Finding the right internet speed for your household can be a daunting task, especially when there are numerous internet providers and broadband plans available. In this blog, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right internet plan with speed for your needs.
First, let’s understand the different types of internet speeds and what they mean. Internet speed is measured in Megabits per second (Mbps) and it determines how quickly you can download or upload data from the internet. There are two main types of internet speeds: download and upload. The download speed is the speed at which you can receive data, such as images and videos, while the upload speed is the speed at which you can send data, such as emails and photos.
Next, let’s consider the different internet usage scenarios that might affect your internet speed requirements. If you are living alone, a basic internet speed of 15 Mbps is sufficient. However, if you have a family with multiple people using the internet simultaneously, you will need a higher internet speed plan to ensure that everyone can use the internet at the same time without interruption. Similarly, if you are a gamer or use video conferencing services for your home office, you will need a higher speed internet plan to ensure a smooth experience.
Another factor to consider when choosing the right internet plan is the number of devices that you use in your household. For instance, if you have multiple devices connected to the internet wirelessly, such as smartphones, laptops and smart TVs, you may need a higher internet speed to ensure that each device can receive enough bandwidth.
To determine the right internet speed for your household, you need to consider the following factors:
⦁ Number of people using the internet simultaneously
⦁ Type of internet activities, such as gaming, video conferencing or streaming
⦁ Number of devices connected to the internet at any one time
Based on these factors, the following table provides a rough guide to the minimum internet speed required for different usage scenarios:
⦁ Basic internet use (email, web browsing): 15 Mbps
⦁ Streaming video or listening to music: 25 Mbps
⦁ Gaming or video conferencing: 50 Mbps
⦁ Multiple people using the internet simultaneously: 100 Mbps
It’s worth noting that the above speeds are minimum requirements, and you may find that you need a higher speed internet plan for optimal experience when searching and comparing plans.
Now that you have a basic understanding of internet speeds and the different usage scenarios, let’s take a look at the different internet plans available around Australia.
The most common types of internet plans in Australia are:
⦁ ADSL2: This is the most basic type of internet plan and is usually the cheapest. It uses your existing telephone line to provide you with internet access and is limited by the distance from the telephone exchange. It was introduced into Australia in the early 2000s and it allowed users to move away from the tediously slow dialup internet.
⦁ Cable: This type of internet plan uses cable TV infrastructure to provide you with internet access. It is generally faster than ADSL and is widely available in urban areas. Cable internet is another name for hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) which is a mix of high speed fibre optic cables and slower coaxial cables used by pay TV companies like Foxtel. A coaxial cable consists of a copper wire surrounded by a copper sheath with an insulator layer in between. These cables are designed to carry radio signals such as cable TV and internet with very little interference from other signals.
⦁ NBN (National Broadband Network): This is the government-owned network that was established to provide high-speed internet access to all Australians. The NBN network uses a range of broadband technologies including fibre optic cable, existing copper lines, fixed wireless and satellite to deliver fast internet to your home. There are four main types of NBN connections, including Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Building (FTTB), and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC).
So to recap, when looking for an internet provider that gives you the speed you require, consider:
⦁ Your internet usage and activities performed online
⦁ Your speed requirements for various tasks (emailing, streaming, gaming or video conferencing)
⦁ The available speed plans in your area
⦁ Bundle internet plans with other services, like mobile phones and save money
⦁ Your future usage and speed requirements
Based on your location and internet usage requirements you can choose what broadband plan will be best for your household.
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