The future for broadband in the UK is ADSL2+. Using the existing copper lines that supply your current broadband service, ADSL2+ promises to deliver greater performance.

It has a theoretical top speed of 24Mbits/sec, but 18Mbits/sec is more realistic. However, ADSL2+ speeds rapidly deteriorate the further you are from the exchange. Studies suggest that if this distance is more than 3km, your best option is to stick with your standard ADSL connection. Broadband hardware also needs to be ADSL2+ compliant. Although most new devices are compatible, a lot of older hardware will need upgrading.

There is no date for the first public launch of an ADSL2+ service, but Easynet, which supplies UK Online with its 8Mbits/sec service, expects to be rolling out an ADSL2+ service in the second half of this year. Aside from ADSL2+, BT is testing an 8Mbits/sec broadband service.

With speeds increasing to levels far higher than we enjoy today, usage limits imposed by more and more ISPs will become an even more contentious issue. The last thing you want is to have a lightning-fast connection that you are to afraid to use because it will cost too much.