High-speed or broadband internet means an internet service that delivers at least 25 Mbps of download speeds. A few years ago, this term referred to anything speedier than dial-up internet, but the increase in the demands of residential customers gave rise to technological advancements.
Today, apps and websites are more content-heavy, with flash animations, images, videos, and other elements for which you need higher download speeds. But, remember your upload speeds might not be the same as your advertised download speeds. If you want to upload HD photos or videos to Flickr or Facebook, you will need at least 25 Mbps of upload speeds.
If you are looking to upgrade, know that cable, DSL, and fiber internet networks have expanded their coverage to more areas. Fiber internet packages offer more symmetric speeds, so you can enjoy similar upload and download speeds. Let’s dig in and learn more about high-speed internet!
Table of Contents
- What is Considered High-Speed Internet?
- High-speed internet: A Quick Overview
- How Much Does A High-Speed Internet Cost?
- Common Uses for High-Speed Internet
- Minimum Upload & Download Speed Requirements
- What Internet Speed Do You Need?
- Total Number of Devices & Internet Usage
- Bottom Line
High speed internet : A Quick Overview
Internet speeds are measured in megabits per second or Mbps. A higher Mbps means faster internet speed and vice versa. So what exactly is high-speed internet?
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), any internet service with a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps and a minimum upload speed of 3 Mbps falls in the category of high-speed internet or broadband.
While profitability, efficiency, growth, and servicing customers allare essential for any business, the efficacy varies depending on the type of Internet connection. In today’s technologically advanced world, if your business is not benefiting from high-speed internet, you are missing several growth and development opportunities to fulfil and exceed your business goals. Areliable high-speed network is essential for your business to operate efficiently, and the demand for high-speed connections will only continue to increase. Sending emails, accessing documents through a cloud service, and using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, all these tasks need a high-speed Internet connection to expedite your overall business communication.
How Much Does A High-Speed Internet Cost?
The cost of high-speed internet ranges from $25 to $40 per month in most areas, but prices can go as high as $300 each month for gigabit internet speeds – 940 Mbps or more.
On average, decent cable internet with speeds between 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps may cost you around $50 per month. You can also find speedier internet at more prices.
Why Does High Speed Internet Matter For Business
Common Uses for High-Speed Internet
High-speed internet surely sounds pretty intimidating, but do you really need it? If you are a solitary individual or live with a small family and mostly use the internet for online shopping, scrolling your social media, sending emails, or light streaming and online gaming, then you do not need to invest in high-speed internet.
Minimum Upload & Download Speed Requirements
The table below contains minimum upload and download speeds you require for basic online activities. Any basic internet plan can offer these speeds, so no need to opt for high-speed internet. However, if multiple people or devices use the same network simultaneously for heavy data-consuming activities like gaming, video streaming, telecommuting, video conferencing, then you need to invest in a high-speed internet to avoid lags and delays.
| Internet Usage | Min Download Speed Required | Min Upload Speed Required |
| Streaming audio online | 1 Mbps | 0.25 Mbps |
| Basic web browsing | 1 Mbps | 3 – 4 Mbps |
| Sending emails | 1 Mbps | 3 – 4 Mbps |
| Playing games online (casual) | 5 Mbps | 1 Mbps |
| Streaming videos online | 10 Mbps | 0.5 Mbps |
What Internet Speed Do You Need?
If your internet speeds are below 25 Mbps, we would suggest you upgrade your connection to a fiber-optic or cable internet provider with better speed plans. You can check your internet speed on internet speed checker as there are many website which are available on internet as well as you can check your internet speed via smartphone apps.
Yes, faster speeds are always a good option, but always keep your actual needs in focus. A single person with a phone, tablet, and laptop require different speeds than a big household with each person having the same number of devices.
Total Number of Devices & Internet Usage
| Number of Devices | Light Usage | Moderate Usage | Heavy Usage |
| 1 user / 1 device | 3 Mbps – 8 Mbps | 3 Mbps – 8 Mbps | 12 Mbps – 25 Mbps |
| 2 users / 2 devices simultaneously | 3 Mbps – 8 Mbps | 12 Mbps – 25 Mbps | 12 Mbps – 25 Mbps |
| 3 users / 3 devices simultaneously | 12 Mbps – 25 Mbps | 12 Mbps – 25 Mbps | >25 Mbps |
| 4 users / 3 devices simultaneously | 12 Mbps – 25 Mbps | >25 Mbps | >25 Mbps |
Bottom Line
If you are confused about how to get good internet speeds for your home, don’t worry! Just find a reliable internet service provider in your area and choose the speed plan that best fits your budget. Once the setup and installation process is complete, you can enjoy seamless connectivity all day long. Yes, it is that simple, so good luck and find the best internet service provider for your to fulfill your home and business internet needs.
