What Internet Speed Do You Need?
Did you add new Internet-connected devices to your home at Christmas? If so, now might be a good time to review your current Internet speed so you can be assured your Internet will support these devices and make utilizing your Internet more enjoyable.
First, count how many Internet-connected devices you have currently in your home. There is a growing number of these devices we are using in our homes including:
- Cell Phones
- Laptops, Desktops or Tablets
- Gaming Systems
- Alarm Systems, Thermostats & Smoke Alarms
- Appliances-Refrigerators, Washers & Dryers
- Amazon Echo or Google Home type devices
- Sound boxes & Entertainment Systems
- Lighting and the list goes on…..
Many of these things belong to IOT (The Internet of Things) and the numbers of these devices that until recently were not internet-connected are growing in the average home.
So, what was your number? Knowing the number of devices reliant on your Internet connection can help to get an idea of the amount of bandwidth you are requiring for your home. Keep in mind, different devices require varying amounts of bandwidth. Your 4K TV will require around 20Mbps on its’ own. Add to this the need to have fast upload and download for gaming and video streaming, and you may find you’re experiencing buffering, slow load times, the need to reboot your router and frequent Internet drops. Think of your Internet like water in a garden hose. The more sprinklers the hose is feeding, the less water will come out of each sprinkler.
Up to Four Devices-50Mbps
Five to 7 Devices-100Mbps
Eight or more-250Mbps or 1 Gig
If you have an additional home office, gaming or video streaming from multiple devices, the higher speeds provide the upload that is needed to keep your devices running without issue. You can also check out our Fiber Calculator at FMTC.COM. Click on Residential, then Fiber. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen to answer some basic questions. You will be able to see the recommended speed you need for the number of devices and uses of Internet within your home.
We want you to have a great Internet experience with us. If you are concerned about your current experience contact us today at 208-452-2000 and we will be happy to help review your account and suggest a speed increase if needed. If you would like to increase your speed, now is the time as you can boost your speed at no additional cost for a month!
We appreciate that you have chosen FMTC and we look forward to providing the best service possible to you, not only today but well into the future.