The costs involved vary depending on the facilities required. Services for home users range from about €10.00 to €50.00 per month, depending on the options chosen; business packages start at around €45.00 per month and increase depending on speed and services required.
Right now, many of the service providers have special introductory offers available to home users, and some to business users. These provide a low-cost way to try broadband without too much commitment to see if it meets your requirements and expectations. Only a small percentage of people give it back.
Several providers now offer a combination of phone, Internet and/or television services at cost-saving prices.
If you are a business user you should consider your needs carefully. Connection speeds, number of PCs to connect, facilities, technical support, and service level agreements all have to be considered.
At one end of the scale a basic package will suit a small business with only one PC accessing the Internet once or twice a day. Typical uses include checking email, monitoring software updates and visiting a few websites for online banking, market research or to catch up on trade news.
At the other extreme, a large corporation with hundreds of staff will have sophisticated telecommunications requirements and will be in a position to invite service providers to tender for their business.
