How do I compare two broadband plans fairly?

The answer

Describe your own use first: people, devices, busiest hours and heaviest activity. Then use the same table for every plan, with rows for connection type, download and upload capacity, data threshold and speed after it, one-time and recurring charges with taxes, billing cycle, lock-in, rate after any introductory period, equipment and support. Add up the full cost over the same period, such as twelve months, using figures confirmed in writing, and not the headline number.