Do you really need gigabit speed?

 For homes and offices, gigabit internet connections are becoming more and more commonplace. There are now many broadband providers offering gigabit speeds, both on the standard copper lines and on new fiber optic networks. In general, gigabit connections let you transfer files faster and stream media more smoothly. But how much do you really need a gigabit connection? Is it worth upgrading if your current speed is only a few hundred megabits per second? There are many benefits to having a fast internet connection, be it at home or at work. From streaming video to sharing files quickly with co-workers, faster upload and download speeds will help you get through tasks quicker than before. However, there are other factors to take into consideration when deciding whether or not gigabit internet is right for you. Let’s take a look…

 

What does a gigabit internet connection mean?

Gigabit internet connections are the fastest type of broadband available, with speeds that can reach 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps) or even more. At these speeds, you can download files in mere seconds, and even streaming video will be nearly flawless. If you have a gigabit connection, you can download a full music album within a few seconds, transfer a large file in just a few minutes, and even download a full HD movie in less than thirty seconds! Similarly, uploading and streaming media is much faster with a gigabit connection – a large file can be uploaded in just a couple of minutes. Gigabit internet is also generally more reliable than slower connections since there’s less congestion on the network. You’ll get a more consistent connection, with fewer drop-outs and outages.

 

How fast are gigabit internet connections?

Gigabit internet connections can reach speeds of 1,000 Mbps or even more. For reference, the fastest connection that most people in the U.S. have access to is 100 Mbps, which is the standard speed for both fiber and copper networks. 100 Mbps connections are still one of the most popular internet speeds in the country, but there are many providers offering gigabit speeds as well. AT&T and Verizon offer gigabit speeds in some areas, and Google Fiber is available in select cities around the U.S. Cable and fiber-based providers often offer slower speeds than fiber-based connections because the copper wires used for the connection are slower than fiber. But even a cable connection with gigabit speeds is better than a slower DSL connection.

 

Who can benefit from gigabit internet?

If you work with large files or often stream high-quality audio or video, then a gigabit connection can be incredibly helpful. Having a fast internet connection helps you do your job more efficiently and saves you valuable time. For example, graphic designers and photographers who need to upload large files can benefit greatly from gigabit connections. Uploading high-quality images or videos takes a long time with a slower connection, but gigabit speeds make the process much quicker. Similarly, teachers can benefit greatly from a faster internet connection. Teachers often need to send or receive high-quality video files, and gigabit connections make these tasks easier.

 

Is your current connection fast enough?

If you work with large files, stream high-quality audio or video, or frequently share large files with others, then you probably need a faster internet connection. If you’re not sure how fast your connection is, you can check using an internet speed test. You can also check the speed of your connection by looking at your internet bill. If you don’t have a fast connection, you could experience a number of issues. Gigabit connections are especially helpful for businesses that often share large files with clients or employees. If you use your internet connection to send or receive files, you probably need a faster connection. Similarly, if you have many people working from home who need to access the same network or frequently send large files to each other, you may need a faster connection.

 

Should you pay for gigabit internet?

If you work with large files or frequently send large files to others, then you may need a faster internet connection. If you have an older connection, you may be able to upgrade to gigabit speeds for a relatively low price. Verizon has been offering gigabit connections for just $50 per month for many years. AT&T also offers gigabit speeds for $50 per month, though you may be able to sign up for a special promotion that costs less for a limited time. Gigabit internet is also available from Google Fiber for just $50 per month, though you will have to sign up for a two-year contract and pay a $300 installation fee. Some providers may also let you retain a gigabit connection for less than $50 per month, but that will depend on what special promotions may be available at the time.

 

The bottom line

If you work with large files or frequently share or receive large files, then gigabit internet can be incredibly helpful. However, you have to make sure that you have a gigabit connection – many providers advertise “gigabit” plans, but they’re actually slower connections. Similarly, you should also make sure that your devices are compatible with gigabit internet. If they aren’t, you won’t be able to take advantage of the faster speeds. If you truly need a gigabit connection, you can sign up for one, but be prepared to pay a significant amount of money per month. If you don’t need that much speed, a slower connection will do just fine.