Cheat Sheet: Broadband Speed
What is my broadband speed?
Your broadband speed (or Wifi speed) is the rate at which data is transferred between your internet service provider (ISP) and your device. It is typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
While this is different from bandwidth, most internet service providers lump both in together when talking about connection speed.
How to check broadband speed
The easiest way to check your broadband speed is with an online speed test tool. These tools measure your download and upload speeds by sending and receiving data packets between your device and a speed test server.
They show you the actual speed of your internet connection, which might be lower than the fastest speeds your broadband provider has advertised.
Here's how to conduct a speed test:
- Find a reliable speed test tool. There are lots of options available online, such as Ookla Speedtest.net, Fast.com, and the Which? broadband speed test.
- Open the speed test website.
- Click the "Start" or "Go" button.
- Wait for the broadband speed checker to finish. The results will typically show your download speed, upload speed, and ping (latency).
Internet speeds impact a variety of online activities, including:
- Streaming: Faster download speeds allow for smoother video and audio streaming, with a big boost to overall quality.
- Downloading: Larger files, such as games, movies, and software updates, can be downloaded much quicker with faster speeds.
- Online gaming: High-speed internet is essential for online gaming, as it reduces lag and improves gameplay.
- Video conferencing: A fast broadband connection is a must for clear and uninterrupted video calls.
- Working from home: If you work from home, a faster average speed is crucial for high-bandwidth tasks like video meetings, file sharing, and remote access to company networks.
In general, the faster your upload and download speeds are, the better your overall online experience will be.
What is a good broadband speed?
What you consider good will depend on your household's unique needs. Here are some general guidelines for average speed:
- Basic browsing and streaming: 25 Mbps
- Online gaming and video conferencing: 50 Mbps
- Downloading large files and 4K video streaming: 100 Mbps or higher.
What broadband speed do I need?
The average speed that you require from your broadband will vary depending on how you use it.
Here are some things to consider:
- Number of devices connected to your network: when more devices are connected, you’ll experience slow broadband speeds as you need more bandwidth to handle more tasks
- Type of activities you do online: If you often download large files, stream high-definition video, or play online games, you will need a faster connection to handle it.
- Number of people using your network at the same time: If lots of people are using your network simultaneously, you will need a higher average speed to avoid congestion. This might depend on time of day: for example families might get their fastest broadband during the day when the kids are at school and not streaming their favourite TV shows.
Get the right broadband speed for your needs
Whatever your needs are, Future Connected Fibre can help you find a broadband package that's right for you. Our fibre broadband plans offer a range of speeds so you can always enjoy a reliable connection whether you're simultaneously gaming and streaming 4K movies or simply working from home a few days a week.
Check out our broadband deals to find the perfect speed for you and your household.