What Internet Speed and Capacity Do I Need for My Household?
The demands placed on a household’s internet connection is ever increasing with family members each having their own internet-connected devices (computers, tablets, smartphones, gaming systems), and home features such as televisions, lights, security cameras, and even refrigerators requiring continuous connections to the internet. The chart below (provided by the Federal Communications Commission) compares minimum download speeds needed to meet different levels of household internet usage, defined as light, moderate, and high.
(Note: Various internet providers may use different definitions of usage types for their individual services).
(Note: Various internet providers may use different definitions of usage types for their individual services).
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This Broadband Speed Guide (also provided by the FCC) provides sample download speeds required to conduct typical household internet activities.
Click here to check the speed of your internet connection (fast.com) |
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This chart provides an example of how the maximum usage of a four-person family may be calculated from the Broadband Speed Guide.
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In addition to an ISP's speeds, users should also determine whether an ISP places limitations on the amount of data that can be used per month and whether the ISP reduces speeds once a certain monthly data threshold is reached (even with an “unlimited” data plan).