Broadband Internet Connection

The term broadband internet connection refers to an internet connection with a high data transfer rate. However, there is no clear definition how high the speed of the connection must be to be considered a broadband internet connection. In addition, technological advances in communication technologies and the resulting constant increases in bandwidth continue to shift the margin upward. A broadband internet connection should typically have download speeds of several megabit per second. The upload bandwidth is usually significantly slower. Certain professional and more and more private internet applications can only be used with a broadband internet connection with a high bandwidth. These include applications such as teleworking, VoIP telephony, video conferences, transferring large files, streaming videos, online TV, managing pictures on cloud storage and some online games.

Connection options for a broadband internet connection

The narrow band internet connection category includes dial-up connections via an analogue telephone line or an ISDN connection. The most common broadband technology used in Germany, for instance, is DSL. It uses the existing two-wire copper telephone lines and makes these available for high bandwidths. Other technologies based on fixed line connections are internet connections via cable TV or via optical connections such as fibre optics. In addition to these technologies, a broadband internet connection can also be implemented on a wireless basis. These use mobile networks, satellites or other wireless technologies such as WLAN and WiMAX.

Broadband availability as a key location factor

A broadband internet connection is a key location factor for both private users and companies. Politicians therefore strive for a widespread availability of broadband internet. After all, providing a high speed internet connection is especially difficult in rural areas, requiring major investments from internet suppliers. The government therefore supports the expansion in underserved areas with public funds. Wireless technologies such as LTE are often used in these areas as they do not require costly running of cables.

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