Elements That Define a High-Speed Broadband Service

Reliability

A high-speed service that incorporates faster gigabit services must offer reliable connectivity at all times. An interruption in service can mean the loss of access for subscribers and their inability to conduct business or communicate through online applications and services. Several factors affect the performance level of this element:

• The quality of the network infrastructure
• How much bandwidth it has available
• Network congestion
• Congestion on other networks that handle traffic once it reaches the internet service provider’s (ISP’s)network

Security

A high-speed service must include security measures to protect subscribers, devices, and data. There are several ways that an ISP can do this:

• Using firewalls to prevent unauthorized access or modifications of traffic content
• Enabling encryption methods for connection between the subscriber and the Internet
• Making certain that regularly updated software is installed on all devices used for connectivity on the home network
• Protecting private information on mobile devices by using passwords or PINs (personal identification numbers). This also applies when using Wi-Fi networks available in public places like cafés. It is important to keep one’s device protected at all times; even hackers find it easy to exploit open Wi-Fi networks.

Capacity

A high-speed broadband service must match the needs of its subscribers and their families and household members, who may all be connected at any one time to multiple devices. Here are several reasons why;

• A high capacity is important for homes with many Internet-connected appliances. Each device consumes some bandwidth, which adds up as more devices are added.
• Having a capacity that can handle an increase in usage as new applications requiring higher speeds become available is key.
• The idea that demand drives supply applies here: providers can upgrade their infrastructure if they know there is a real need among subscribers.

Quality of Service (QoS)

This element concerns optimizing the performance of a service to ensure a good user experience. This can be achieved through:

• Intelligent network management that allocates available bandwidth in the most efficient way.
• Ensuring that congestion bottlenecks are avoided when they occur and that traffic is rerouted if needed

Price

A high-speed broadband service price should reflect all the elements described previously. In other words, it must be competitive enough to attract new subscribers while being affordable for existing ones. The wholesale price paid by ISPs from network operators must continue to reduce so everyone benefits from lower costs—ISPs must pass these savings onto their customers in terms of attractive prices.

Availability

This element refers to the coverage provided by an ISP. While there are variations in broadband service quality between urban and rural areas, that shouldn’t be an obstacle to subscribing or enjoying high-speed connectivity. The availability of wireless technology is one-way providers can offer services where it’s unfeasible to create wired infrastructure (e.g., backcountry).

A high-speed broadband service must have all these elements to be considered truly high-speed. While not all of these are required for basic broadband service, they are necessary for a truly high-speed experience. If you’re looking for the best possible broadband service, be sure to ask your provider about these features.