Best broadband for gamers

May 23, 2012 50

If you love your games and enjoy playing online, then you’ll know that nothing is worse than being kicked out of a session or enduring endless freezing, jumping or other interruptions due to a poor connection. If you are looking to switch broadband providers or take out a new contract, then you will need to make sure the service your chosen company is going to provide will be up to scratch. To get the best broadband deals from the right providers, here are five of the most important things to look out for when choosing a package.

Data Limits
If you are going to be gaming online, then the data streaming you will be demanding will quickly get through any less than generous data allowances. Even if you don’t play online that much, consoles such as the Xbox 360 and PS3 frequently receive software updates via broadband and even this can take a hefty chunk out of your ration for the month.

Go with a provider that offers a generous amount of data, but watch out for those companies that claim to offer ‘unlimited’ data, as most of them do actually have a limit, albeit a high one.

Lightning-Fast Speeds
Everyone knows that the faster the download speed, the better. With some companies claiming almost unbelievable download speeds, you would think this issue would no longer be a problem. However, although the download speed is a big factor in a good gaming experience, almost equally as important and often overlooked is the upload speed.

If you are receiving information about someone else’s move in the game, they also need to receive information about yours, so the speed at which your connection is uploading to the web can ultimately be the cause of many lag problems. Check your upload speed using a broadband speed test to find out if it makes the grade.

Reliability
With so much relying on the internet these days, going a day or two with no connection can be a disaster. Aside from your forces getting wiped out in World of Warcraft, the internet is your lifeline to your friends, work and even your banking.

Families watch movies and stream TV through the internet and many people do business on eBay and other such sites. Could you afford to be without your internet connection for a few days? If not, then check the feedback on your chosen company carefully to make sure they offer reliable connections.

Compatibility
Even your Xbox needs its perfect partner, so before you sign any contracts, ask your provider if their router is compatible with the things you intend to connect to it. This may include consoles, storage devices and even TVs, so let them know all the gadgets that you have and make sure they can supply the right type of router for your needs.

Price
Of course, price is an influencing factor in choosing a package. However, all the other factors have to be correct before price can even come into it. If you manage to find providers who tick all the above boxes, then you can start to compare them on price. Make sure you ask what’s included, for example if you need to pay for the router or the connection and don’t be afraid to haggle if you have found a cheaper deal elsewhere.