Everything you need to know about Broadband Speeds

Average Broadband Speeds

The process of selecting an appropriate broadband speed has never been easier. There are thousands of providers, contracts, and deals available on the market, each designed to enhance your experience of this incredible technology. The only difficult part is choosing which is best suited to your needs. That’s why we have created this guide to assist your pursuit of the perfect internet connection, and we hope that, after digesting our advice, you are one step closer to satisfying your virtual demands

1.   What broadband speed do I need?

At some point during your lifetime, you may be asking yourself "How much broadband do I need?". Many of us spend hours, even days, trying to locate good internet speed, or researching averages, available connections, and providers. The key to cracking this often burdensome task is to select a product that suits your consumption demands. Many factors are involved in this pursuit, including, but certainly not limited to:

-the frequency in which you use your mobile phone, laptop, or other electronic devices

-the distance between your home and the local cabinet

-the things that you use your broadband for

Those of you who frequently stream television shows will need to seek a provider who offers both a high internet speed and a high download speed. Less complex packages, typically below 100mbs, would thus be better suited to individuals who do not require faster connections or who simply avoid searching the market for something more than the typical internet speed. Unfortunately, more often than not, it is those who fail to ask “What broadband speed can I get?” that find themselves suffering. It is important that, while searching for a solution to your broadband issues, you consider all of the available options, compare providers, and select a product suitable enough for your endeavours. Only then will you resolve the question of whether your current arrangement is effective and perhaps more importantly whether there is any need to change.

2.   What is a good internet speed?

Having a good internet speed is something we all desire, especially since the world we live in is so digitally oriented. For many, average UK internet speeds are simply not enough. They need more than what is available to be satisfied with the performance of their broadband. If you feel you are behind on the connection front, do not fret. There is no one good internet speed, nor is there a single way to determine which would work best for you. Statistics do suggest that to fulfill your digital ventures comfortably, a download speed of at least 12mps is needed—though available packages range far beyond 100mps. It quite simply depends on how you use the internet. If there are multiple devices in use at your home regularly, you will likely require a faster connection than that which is offered by typical mb internet speeds. With more complex broadband packages, you will be provided not only with faster connections, but also the opportunity to maintain a diverse portfolio of electronic devices. Given the rapid growth of remote working since the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of individuals have begun to seek new broadband providers, hoping that, in return, they will receive a good enough package to accommodate their daily needs. Phones, laptops, televisions, and social media were, for a long time, and in some areas, continue to be the thing that enlightens our lives in lockdown. It may come as no surprise, therefore, that upload speed Mbps is something we all considered enhancing. 

3.   What is the difference between average speeds?

In today’s virtual landscape, there are thousands of options to choose from when it comes to selecting a broadband speed that works for you. So much so that, often, we are forced to wonder whether our current internet speed is good, or at least good enough for what we wish to achieve. The difference between average broadband speeds is relatively minimal and there is not much you must learn before you commit. However, you must conduct a thorough enough investigation of the options that are available to you. As part of this, you should make a mental note of the average consumption patterns within your household. Ask yourself, your children, and your partner how much time they spend on their devices, and exactly what they use them for. From this information, you will be able to gain a better idea of the broadband speeds that would be appropriate for you, not just appropriate for the wider market of users. According to Ofcom, the average speed of UK residential ISPs has increased from 64mbps to 71.8mbps. Besides indicating an overall increase in the demand for faster connections, this tells us that, as the number of operational devices increases, so follows the speed at which they must be provided the power needed to run them. Scaling this down, you should realize that discrepancy between average speeds need only to be considered where you have a large demand for the product. Average, in its essence, is whatever is average for you, and this depends on how much energy you consume. If you are to take any advice from this text, make sure to research the market. 

4.  How Can I Find Out My Broadband Speed?

 The easiest way to find out your broadband speed is to check with your provider. BT, for example, now has an app that measures and tracks the rates at which data is transferred, providing information on both upload and download speeds. If you are unable to get into direct contact with or receive information from, the company to which you are bound, some online tools can offer results. After inserting your postcode and the name of your provider, these websites can calculate the average internet connection in your area, delivering statistics right there and then. Without these mechanisms, you are limited in what control you have over your broadband. In some instances, especially with customers who have very little, or even compromised, understandings of the way that these systems work, provides get away with providing a service that is less functional than the one you were originally offered. High internet speed is especially important to track, since, more often than not, the price you pay will be much higher than that of less advanced packages. To make sure that the results you receive are accurate, you should avoid using any devices or applications while running the test. This includes apps, websites, radio, uploads, and updates. If possible, you should further aim to conduct the process more than once. This will help you to identify any anomalies and generate a more precise average.

5.  The Benefits of Faster Broadband Speeds

On an immediate observation, the question of whether there are any benefits to using a faster broadband speed seems simple. In increasing the speed of your connections, you are increasing the capabilities of the devices you are operating. Right? Besides holding zero truth in the sense of the product itself, this statement faces challenges when applied to the practical context. Many factors influence the speed at which our broadband operates. Contrary to popular belief, these are not solely concerned with the package or provider you select. The number of active devices, downloads, and uploads, and the location of your home all play a role in determining your average internet speed. So when we ask “How much broadband do I need?”, we are asking how much broadband we consume. As aforementioned, this information can be obtained both from the provider responsible for your connections and from external online tools. Whichever way you chose, make sure to obtain enough detail so you can decide whether there would be any benefit to seeking a faster speed. A higher broadband speed allows you to download content at a much faster pace, and further allows the members of your household to connect their devices to the internet at the same time, without having to compromise on the results they receive.