Put simply, broadband is fast internet. A basic broadband connection should be at least six times faster than dial-up. Some broadband services are well over 100 times faster.

Most broadband connections are provided through a home phone line, but there are other options such as satellite, wireless and cable connections.

Why use it?

Because broadband is faster, you can do more with it. For example, with broadband you can:

• download and watch news clips and other video and radio content
• download music
• have phone or videophone conversations over the internet with other broadband users
• play online games
• easily send and receive large files such as photographs or publications
• surf the web much faster than you can on a dial-up connection.

Also, with broadband you're always connected - you don't have to dial in every time you want to receive emails or surf the net. And you can make phone calls while you're on the net.

Making the most of broadband

TV and video
You can watch streamed or downloaded video from websites such as www.tvnz.co.nz , www.tv3.co.nz,  www.bbc.co.uk,  www.youtube.com and  www.cnn.com. Some websites also offer TV programmes for downloading.

Movies are available for online viewing from several sites. You'll need broadband speed of 1Mbps minimum.

Phone calls
Phone calls can be made over a broadband internet connection, eliminating toll charges, using services such as Skype and iTalk. Add a camera and you have video calling.

Education
Broadband allows education providers to supply better online courses. Students can download instructional video and audio, as well as access online libraries, resources and online tutors 24 hours a day. While some courses require practical modules and specialised training equipment, many course components can be taught via the internet. This sort of learning environment reduces staff levels and course costs while providing students with flexibility and geographical independence.

Games
On websites such as www.gameplanet.co.nz you can compete against other people in online games. PC, Playstation, Xbox and Nintendo games can all be played online against real opponents. You can also compete online for the World Series of Poker, with a winning prize of over $US7.5 million.

Music
Online music stores are rapidly changing the way people buy and listen to music. It's easy to download music on to a computer, mobile phone or digital music player. Legal download sites available in New Zealand include iTunes, Amplifier, and Digirama .

How much data do I use?

Some ballpark figures for typical internet use.

 Conversions:

• 1B (byte) = 8 bits
• 1KB (kilobyte) = 1024B (bytes)
• 1MB (megabyte) = 1024KB (kilobytes)
• 1GB (gigabyte) = 1024MB (megabytes)
• 1TB (terabyte) = 1024GB (gigabytes)