For a flat fee of £50 I'm prepared to take you through the options in an easily understandable way, be there to assist you through the process of ordering your service and any other bits and pieces you may need, and finally get everything plugged together, installed and working.  Have a read through these notes, and get in touch if you think I may be able to help you.

Jonathan Penley
25 Feb '04, West Malvern

Introduction

At first glance broadband seems no more than a 'faster dial-up access' which is always on and doesn't disrupt use of the phone line.  However, broadband opens the possibility of sharing your internet access concurrently between more than one computer (either now or in the future) - and increases the importance of securing your computers from access by unwanted visitors.

If you're fortunate, installing broadband should not be hugely difficult - provided you have the time and moderate technical know-how.  What is much more difficult is understanding and selecting the most appropriate package for your needs at a good price, while ensuring your provider gives good technical support when you need it.  

The issues you face in choosing and installing the most appropriate broadband service include:

a) How to allow for connection of extra computers / laptops should they be required now or later?
b) How to keep your options open to migrate to an alternative Internet Service Provider at a later date with minimum disruption?
c) How to provide additional security for an always on internet connection?
d) How long will it take to contact technical support and how helpful will they be anyway?
e) Whether to buy or rent the broadband (ADSL) modem?
f) Identifying apparently cheaper deals which actually supply significantly restricted speed,
g) Determining / minimising the number of microfilters needed for the telephone extensions in your home,
h) Determining and sourcing the cable or or wireless options if required for connecting additional computers.

Requirements, Ordering & Installation.

I am offering to guide you through the whole process in a series of three visits (possibly more if there are problems establishing the broadband link) : 

1. Requirements
Run over your requirements, and help you choose the most appropriate combinations of products and services to meet your needs - leaving you to reflect on your options.

2. Ordering
Assist you to order an appropriate broadband service, broadband modem, router, firewall, plugsplitter(s), Local Area Network, cables, and network interface(s) as required.  Typically I would speed you through the on-line forms to request your services and order the bits and pieces you need.  You may also choose to register a domain name and/or get some network cabling.

3. Installation
Make the installation when your broadband service comes on-line.  This typically involves first plugging all the pieces together (possibly with additional cabling), then setting Local Area Network, router and Domain Name Server addresses, configuring your firewall and your e-mail settings. The installation is considered complete when you can surf the internet and send / receive e-mail using a POP e-mail account.

Prices

How much does all this cost?...

Here is a breakdown of the cost for a self-install broadband service including cost of an ADSL modem (full 256 kbps upstream / 512 kbps downstream at 50:1 contention) using a well commended Internet Service Provider and modem supplier:

(a) the ADSL modem (one-off cost) depends on what interfaces you have installed in your computer, and whether you want to be able to connect more than one computer:
   (i) modem for single computer: £38,
   (ii) modem for single computer with option to connect more later: £60
   (iii) modem plus switch allowing concurrent connection of upto 4 computers to the internet / together: £76

(b) the initial broadband connection setup fee: £59 (one-off cost).

(c) thereafter (for unlimited traffic):
   (i) £19 per month - ok for most users (some restrictions),
   (ii) £22 per month - no restrictions,

This is for full 256 kbps upstream / 512 kbps downstream at 50:1 contention.
All prices include p&p and VAT as applicable.

Totals

Fee - £50

I charge a flat fee of £50 for going through all the stages all of the above.  I get no hidden commission on any of the products or services that I recommend - I simply assist you to order them all yourself - and then assemble them.  The first half is payable on starting Stage 2 (Ordering) and the remainder on completion of Stage 3 (Installation).

Consider the importance of making good choices when setting up your broadband service.  Prices typically vary from under £15 per month to over £30 per month - which itself corresponds to a variation of £180 per year.  You could end up paying extra for several years if you follow the well proven wisdom of "if it works - don't fix it" !!  (It soon adds up: £1 per month extra obviously corresponds to £12 more per year).

Possible Extras

Depending on your precise requirements there may be a few small extras:

1) Network card - relatively new computers will almost certainly have a network port as standard.  Older computers may not have one, and this is required for multi computer operation.  Typical mail order cost of the card: £8 inclusive. I am not offering to install this - but can suggest local folks who will be prepared to install it for you (unless you're prepared to do it yourself).

2) Network cabling - the multi computer option may require long runs of cabling or a wireless network to connect the modem and the computers.  I have bulk cabling (Cat5e), plugs (RJ45) and a crimping tool for this.  I can also assist with selection of a wireless network if that is more appropriate to your needs.

3) Domain registration - you may decide that you want to register your own domain as part of your strategy to facilitate switching Internet Service Provider should another provider offer better services in the future.  Domains (.uk) can be registered at a cost of £10 for 2 years (£5 per year).