Understanding Internet Speeds

The FCC defines broadband internet as a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps and upload speed of 3 Mbps. These standards were set in 2015 and have not kept pace with how households actually use the internet today.

For a household with remote work, online learning, streaming, or multiple smart devices, 100 Mbps is now the practical baseline. A household with multiple simultaneous users — video calls, 4K streaming, gaming — should target 300 Mbps or higher.

A practical starting point

Double whatever you think you need. Wi-Fi typically delivers 50–60% of the advertised wired speed, and actual speeds during peak hours — evenings, weekends — are often lower than what providers advertise. Planning for headroom means you are not throttled when everyone is online at the same time.

The right plan depends on how many people are in your home and what they are doing simultaneously. Allocate roughly 20 Mbps per device actively in use at the same time.

Download speed is what most people experience day-to-day: loading websites, streaming video, receiving files. Upload speed matters when you are sending data out — video calls, uploading files to the cloud, or live streaming.

For most households, download speed is the number to optimize for. The exception is remote workers and content creators, who benefit significantly from symmetrical speeds (equal download and upload). Fiber connections often provide this; cable typically does not.

When upload speed matters most

• Video calls — Zoom and Teams require consistent upload bandwidth for clear outgoing video
• Cloud backup — automatic backups of photos, documents, and files compete with upload bandwidth
• Remote work — accessing corporate VPNs and uploading large files benefits from faster upload speeds
• Smart home devices — cameras and security systems continuously upload footage to the cloud

The technology delivering your internet has as much impact on reliability as the advertised speed. Not all connection types are available at every address.

• Fiber — the fastest and most reliable option. Speeds up to 8,000 Mbps with symmetrical upload/download. Availability is expanding but not universal.
• Cable — widely available with download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. Upload speeds are typically much lower. Performance can degrade during peak neighborhood usage.
• DSL — uses telephone lines. Speeds typically below 100 Mbps. Being phased out in many markets in favor of fiber.
• Fixed wireless — available in suburban and rural areas where fiber and cable are not. Speeds range from 25–100 Mbps. 5G fixed wireless from providers like T-Mobile and Verizon offer faster options in select areas.
• Satellite — available nearly everywhere but with higher latency. Traditional satellite (like HughesNet) is slow and expensive. Starlink offers substantially better speeds but requires a clear view of the sky.

Internet installation typically requires a technician visit and a 1–2 week lead time for scheduling. This means the setup needs to happen before your move-in date, not after you arrive.

Before you call providers, check what equipment is already in the home. If the previous owners had cable or fiber service, the necessary wiring may already be in place, which can simplify installation. Ask your real estate agent or do a walkthrough before closing.

• Schedule installation 2–3 weeks before your move-in date to account for technician availability
• If multiple providers serve your address, compare actual plan speeds (not advertised maximums) and contract terms before choosing
• Ask whether the provider offers a trial period or month-to-month option before committing to a long-term contract
• Confirm the router placement — a central location in the home gives better Wi-Fi coverage than a corner room or basement