Broadband

A download limit is also sometimes called 'capping'. A broadband download limit imposes a restriction on how long you can spend online, and how much information you can download or upload over a given amount of time.

As part of our ongoing commitment to provide reliable and high-quality broadband services, we have decided to introduce a Fair Use policy. This enables us to manage the network better and ensure we can continue to deliver the best possible service to our entire subscriber base.

A Fair Use policy means, for example, that we may introduce some form of network management if we feel that specific individuals are abusing their broadband usage beyond a level that would be considered reasonable. For example, using AOL Broadband 24 hours a day, every day, to continuously download large files is not a reasonable use for a residential service.

As another example, we might also manage the AOL Broadband service at peak times to ensure everyone is getting a stable, reliable connection across the whole network. We believe that this policy will help us continue to deliver a high-quality broadband experience and that the vast majority of our broadband subscribers will benefit from the existence of a Fair Use policy.

As part of our ongoing commitment to provide reliable and high-quality broadband services, AOL Broadband has a Fair Use policy on its internet services in the UK. This enables us to manage the network better and ensure we can continue to deliver the best possible service at all times to all our subscribers.

A Fair Use policy means that we may introduce some form of network management against specific individuals if we feel that they are abusing their broadband usage beyond a level that would be considered reasonable. For example, using AOL Broadband 24 hours a day, every day, to continuously download large files is not a reasonable use for a residential service.

As another example, we might also manage the AOL Broadband service at peak times to ensure everyone is getting a stable, reliable connection across the whole network.

With the increase in broadband usage and the increasing range of bandwidth intensive applications in use, it is necessary to include a Fair Use policy on the internet access service so we can ensure the network is protected and optimised for all AOL Broadband users.

A small handful of broadband users make excessive use of bandwidth intensive services such as Peer to Peer (P2P), harming the experience for others. The Fair Use policy helps us balance out the service for everyone.

We do not publish specific trigger levels. The threshold may vary but it is high and will only be triggered when a subscriber is judged to have made extreme use of the network. Only a very small percentage of subscribers reach this level of usage.

We suggest you download large files outside of peak hours and do not make excessive use of peer-to-peer services. Also, when you do use peer to peer or other file sharing systems, please remember that the unauthorised sharing copyright digital files is illegal and can result in account termination.

We will review the list of those who have triggered the Fair Use policy on a regular basis and remove from the list those that no longer exceed the threshold of what is deemed fair usage.

At present, the minority of subscribers that exceed the Fair Use policy will have speed limits placed on their connection during peak times. This enables us to ensure that all our subscribers get the best possible service during busier times. Peak times vary but are currently Sunday to Thursday evenings. If you continue to exceed the the cap, we reserve the right to terminate your AOL Broadband subscription.

Only those who download extremely high volumes of data are likely to trigger the Fair Use policy. If you do not make regular use of peer to peer services for example, you are unlikely to trigger the Fair Use policy. At the moment, you will know if you have exceeded the Fair Use policy as your download speeds will be temporarily restricted during peak hours. We are not able to guarantee that we will provide prior notice anyone who is speed limited as a result of unfair use of the network. However, the AOL Broadband terms of service do reserve the right to take this type of action in order to protect our networks. Also, the speed restriction is a temporary measure and each month we review the accounts that have been speed limited during peak hours.

An excessive online behaviour, not representative of a normal residential use, could be for example downloading over 12,000 music tracks, or 30,000 high-quality digital photos, or around 60 movies per month. This is a very large amount by any normal standard of usage.

All three terms refer to the speed of your internet connection, with bandwidth being measured in Kbps or Mbps.

• Bandwidth - the capacity of your internet connection to send and receive data. Imagine your internet connection is a pipe - the bigger the pipe (or bandwidth) - the faster the information will flow.
• Kbps - stands for Kilobits per second. Kbps is used to measure bandwidth, the higher the number, the faster the information is sent or received.
• Mbps - stands for Megabits per second. Mbps is also used to measure bandwidth, with 1 Megabit (MB) equivalent to 1000 Kbps.

When you have broadband, your access to the internet is much less restricted than with dial-up, which means you may be more vulnerable to attacks from computer hackers and viruses.

Whether you have AOL Broadband or not, you may find it useful to read our security tips for more information about staying safe online. You can 'lock down' your internet connection using Internet Access Controls, which work alongside the Parental Controls provided within the AOL service. Internet Access Controls give you an added layer of security to help prevent children from using external browsers or other internet access programs, such as file-sharing software, which can lead to inappropriate content being seen.

No, you'll still be able to use your phone while you're online with no need to install a separate phone line or change your phone number.

You must have a BT phone line. Broadband access is also subject to local availability and capacity levels and line survey. To check if broadband is available where you live, please use our availability checker.

For Windows users:

• At least 512MB on Windows Vista or 64MB on Windows XP
  RAM: On your Windows desktop, right-click My Computer and click Properties. The System Properties window will appear. Under the General tab, the very last line should list your amount of RAM in kilobytes (KB). One thousand kilobytes equals one megabyte (MB) - so, for example 512,000 KB equals 512MB of RAM.
• Windows XP or Vista
  Windows version: On your Windows desktop, right-click My Computer and click Properties. The System Properties window will appear. Under the General tab, the very first line should list your version of Windows, for example Windows XP or Windows Vista.
• An Ethernet port (LAN)
  You will require an Ethernet port to connect your AOL Broadband modem or wireless router to your computer. An ethernet port is a small rectangular connector and can be found on the back of most recent computers and laptops. It can sometimes also be referred to as LAN (Local Area Network) and NIC (Network Interface Card).
• Hard Disk Space Windows users: 175MB

For Apple Mac users:

• Apple Mac OSX 10.3+
  Apple Mac version: On your Apple Mac, click on the Apple icon in the top left corner. On the drop down select About this Mac.
• An Ethernet port (LAN)
  You will require an Ethernet port to connect your AOL Broadband supported wireless router to your computer. (Please note that Apple Mac users must use a AOL Broadband supported router in order to have support.) An ethernet port is a small rectangular connector and can be found on the back of most recent computers and laptops. It can sometimes also be referred to as LAN (Local Area Network) and NIC (Network Interface Card).
• Hard Disk Space
  Apple Mac users: 175MB

With AOL Broadband you use  your BT phone line so you don't need any permission as long as the phone line is in your name.

You will be able to set up AOL Broadband yourself using the AOL Broadband in a Box installation and router package we will send you.

Once you have ordered online or by phone, it's very straightforward.  You'll be able to set up your connection using the AOL Broadband in a Box installation and router package we will send you as soon as your order is processed.

You'll be able to set up your connection using our Easy-Install router package. This contains a wireless modem router, three filters, a CD that contains your software, all the cables that you need, AOL 9.0 VR software and our easy step-by-step guide on how to install. You will also be sent a Network User ID and password in a separate letter. You will need these details to set up your connection.

How to set up a home network using your wireless router.

The Network User ID and password is the unique identifier that connects you to our network. This is usually your telephone number, followed by a unique number.

Your AOL screen name is the identifier of your AOL Broadband account. It forms the first part of your email address (the second part being @aol.com) and it is used to identify you as the account holder. You will be prompted for it when setting up new services on your account, using AOL UK services or checking your bill. Even though you can set up additional screen names on your AOL Broadband account, it is the original screen name that you need to keep - this cannot be deleted. Back to top

That's fine - with AOL Broadband, you get a 'cooling off period'. Here's how it works: Starting from the day after your order for AOL Broadband has been accepted, you have the right to cancel it for up to seven working days. (A working day is any day except Saturday, Sunday or a UK holiday). To cancel your order, please call us on 0844 499 5555* or email us at canceluk@aol.com.

You can also change your mind when your AOL Broadband in a box package arrives. This second 'cooling off period' runs from the working day after the day on which you receive your installation package.

If you cancel AOL Broadband during either of these 'cooling off periods' then you will not have to make any payments. After you have cancelled, you will not be able to access or use AOL Broadband.

It is important to remember that once the 'cooling off period' has expired, you are committed to the AOL Broadband service for a minimum of 18 months if you order Broadband Wireless and 24 months if you order Broadband Wireless Plus.

If you move house, please contact us on 0844 499 5555* to set up AOL Broadband at your new address. Alternatively, you can contact us by visiting http://help.aol.co.uk

Just call us on 0844 499 5555*. We're here seven days a week. Alternatively, you can contact us by visiting http://help.aol.co.uk

What you need depends on the console and AOL Broadband connection method you choose.

Consoles

• For Xbox Live you will need your Xbox and Xbox Live starter kit, which contains your Starter disk and 12 month subscription.
• For PS2 online gaming, you'll need your PlayStation2 console, a Network Adapter and Network Access Disk (NAD), plus an 8MB memory card. The latest NADs in the shops allow you to select AOL as your ISP making it really easy to get set up.

Connections

• If you choose to connect your console to the internet using a Home Networking solution, you will need a gateway device from the range of AOL supported routers, plus straight Ethernet cables to connect everything up*.
• If you choose to connect your console using Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), you won't need a router, but will need special Ethernet Crossover cable or a hub.
• If you were offered a wireless router when you signed up to AOL Broadband , you will be able to connect your games console directly to the internet via this router. You can't connect your games consoles directly to the internet using an AOL USB modem.

In all cases you'll need a PC with the following:

• A Network Interface Card (NIC), which provides a free Ethernet port
• Windows XP or Vista
• AOL 9.0 or above

Subscription fees apply for Xbox Live and charges may apply for PlayStation 2 online play.

*AOL Parental Controls are unable to restrict web access through external browsers where a computer is linked for network gaming.

We offer our lowest prices to selected areas. These areas are where the telephone network exchange has been Ÿunbundled÷. This means that we provide the whole †phone line and don't have to rely upon BT providing this. These Ÿunbundled÷ areas cover about 60% of the population.