Friday 8 August 2008

Broadband Speed Test

Use the Broadband Speed Test from Compare Broadband UK: "Broadband download speed:
This is the broadband speed your connection can download information from the internet, this is important for downloading music, video, email attachments and other files.

Broadband upload speed test:
This is the broadband speed that your connection sends information back to the internet and is important for online gaming and internet phone calls."

FaiFrx Travel Card

Fee Summary: "SUMMARY BOX

The information contained in this table summarises key product features and is not intended to replace any terms and conditions

On Application

Card Issue Fee

* £9.95, includes purchase and activation

Limits

* Minimum load amount £10.00
* Maximum card balance £5,000.00

Usage restrictions

* For full details please refer to the Terms and Conditions

Ongoing Features

Transaction Fees

* FREE for purchase transactions made in the UK and overseas

Cash Withdrawal Fees

* £1/€1.5/$2 per ATM withdrawals in the UK and overseas

Balance Enquiry

* FREE online

Top-up fees and limits

* FREE card load online by Debit or Credit Card or Standing Order
* Maximum single load £2,500.00

Service fees

* FREE monthly management fee
* FREE PIN Re-Issue

Replacement Fee

* £5.99/€9.00/$12.00 per card to replace lost or stolen card

Lost and Stolen Helpline

* Lo-call rate

Customer Services Telephone Enquiries

* 80p per minute*

Administration Fee

* £10.00 per disputed transaction (this may be refunded in certain"

Tesco Travel Money Card

Terms & conditions - Tesco Travel Money Card | Tesco Finance & Insurance: "On Application
Card issue fee

* Free

Second Emergency card fee

* Free

Limits

* Minimum load value: €100.00 / $150.00
* Maximum single load: €1,500.00 / $2,250.00
* Maximum load per day: €3,000.00 / $4,500.00
* Maximum annual load: €7,500.00 / $10,000.00
* Maximum total balance: €3,000.00 / $4,500.00

Usage restrictions

* Loads can be made by the cardholder only.
* For full details, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Ongoing Features
Transaction fees

* Free

Cash withdrawal fees

* €3.00 / $4.00 per ATM withdrawal

Balance enquiry

* Free online
* Free per call to balance enquiry line (+44 20 7217 0027)¹
* Free balance enquiry by SMS²

Top-up fees

* Internet Debit / Credit Card Load - Free
* SMS Debit / Credit Card Load - Free²
* Telephone Debit / Credit Card Load - Free¹

Service fees

* No monthly management fee
* SMS Block/Unblock - Free²"

Prepaid travel card - FairFX

FairFX - How It Works: "FairFX Prepaid MasterCard® currency cards are a revolutionary step forward in how consumers spend money abroad whether for travel, business or even via the internet. The card could save consumers up to 5% on the cost of their holidays and significant reductions in all transactions involving foreign currencies. Individuals will literally be getting business level rates of foreign exchange rather than vastly inferior terms available at airports, bureaux de changes, banks and even other internet sites. Initially available in Euros, US Dollars and Pound Sterling the cards provide the consumer with unbeatable value, convenience and security."

Sunday 3 August 2008

This week's top stories from the UK

This week's top stories from the UK - Times Online: "Bills to rise 35%

Energy British Gas announced on Wednesday that it was raising gas bills by 35%. Centrica, its parent company, said the increase was necessary to restore “reasonable profitability”. The following day the multinational revealed that it makes £5m a day. The decision came a week after EDF Energy announced that it was raising gas prices by 22% and electricity by 17%, with more suppliers expected to follow suit."

Gas and electricity

Fix power bills now to keep the winter wolves from the door | Money | The Observer: "Householders are being urged to fix their future energy bills after British Gas last week announced the biggest energy price rise in recent history.

The energy giant unveiled hikes of 35 per cent for gas, 9 per cent for electricity, and 25 per cent for dual-fuel customers. These last customers will see £263 a year added to their average household bills. Some customers, those who pay by monthly direct debit, will see even greater gas prices rises of 42 per cent."

Where to download films online

Interesting article in the Times: Watch your favourite films on the cheap: "sites that allow you to buy or rent films include Lovefilm.com, anytimesky.com, 4od.com (4 On Demand), Vizumi.com and Wippit.com.

According to Which?, the consumer organisation, there are about 30 companies that offer rental by post and by next year the services are expected to account for two thirds of the DVD rental market.

Many are powered by Lovefilm, the UK's biggest online rental company. Others include Blockbuster, Amazon and My Movie Stream. "

Which is the cheapest broadband deal in the UK??

Deciding on the Best Broadband Deal - When you are looking at the broadband market place you may feel overwhelmed. The market is full to the brim with providers offering multiple packages with different broadband speeds and download allocations. Check compare broadband UK to compare prices and speeds.