Families rely on the internet for work, relaxing, playing games, and keeping in touch with loved ones. Slow speeds can be a constant interruption, so it's important to choose the right cable internet service for the household. Since your provider will likely offer several speed tiers, use the following guide to determine which best fits your usage needs.

Understanding Mbps

Data is uploaded and downloaded on your network as “bits.” A megabit represents 1,000,000 bits and is the standard term used to estimate what speeds you’ll have. Uploading occurs when you send information from your computer to the internet, such as posting to Facebook or emailing a friend. Downloading is when you receive streaming audio, video, and other content. These forms of data are made up of bits and collectively known as bandwidth. This measures how much data can be uploaded and downloaded at the same time.

As a point of reference, at a speed of 1 Mbps, a webpage will load in about a second, and video streaming quality will be medium. At 24 Mbps, which is considered high-speed, you can expect the highest video quality and near-instant downloads of media, such as songs and photos.

Considering Internet Uses & Users

If you have a large family using multiple devices at the same time, you’ll need higher bandwidth and higher Mbps. A couple or single parent who uses their cable internet service to stream video and browse social media will be fine with 5-25 Mbps. A family of four, however, will benefit from 50-100 Mbps if everyone is commonly online at the same time.

Certain activities require more bandwidth as well. Streaming 4K video and playing online computer games use more bandwidth, so you’ll need greater speeds to avoid lagging and buffering. IoT devices, such as security systems smart thermostats, and home automation systems, also rely on the internet at all times. For best results, increase your speeds according to the number of devices you have connected to the internet.

If you’re looking for lightning-fast cable internet service, contact TruVista. Based in Chester, SC, this company serves a wide customer base in South Carolina and Georgia. Since 1897, they’ve provided reliable telecom solutions. Explore their services on their website or call (803) 385-2191 to speak with a sales representative. Keep up with news and updates by liking their Facebook page.