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Broadband speeds differ a tremendous amount throughout the UK, but if you're "out in the country", it's a fair bet that the speeds you're experiencing are far from what you would like.

A study published by the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has revealed that a mere 4.3% of customers is rural areas get a download speed of over 4Mbps, compared to 30% of customers in towns and cities. The report also uncovered some other disappointing figures, with regards to rural access to ATM's, banks and Post Offices. As around a fifth of the UK's population live outside of towns an cities, its surprising that less than 10% of the UK's ATM's can be found in such location's.

According to the report, many rural residences have to travel just over a mile before they will reach a Post office, and around 2.5 miles for an ATM, bank or building society!

Even though broadband speeds are fairly disappointing for people "out in the sticks", it's not a matter that isn't being addressed. The findings of the report have urged the private sector to better cooperate and understand the needs of the rural residence. One example of this is plans put forward by the British Bankers' Association to make available more ATM's and so-called 'mobile banks' in rural areas over the coming years.

It's worth noting though, that currently 15.7 million Britons are making use of their banks online services. Therefore, even if your broadband connection is poor, there should be no reason you too can't benefit from such services.

Liam is a UK author, currently focusing on broadband. Compare cheap broadband online today.

During this article, I will attempt to answer some FAQ's that many people ask about wireless broadband;

Why should I be interested in wireless broadband?

If you only use one computer and the computer is right next to a phone socket then you don't need to be interested but for everyone else wireless broadband is extremely important. A typical household has more than one computer, maybe a laptop or 2 and the only way each one can receive the internet is by having wireless broadband.

Is it secure?

When you set up your cheap broadband service, you will be asked to set up a password for your network. Once this is set up then nobody can access your network without the network key. There are two types of security, WiFi Protected Access (WPA) and Wired Equipment Privacy (WEP), WPA is the one most people are recommended to have as it adds another level of protection to your computer.

Do I need any special equipment?

A wireless ADSL modem router will be needed; this is the device that fits into the phone line. Some providers will issue them as standard but always check because you may have to buy your own. To be able to connect to the wireless you will need a network card for each computer/laptop needing to be connected. Network cards are relatively cheap to buy and easy to get hold of.

What are the disadvantages?

The main one is that all modems have a range and if your computer/laptop is out of that range, it won't pick up any signal and you will lose connection to the internet. Some modems have different speeds, the best way to see what you are entitled to is to take the broadband speed test which will tell you what speed you can expect for your postcode.

The broadband speed test gives you an indication of how fast your broadband service is likely to be. Shop online for the best deals on cheap broadband and start experiencing a faster and higher quality internet.