How do I decide on the right broadband speed

Not sure how to say if your internet connection is quick enough? Here's how to figure out whether you've got the best idea for you. When shopping for the internet or reviewing your current internet service, internet speed is one of the most important factors to consider, second only to price. However, unlike price, where you can easily see the monthly cost, internet speeds are a little more difficult to judge.

Is 100 Mbps internet considered “fast”? Is 10 Mbps considered “slow”? What kind of internet connection do I have? Many of us have these questions, so we've put together this quick guide to answer them.

Let's take a look at how internet speed is calculated, what constitutes fast internet, what constitutes slow internet, and other considerations that can help you address the question: What is a good internet speed?

What is considered good internet speed?

The amount of data a link can download (download speeds) or upload (upload speeds) per second determines its internet speed. Internet speeds in the kbps range are considered "slow," whereas Gbps speeds, which are less common but becoming more common, are considered "ultra-fast."

• Netflix says that users require a minimum of 10 Mbps to stream full HD content and 25 Mbps for 4K Ultra HD content, however you should opt for faster speeds if you want to connect multiple devices at once. This holds true for other streaming services and gaming services like YouTube and Twitch.
• Also note that multiple devices require more bandwidth. If you're planning to stream 4K video content and have multiple devices connecting to your network at the same time, you should consider investing in faster download speeds, for example 200 Mbps, which works for most users.
• You can also opt for Gigabit connections if your internet usage demands more bandwidth.

Slow Speed Issues and How to Fix them

There could be many factors impacting internet speed and we have outlined them here for you.

1. Your broadband network

   ACT Fibernet delivers internet service to your home through fibernet. However, DSL and lower broadband services are usually wired using copper. Most high-speed broadband services deliver internet via a hybrid fiber and copper network. ACT Fibernet provides the internet directly to your home using a 100% fiber network.

2. Home network

   Many factors inside your home can affect the rate at which you send or receive data over the internet. These include:

   1. If the wiring is older, the connection tends to get weaker.
   2. Distance between the router and your device. It is always advisable to place your router in a central location.
   3. Duration and type of router that you have been using. It is recommended that you replace your router every few years and upgrade your router based on your internet plan.
   4. Number of devices connected to the internet. The number of devices using your internet bandwidth can congest the network causing slow speeds.
   5. Type of connection used

3. Connection types

   You can connect your home internet through a wired ethernet cable or a wireless connection. Wired cable connections use Cat5e or Cat6 wires connected to the ethernet port on your wall or router. Wired connections give consistent performance and speed. Wireless connections provide you flexibility to move through your home, but they are not as fast as a wired connection. You get the best Wi-Fi signal closest to your router, and, with fewer devices running.

4. Type and number of devices

   All devices have a maximum internet speed they can reach. However, that internet speed may not be as fast as your internet service plan. For example, if your older laptop or mobile only supports 20Mbps and you have 1Gbps internet plan, your laptop will never be able to reach more than 20 Mbps internet speed.

5. TV and internet speed

   In a lot of cases, TV and the internet connections in your home come in through the same cable. Using both services at the same time takes up more available bandwidth and can take a toll on your internet download speeds. For example, watching multiple HD shows at the same time as very high data consumption internet usage, such as downloading a complete HD movie file on your computer, may lead to lower internet speeds as compared with internet speeds when no other uses are happening on your home internet network.

6. Other networks and websites you visit

   Sometimes, the websites you interact with may not provide their services at the same speeds. Things to consider as you surf websites:

   1. Other websites might not have the same internet speeds as your internet plan.
   2. The website server capacities can impact your Internet speeds and experience.
   3. Websites may use other internet service providers to deliver data back to you. These arrangements can also impact your Internet speeds.
   4. Surfing during the website's peak time may also be a reason for slower speeds.

In case you are facing issues with your internet connections, you should opt for a fiber optic connection by ACT Fibernet. You can learn more about the plans here.