What internet speed do I need?

If you’re considering a speed upgrade or shopping for internet, you may wonder how much speed you need. The answer depends on a few key factors related to how you or your family use the internet.

What speed is right for you?

The speed you need depends on the size of your household and on how you use the internet. The official speed recommendations from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are a good starting point. The table below shows download speeds for common online activites, from lowest to highest bandwidth.

To determine your total bandwidth needs, you have to consider how many of these activities happen simultaneously in your home.

So, for a smaller household of 1-2 people, a 10 Mbps connection may be enough to do basic online activities. At the same time, a large household with multiple users may find that 40 Mbps or more is needed to handle all their online needs.

Common questions about speed

What internet speeds are available near you?

If you're looking for a new internet plan, explore internet services in your area. With the information above, you can make sure you get the speed that’s right to meet your household's online needs.