What broadband speed do I need?

by The Wessex Internet Team

Introduction

Selecting the right broadband package is crucial for ensuring a seamless online experience tailored to your needs. In this guide, we'll unravel the mystery behind broadband speeds and help you determine the ideal connection for your specific requirements. So, if you find yourself wondering, "What broadband package do I need?" – read on for a clearer understanding.

Understanding Broadband Speeds

Broadband speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mbps), which is the maximum rate that data can be received (download) or sent (upload) through your internet connection. Each device will require different speeds depending on what they are being used for such as emails, surfing the internet, streaming video’s and so forth.

So, a simple calculation of the maximum required Mbps for all the activities that could be carried out at any one time will give you a good indication to a package best suited to your needs. See below an example of the speeds that are generally required for common internet activities:

Internet surfing and checking emails 5 – 10Mbps
FaceTime/video conferencing  20Mbps
Working from home 50 – 100Mbps
Listening to music 6Mbps
SD video streaming 12Mbps
HD video streaming 26Mbps
Full HD video streaming 30Mbps
4K video streaming 36Mbps
8K video streaming 50Mbps
Live streaming 20Mbps
Online gaming   25 – 50 Mbps
Streaming gaming 100Mbps
Large file transfers 100Mbps +

So if a household of 3 people using the internet for the following:

10Mbps Surfing the internet
100Mbps Working from home
20Mbps Video conferencing
36Mbps 4K Video streaming
100Mbps Large file transfers
50Mbps Online gaming
Total 316Mbps at any one time, then a 500Mbps package is required.

If a family of 2 use the internet for only:

10Mbps Emails
26Mbps Stream HD videos
Total 36Mbps at any one time, then a 50-100Mpbs package is required.

Determining the right broadband speed

This is dependent on your online activities and the number of users in your household. If you're still asking yourself, "What broadband speed do I need?" consider the intensity of your online activities and the number of connected devices to make an informed decision.

What broadband speed is good?

A good broadband speed is one that meets your specific requirements without experiencing lag, buffering, or slowdowns during your online activities. Assess your needs and choose a speed that provides a comfortable buffer for your internet usage.

Conclusion

At Wessex Internet, we understand the importance of having the right broadband speed to match your lifestyle. If you're still unsure about what fibre broadband speed is good for you, our local, friendly team is here to help and can be contacted on 0333 240 7997 or click here to submit an enquiry online.

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