As an Internet customer, it can be mind-boggling to determine which package you need. There are acronyms you don’t understand, numbers you don’t know how to calculate, and a lot of things that just don’t make sense. Ideally, your Internet service provider can explain the ins and outs of what you need for your particular household, but it may help to have a guide to understanding WiFi speeds that spells it out.
HTC Guide to Understanding WiFi Speeds
What is Mbps?
This stands for Megabytes per second. It’s the speed at which your internet connection can download and upload data (1,000 bytes = 1 Megabyte). The more data, the more megabytes needed. The higher the Mbps number, the faster the speed. In homes that have a lot of data being downloaded and uploaded, they may need 1 or more Gbps, which is Gigabytes per second. One Gbps is 1,000 Mbps.
How Much Speed Do I Need?
Your WiFi needs depend on these three factors:
- How many people are in your household
- How many devices do each of those people use
- What kind of activities is everyone using the Internet for
It helps to understand how many Mbps it takes for each activity on one device:
0–5 Mbps
Surfing the web / Checking email
Streaming music on a phone or tablet
Up to 10 Mbps
Using a smart doorbell or indoor camera
Up to 40 Mbps
Online gaming
Live video calls via FaceTime or Google Meet
Streaming video or movie
Up to 100 Mbps
Downloading large work files at a moderate speed
Up to 500 Mbps
Downloading large files quickly
Now, you’ll need to calculate how many people at the same time are doing each separate activity. For instance, if two people in the house do online gaming on two separate devices, that requires 40 Mbps per person, so 80 Mbps. Add a person who is streaming movies (40 Mbps) and a person working from home downloading work files at moderate speed (100 Mbps), and you have the need for 80+40+100, which is 220 Mbps. In this example, when choosing an HTC Internet plan, your best bet would probably be 250 Mbps.
What Can Slow Down My Internet Speed?
Even when you think you have the right plan, you may still experience frustration when screens freeze or downloads take too long. This can happen for several reasons:
- You’ve added a device. An extra device will suck up some speed from each of the other devices, so you may need to upgrade your plan to handle it.
- Your router needs to be moved. Placing a router next to a brick wall or on a different floor from a frequently used device won’t allow a strong signal to get through. If it’s by a window, it might also be allowing neighbors to access your Internet and using up some of your speed. Moving the router may help.
- Your router needs to be replaced. Routers can’t outlast new technology. If it’s older than 5 years, it will start slowing down because it’s not compatible with newer devices. It’s also possible that your router can’t send a strong enough signal to every corner of your home. You may need to get an HTC advanced WiFi router such as GigaSpire BLAST.
There’s Lots to Know About WiFi Speed. Thankfully, HTC Experts Know Exactly What Customers Need.
Trying to guess what speed you need is fine, but talking to our team members will give you a better idea of how fast your Internet should be for your household. A simple conversation will allow us to determine which plan is best for you, so don’t hesitate to give us a call at 618-939-6112.
Harrisonville Telephone Company is a provider of reliable, cost-effective Internet (for streaming, gaming, surfing, viewing, listening, downloading, and more), television (hundreds of channels, free HD, VOD access and more), and phone ( unlimited local and long distance, voicemail, caller ID, etc.). Want to learn more about our great home or business bundles? Visit our website, call us at 618-939-6112, or fill out our Contact Us page. We look forward to hearing from you.
