Broadband is the generic term used for high bandwidth, 'always on' Internet connections. It covers a multiple of technologies, most commonly ADSL, SDSL or DSL, plus 3G and other wireless technologies. Not that long ago, connection to the Internet was via slow dialup modems. Charges were incurred based on the length of time you were connected. Now broadband is charged at a much more convenient flat rate monthly fee - although some services make a further charge dependant on the bandwidth used (amount of data uploaded or downloaded).