‘Always-on’ means that the ADSL broadband sets up a permanent connection to the Internet that lets you access the Internet as soon as you switch on the computer and the modem. You do not need to 'dial up' like when you are using a standard modem connection. There is no separate charge for connecting to the internet. However, the outgoing voice calls you make simultaneously on the telephone line using your telephone will be charged at the usaual rates.