A Beginners Guide to Broadband Speeds
Broadband speed is something we tend not to notice unless we don’t have enough. Here's a guide to making sure your speeds are up to scratch.
A Beginners Guide to Broadband Speeds
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re using broadband. From cable broadband to fibre optics to mobile networks, broadband is the undisputed way to access the internet. The prevalence of broadband over now antiquated dial-up internet is due, in no small part, to a significant increase in speed. However, broadband speed varies greatly based on location, provider, and how much you are paying for it. Read on for our advice on the best broadband speeds for your needs:
Why does broadband speed matter?
Like so many good things in life, broadband speed is something we tend not to notice unless we don’t have enough. Have you ever been frustrated by an online video that won’t load, or stops part-way through to buffer? Have you ever sat watching an excruciatingly slow progress bar when saving files to the cloud or uploading photos onto social media? These problems are results of low broadband speed.
The upload speed of your broadband dictates how quickly you can upload media or data to the internet. This includes sharing photos and videos, attaching files to emails, and backing up files onto cloud-based solutions. The download speed is important for streaming music, videos or games online, as well as loading web pages and downloading files from the internet to your hard drive.
What broadband speed do I need?
If you are an infrequent internet user, logging on once or twice a day to check emails or search for a quick answer to a question, you are likely to only need a download speed of around 3Mbs per second.
Those who are keen to check social media profiles daily, watch videos or listen to music online may benefit from download speeds of 10Mbs per second or more, based on the frequency of browsing.
High internet usage consists of several hours a day spent watching videos, listening to music, playing online games, or working from home. If this sounds like you, an unlimited download speed is your best bet for an uninterrupted online experience, and an upload speed of over 50Mbs per second is of extra importance if your work involves sharing files via email or cloud hosts.
How can I test my broadband speed?
It’s relatively easy to test your current broadband, using one of a whole host of free online speed tests. Some reliable and impartial speed test websites are speedtest.net, the Money Supermarket speed test, and Broadband Speedchecker. These tests will evaluate how your broadband handles uploads and downloads, and give you a comprehensive readout of the speeds you receive. Based on these, you may choose to contact your internet service provider to discuss better options for your area, or shop around and change your service provider entirely.
At italk, we like to cut out all the confusion entirely by offering unlimited broadband options with both of our italk connect packages. While top speeds depend on where you live and the quality of your phone line, we endeavour to ensure that all our customers have the very best speeds available to them.
“I love italk’s broadband,” says Academy Sales Trainer Phillip Peck, “and there are four simple reasons why: Firstly, it’s easy to set up. Plug it in and you’re up and running – perfect even for technophobes! Secondly, it offers high quality speeds, up to business standard, for those of us who are impatient! It’s unlimited meaning you wont pay extra for usage, and last but not least I know I’m in capable hands, with a well-established internet supplier.”
Don’t just take our word for it - check out our services now, or call us on 0845 373 4290 to discuss how we can hook you up with the perfect package for your needs.
