Simply stated, having the best connection means you can do more things like have crystal clear, uninterrupted video calls with family and friends, send emails and pictures securely, or quickly share things on social media. A good place to begin with a better understanding the types of Internet services would meet your needs best.

Types of Internet

The type of Internet service you choose will largely depend on which Internet service providers (ISPs) serve your area, along with the types of service they offer. The common types of Internet service are:

Fiber

Fiber-optic internet, commonly called fiber internet or simply “fiber,” is a broadband connection that can reach speeds of up 1 Gig! Fiber internet uses fiber-optic cable, which sends data near the speed of light.

Cable

Cable internet typically comes from cable TV providers through a coaxial (coax) cable. Cable internet speed capabilities are slower than fiber especially with respects to upload speeds, are more susceptible to weather events and outages.

Satellite

Satellite internet is wireless internet beamed down from satellites orbiting the Earth. It is often slower, with speeds averaging around 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, has high latency (takes longer to connect) and has data caps and other limitations.

Wireless

Much like your cell phone, wireless internet uses cellular signals to provide internet service to your home. Speeds vary based many factors but on average offer 25 Mbps download and minimal upload speed. Most wireless plans have data caps and other limitations.

Commonly Asked Questions

How much bandwidth do I really need?

A minimum speed of 100Mbps download and 100Mbps upload is a good starting point for most people. 

Find how much speed I need here.

Why would I want more?

If you have many devices you want to connect to the internet or have multiple people in the house, you may need more bandwidth, especially if you watch multiple shows or movies at the same time. If you work from home and need to upload large files to the cloud or are frequently on video conferencing calls, more upload speed may be required.