When you download things on your computer from the internet, such as a movie or an album, how long the download takes depends on the speed of your broadband connection. To get the most out of your internet experience, choose the right broadband package for you. It might be tempting to think that the fastest broadband connection is the one you should get, but that’s not necessarily true. Compare broadband packages by analysing your usual internet use and the size of your household, as well as the materials that the broadband provider uses, and you’re sure to find the right deal for you.
How Broadband Speeds Translate to Use
The speed of your broadband connection determines how fast information is downloaded to your computer or laptop. Generally, providers will give you a choice between 30 mb, 60 mb, and up to 100 mb. To give you an idea of the difference between these broadband speeds, a movie can be downloaded in 5 minutes with a broadband speed of up to 30 mb, 2.5 minutes with a speed of up to 60 mb, and only 1.5 minutes with a speed of up to 100 mb.
For Smaller Households
Not everyone needs a broadband package of up to 100 mb, however. Take into account the number of people in your household who use the internet regularly and how they use it. If your household has only one or two people and they use the internet mainly for TV shows, movies, music, uploading photos to social networks, browsing, and shopping, a broadband package of around 30 mb will probably be enough to meet all of your needs.
For Larger Households
For a bigger household of three to four people, a faster broadband package of up to 60 mb may be a better choice. This broadband speed is also suitable for heavy internet users who spend a lot of time online and need to do these things as fast as possible. For example, serious internet gamers will appreciate the fast speeds of a broadband connection of up to 60 mb.
For Multiple Users
When several people are using the internet at the same time to download movies, tv shows, or music, the download times can slow down significantly due to a higher bandwidth demand. With a broadband connection of up to 100 mb, download times won’t be affected even when five people (or more) are using their computers or other devices at the same time, which makes this broadband package ideal for households of more than 5 people.
Copper vs. Fibre Optic
It’s also very important to consider the materials that are used by a provider when you compare broadband packages. Many providers use copper wire, which can slow down broadband connection speeds and give you a connection that’s much slower than what is advertised by them. Instead, look for providers, such as Virgin, that utilise fibre optic cables. The higher quality of fibre optic cables greatly reduces speed loss and will deliver you a faster broadband connection, making your internet experience more enjoyable.
Location
Where you are located will affect the types of broadband packages available to you. The distance of the nearest telephone exchange to your home will partly determine the broadband connection speeds that you can get, so always make sure you research what’s available in your area to get the best deal.
Bundling
Sometimes you can bundle your broadband package with additional services, such as TV and telephone to save time, effort and money. Be sure to ask providers what additional services they offer when comparing broadband deals. Some providers will include email addresses, internet security, and other extras in your package.
Get the right broadband package for you and you’ll be able to Skype with faraway friends in high quality, download apps and games instantly, and share photos with your relatives without wasting time waiting.