Broadband factsheet for landlords

What is broadband?

Broadband is a fast, always on Internet connection. It doesn't tie up your phone line, and there are no charges for the amount of time spent connected. It provides access to facilities like video and phone calls over the Internet.

How much does it cost?

A domestic broadband connection typically costs £15 - £25 a month, depending on speed and other features. There may also be an installation charge, or an additional charge if you cancel within a minimum term.

Should landlords provide broadband ready in a property or let students sort it out?

In most cases students move into a property without broadband and install it themselves. However there are several advantages to the landlord doing it for them in advance:

• A property with broadband pre-installed and charged for within the rent is attractive for the student market place. Many students will not be in residence over the summer vacation. In September/October when they return it could take several weeks to install. Pre-installation by the landlord avoids all these hassles as it is available from day one.
• Almost every student household will want broadband. Many have used broadband before coming to the University. Almost all of them will have used a broadband connection in their first year living in University-owned accommodation.
• It is potentially cheaper for a landlord to install permanently, rather than have it installed and removed each year by each group of residents, attracting fresh installation charges.

Why is it important for the University?

The University increasingly delivers educational and research material online, such as lecture notes and electronic journals. We have simple and easy broadband provision for our first year students in University accommodation. We want to make sure students in their second and third years do as well.

Can you suggest a provider?

We can't give explicit recommendations and say what the best option is in any particular case. Broadband in the Bristol area is available either from Virgin (formerly Telewest), who provide broadband via their cable network, or from a large number of providers who resell a service provided via BT lines. For a landlord the Virgin service has a significant advantage as it is possible to have broadband from them independent of any phone line. Most providers require a BT phone line pre-installed, which is a problem for landlords as you are unlikely to want to pay the phone bill.

To confuse matters further, Virgin offer services in two ways: via their own cable network (in cabled areas) and via a BT line in other areas. Make sure you know which service you are getting.

For further information we have a guide to choosing a broadband Internet provider <http://www.bristol.ac.uk/it-services/advice/homeusers/broadband/choose.html>

After installing broadband, is there anything else I need to do?

For a student property you need to consider how to provide access in each study/bedroom. See our guide setting up a home network and sharing a broadband connection <http://www.bristol.ac.uk/it-services/advice/homeusers/broadband/homenetwork.html>

You might want help from a firm offering home IT support (see Yellow Pages or our list at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/it-services/advice/homeusers/help/external.html ) or ask one of the more IT literate tenants in the property.

What should I do when refurbishing a property?

When refurbishing consider installing an ethernet network point in each study/bedroom. See the Yellow Pages for a list of local contractors. Ethernet cabling should be installed to the 'Cat 5e' standard. Professionally installed cabling is an asset. It is fast, simple, unobtrusive and without some of the hassles of wireless networking (below).

What's wrong with wireless?

Wireless networking can be used to share a broadband connection around a house. It is initially attractive, as it is simple to buy a wireless router and plug it in. However wireless in inherently unreliable and can cause you a great deal of hassle over the long run.

• When it doesn't work problems can be very difficult to diagnose.
• Wireless won't cope well with old properties with thick walls. It isn't an option in very large properties, as some rooms will be out of range.
• It suffers from dropouts due to interference from neighbouring wireless networks, microwaves, etc.
• If not set up properly it is insecure and allows other people nearby access to the network.

What about telephone and digital TV services?

We suggest these are best left to the individual students. Many students use mobile phones exclusively and will not want a landline with associated hassles dividing up the bill. Digital TV is now available for a one-off cost of around £20 for a Freeview box (assuming a suitable aerial is in place). Let the residents provide this themselves as you would want them to be accountable for the TV licence.

Who can I ask for further advice?

You can telephone the ResNet help desk on (0117) 928 7870. The ResNet help desk primarily provides assistance for students using the ResNet service (Internet access available in University owned accommodation), however they may be able to answer basic questions on home networking and broadband. For more detailed support and troubleshooting consult a local IT contractor such as those advertised in the Yellow Pages.