Website of the UK government

Internet access at local libraries

Some local libraries now have computers with internet access, which you can book for half hour and hourly sessions. Contact your local council for more information about this service. They can provide you with details of libraries in your area where you can use the internet for free.

• Find your local council

Looking to help someone get started online?

Many people are still missing out on the benefits of the internet – because they lack the know-how or the confidence, or simply because they don't have access to a computer or an internet connection.

If you have a friend or family member who needs support getting started with the internet, follow the link below for information on how UK online centres can help.

• Helping someone get started online

Internet Service Providers

If you would like to get access to the internet at home, you'll need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and a modem to connect to the ISP. ISPs often provide a device called a router to let you share an internet connection over a local area network, which means more than one computer in your house can use the broadband connection at the same time. The devices are connected with cables and a hub or switch.

A good place to start looking for an ISP is the Internet Service Provider Association (ISPA). Although this is a voluntary body it's recognised by government for its knowledge and expertise. All ISPs listed on the ISPA site have agreed to certain rules and standards set by the ISPA. This means you can be confident an ISP listed by ISPA has good business practice.

Similarly, you might find it helpful to get recommendations from friends who have an ISP as there is no better substitute for getting a recommendation from someone you trust. If you are going to look for the ISP on your own try to get as much information as you can about what they offer.

• Internet Service Providers Association Opens new window

Tips on choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Checking your equipment

Make sure you have the right computer and software to work with any chosen ISP as some ISPs require specific browsers and some services don't work with a Mac. Also, to get some connection speeds you'll need a specific modem.

What the ISP offers you

Find out what your ISP offers and decide what you actually need. Consider how long you expect to be online, the size of the files you will be transferring and when you are most likely to be online. It is not recommended to select an ISP by price alone

Metered access

'Metered' access gives you access to the internet for on a pay as you go basis and might also include a monthly fee. Generally metered internet access is at local call rates and you may get some free hours each month.

Subscription access

Connecting to the internet during the day can be more expensive than at evenings and weekends so consider an 'unmetered' tariff if you will be going online a lot in the daytime. Monthly subscriptions for 'unmetered' tariffs also mean you don't need to worry about telephone bills for the time you are online.

Broadband

If you want to use the phone whilst you are online, you can choose a broadband connection or get a second line installed specifically for internet access.  A broadband connection lets you be online all day, get instant emails, surf the internet much faster, exchange large files and can provide a connection for several computers.

• Different types of broadband

Building your own website

If you are thinking of building your own website, choose an ISP that offers hosting space as part of the package.

Technical support

Find out what technical support is available and how much the ISP charges for this service. Ask what the ISP does to prevent or manage system failures.

More useful links

• More information from the Internet Service Providers' Association on choosing an ISP Opens new window
• Home Office: Internet Crime - Prevention Advice Opens new window
• Office of Communications (Ofcom) Opens new window