ADSL through your telephone line.

What is ADSL?

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line means that both telephone and internet connection can occur simultaneously - you can have telephone calls while you browse the internet or read your mail on the one phone line.

How fast is ADSL compared with Dialup?

Dialup is around 50kbps while ADSL is upwards of 256kbps - 5 to 50 times as fast. With dialup, every time you connect to the internet for browsing or Email you make a phone call, say 15 cents, and your telephone is engaged while you stay connected. With ADSL you are always connected to the internet and your phone line is always available for phone calls, and you never need to make a phone call to connect to the internet.

Dialup and ADSL costs

Dialup costs a subscription fee which ranges from $7.00 to $30.00 per month, plus a telephone call every time you connect or re-connect. An average view is 40 calls a month @ 15cents = $6.00 + subscription of $15.00 gives $21.00

To compare ADSL service providers you could try http://www.broadbandguide.com.au/

ADSL costs a subscription fee of $10.00 to $30.00 per month with no phone calls required. Telstra offers an excellent but expensive service but with various blandishments if you have a phone and ADSL account with them. They require a 24 month contract and there may be some once off setup charges.

You do the sums. On the above basis, it's a no-brainer.