It is an exciting product that offers line speeds much faster than an ordinary 56k Modem. 'Broadband' means fast: faster data services, faster page draws, and faster downloads. It is fast because it offers better 'bandwidth', or data-carrying capacity, than a dial-up connection.

ADSL2 is now available in Australia. ADSL2 has slightly longer reach than the original ADSL standard – between 200M and 750M extra, depending on who you believe. It also has marginally better speed, and some other advantages like better line diagnostics inbuilt into modems and power-saving modes for modems when they're not transmitting. ADSL2 is currently only available in some areas.ADSL2 Modems are compatible with current ADSL lines and will run normal ADSL.

ADSL2+ is a totally different specification to ADSL2. It doubles the downstream bandwidth on short distances. People living within 1.5km of an exchange will get 'up to' 20Mbit/s, a scorching speed that would trump even cable internet, which has previously been the best choice for fast broadband. However, outside a 1.5KM radius, most users will get at best 12Mbit/s, and speed declines rapidly the further away from an exchange the end user is.

An interesting optional mode in ADSL2+ doubles the upstream bandwidth, which (if utilised) will prove very popular amongst users who host servers on their connections.