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The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- The Irish Sun
What broadband speed do I need?
Although some internet providers offer broadband download speeds well over 1,000 Mbps, not everyone needs such blistering speeds. Depending on your household, and the number of connected devices, you may hardly notice the difference if you chose a slower connection instead. 4 Monthly prices for broadband at different speeds can vary significantly, so opting for a slightly slower connection could save you money. However, it's essential to select a connection that meets your needs. Below, we explain what speed might suit your home. What is broadband speed? Broadband speed refers to the rate at which data is transmitted over your internet connection. When you stream Netflix or join an online Zoom call, your device downloads data, and the speed at which this occurs is known as the download speed. Likewise, there is also an upload speed. When you upload and send data across your broadband connection – like sending photos via WhatsApp - the rate at which this information is transmitted is known as the upload speed. (AD) FIND THE BEST BROADBAND WITH USAVE Searching for the best broadband deal online can be a real hassle. Save yourself the stress by using usave's comparison tool, which compares tariffs across a wide range of providers. Click on the link below, and enter your postcode to see what's available in your area. Compare broadband with usave - What download and upload speed do I need? This largely depends on your household's internet usage, and the number of devices connected to your broadband. Gaming and video streaming tend to require greater download speeds than sending an email. Likewise, regularly uploading folders full of videos to the cloud will be quicker with a faster upload speed. But if your home only uploads small attachments via email then there isn't a great significance on a fast upload speed. What is the average broadband speed in the UK? According to Ofcom, the communications regulator, the average maximum download speed across the UK was 223 Mbps last year. Compared to 2023, that's a 53 Mbps increase. This is well above what If you don't have the technology in your area to accommodate decent broadband speeds then you might have the right to request an upgraded connection. If you're looking for a new broadband provider, we list some of the best broadband deals here. For Sky specific deals, make sure to read this article. What broadband speed do I need for streaming? The broadband speed you need for streaming depends on the number of people in your household and the resolution of the shows that you're streaming. Providers like Netflix and BBC iPlayer have outlined their minimum speeds, but don't forget that they're just the minimum. You shouldn't aim for them as an average. If there are two or more people streaming at once in your household, you'll need a connection well above these minimum speeds. 4 With that in mind, Netflix says that it needs a connection of at least 3 Mbps for its services at 720hp resolution to run. But if you wish to watch something in ultra-high definition (which is 4K), you will need a speed of at least 15 Mbps. Other streaming services require similar bandwidth connections. Disney Plus needs a connection of at least 25 Mbps to run its shows in 4K. Meanwhile, BBC iPlayer requires 5 Mbps for its best quality. What broadband speed do I need to work from home? Working from home won't likely be as intensive as online gaming or streaming. However, if you're constantly on video calls throughout the day then you'll need a reliable connection with a decent speed. 4 Microsoft says its Teams function needs anything between 0.1 Mbps and 4 Mbps to function properly – with a lot depending on what you'll be using. An audio call without video needs 0.1 Mbps while if you share your screen you'll need the full 4 Mbps. Other services, such as Google Meets, have the same connection requirements. What is a good internet speed for gaming? The best internet speed for regular gaming will typically be faster than what is required for video streaming. Like companies that offer streaming services, gaming companies offer information about the minimum connection speeds required to play their games. Remember that these are just the minimum, and you may need a higher speed. For example, if someone in your home is streaming an ultra-high-definition Netflix show and you want to play a high-speed game, you'll need speed, like a fibre connection, to play. 4 Xbox requires a connection of 3 Mbps, but they say that the better your connection, the better your gaming experience. PlayStation says it needs broadband speeds anywhere between 5 Mbps and 38 Mbps. Typically, a 5 Mbps connection will only be able to run its cloud gaming services, and a 15 Mbps connection will run this at a 1080hp resolution. Meanwhile, 38 Mbps will allow you to stream games at 4K resolution. What is a broadband speed guarantee? When you sign a contract with your broadband provider, it'll include a broadband speed guarantee. This is a promise that, at the very least, it'll offer a set download and upload speed. If it fails to offer these speeds, then you need to get in touch with your broadband provider and ask for them to rectify the issue. If it isn't rectified in a certain timeframe, normally 30 days, then you can leave your contract penalty free. Providers like Sky, Virgin Media, and BT all offer broadband speed guarantees. How do I check my broadband speed? You can test your internet speed by using a free online tool. These sites include:
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Scottish Sun
What broadband speed do I need?
If you click on a link in this story we will earn affiliate revenue. NEED FOR SPEED What broadband speed do I need? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Although some internet providers offer broadband download speeds well over 1,000 Mbps, not everyone needs such blistering speeds. Depending on your household, and the number of connected devices, you may hardly notice the difference if you chose a slower connection instead. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Monthly prices for broadband at different speeds can vary significantly, so opting for a slightly slower connection could save you money. However, it's essential to select a connection that meets your needs. Below, we explain what speed might suit your home. What is broadband speed? Broadband speed refers to the rate at which data is transmitted over your internet connection. When you stream Netflix or join an online Zoom call, your device downloads data, and the speed at which this occurs is known as the download speed. Likewise, there is also an upload speed. When you upload and send data across your broadband connection – like sending photos via WhatsApp - the rate at which this information is transmitted is known as the upload speed. (AD) FIND THE BEST BROADBAND WITH USAVE Searching for the best broadband deal online can be a real hassle. Save yourself the stress by using usave's comparison tool, which compares tariffs across a wide range of providers. Click on the link below, and enter your postcode to see what's available in your area. Compare broadband with usave - see deals What download and upload speed do I need? This largely depends on your household's internet usage, and the number of devices connected to your broadband. Gaming and video streaming tend to require greater download speeds than sending an email. Likewise, regularly uploading folders full of videos to the cloud will be quicker with a faster upload speed. But if your home only uploads small attachments via email then there isn't a great significance on a fast upload speed. What is the average broadband speed in the UK? According to Ofcom, the communications regulator, the average maximum download speed across the UK was 223 Mbps last year. Compared to 2023, that's a 53 Mbps increase. This is well above what Ofcom and the government considers a 'decent' broadband connection – which stands at a download speed of 10 Mbps and an upload speed of 1 Mbps. If you don't have the technology in your area to accommodate decent broadband speeds then you might have the right to request an upgraded connection. If you're looking for a new broadband provider, we list some of the best broadband deals here. For Sky specific deals, make sure to read this article. What broadband speed do I need for streaming? The broadband speed you need for streaming depends on the number of people in your household and the resolution of the shows that you're streaming. Providers like Netflix and BBC iPlayer have outlined their minimum speeds, but don't forget that they're just the minimum. You shouldn't aim for them as an average. If there are two or more people streaming at once in your household, you'll need a connection well above these minimum speeds. 4 With that in mind, Netflix says that it needs a connection of at least 3 Mbps for its services at 720hp resolution to run. But if you wish to watch something in ultra-high definition (which is 4K), you will need a speed of at least 15 Mbps. Other streaming services require similar bandwidth connections. Disney Plus needs a connection of at least 25 Mbps to run its shows in 4K. Meanwhile, BBC iPlayer requires 5 Mbps for its best quality. What broadband speed do I need to work from home? Working from home won't likely be as intensive as online gaming or streaming. However, if you're constantly on video calls throughout the day then you'll need a reliable connection with a decent speed. 4 Microsoft says its Teams function needs anything between 0.1 Mbps and 4 Mbps to function properly – with a lot depending on what you'll be using. An audio call without video needs 0.1 Mbps while if you share your screen you'll need the full 4 Mbps. Other services, such as Google Meets, have the same connection requirements. What is a good internet speed for gaming? The best internet speed for regular gaming will typically be faster than what is required for video streaming. Like companies that offer streaming services, gaming companies offer information about the minimum connection speeds required to play their games. Remember that these are just the minimum, and you may need a higher speed. For example, if someone in your home is streaming an ultra-high-definition Netflix show and you want to play a high-speed game, you'll need speed, like a fibre connection, to play. 4 Xbox requires a connection of 3 Mbps, but they say that the better your connection, the better your gaming experience. PlayStation says it needs broadband speeds anywhere between 5 Mbps and 38 Mbps. Typically, a 5 Mbps connection will only be able to run its cloud gaming services, and a 15 Mbps connection will run this at a 1080hp resolution. Meanwhile, 38 Mbps will allow you to stream games at 4K resolution. What is a broadband speed guarantee? When you sign a contract with your broadband provider, it'll include a broadband speed guarantee. This is a promise that, at the very least, it'll offer a set download and upload speed. If it fails to offer these speeds, then you need to get in touch with your broadband provider and ask for them to rectify the issue. If it isn't rectified in a certain timeframe, normally 30 days, then you can leave your contract penalty free. Providers like Sky, Virgin Media, and BT all offer broadband speed guarantees. How do I check my broadband speed? You can test your internet speed by using a free online tool. These sites include: · · Cloudfare ·
The Sun
7 days ago
- The Sun
What broadband speed do I need?
Although some internet providers offer broadband download speeds well over 1,000 Mbps, not everyone needs such blistering speeds. Depending on your household, and the number of connected devices, you may hardly notice the difference if you chose a slower connection instead. Monthly prices for broadband at different speeds can vary significantly, so opting for a slightly slower connection could save you money. However, it's essential to select a connection that meets your needs. Below, we explain what speed might suit your home. What is broadband speed? Broadband speed refers to the rate at which data is transmitted over your internet connection. When you stream Netflix or join an online Zoom call, your device downloads data, and the speed at which this occurs is known as the download speed. Likewise, there is also an upload speed. When you upload and send data across your broadband connection – like sending photos via WhatsApp - the rate at which this information is transmitted is known as the upload speed. (AD) FIND THE BEST BROADBAND WITH USAVE Searching for the best broadband deal online can be a real hassle. Save yourself the stress by using usave's comparison tool, which compares tariffs across a wide range of providers. Click on the link below, and enter your postcode to see what's available in your area. Compare broadband with usave - see deals What download and upload speed do I need? This largely depends on your household's internet usage, and the number of devices connected to your broadband. Gaming and video streaming tend to require greater download speeds than sending an email. Likewise, regularly uploading folders full of videos to the cloud will be quicker with a faster upload speed. But if your home only uploads small attachments via email then there isn't a great significance on a fast upload speed. What is the average broadband speed in the UK? According to Ofcom, the communications regulator, the average maximum download speed across the UK was 223 Mbps last year. Compared to 2023, that's a 53 Mbps increase. This is well above what Ofcom and the government considers a 'decent' broadband connection – which stands at a download speed of 10 Mbps and an upload speed of 1 Mbps. If you don't have the technology in your area to accommodate decent broadband speeds then you might have the right to request an upgraded connection. If you're looking for a new broadband provider, we list some of the best broadband deals here. For Sky specific deals, make sure to read this article. What broadband speed do I need for streaming? The broadband speed you need for streaming depends on the number of people in your household and the resolution of the shows that you're streaming. Providers like Netflix and BBC iPlayer have outlined their minimum speeds, but don't forget that they're just the minimum. You shouldn't aim for them as an average. If there are two or more people streaming at once in your household, you'll need a connection well above these minimum speeds. With that in mind, Netflix says that it needs a connection of at least 3 Mbps for its services at 720hp resolution to run. But if you wish to watch something in ultra-high definition (which is 4K), you will need a speed of at least 15 Mbps. Other streaming services require similar bandwidth connections. Disney Plus needs a connection of at least 25 Mbps to run its shows in 4K. Meanwhile, BBC iPlayer requires 5 Mbps for its best quality. What broadband speed do I need to work from home? Working from home won't likely be as intensive as online gaming or streaming. However, if you're constantly on video calls throughout the day then you'll need a reliable connection with a decent speed. 4 Microsoft says its Teams function needs anything between 0.1 Mbps and 4 Mbps to function properly – with a lot depending on what you'll be using. An audio call without video needs 0.1 Mbps while if you share your screen you'll need the full 4 Mbps. Other services, such as Google Meets, have the same connection requirements. What is a good internet speed for gaming? The best internet speed for regular gaming will typically be faster than what is required for video streaming. Like companies that offer streaming services, gaming companies offer information about the minimum connection speeds required to play their games. Remember that these are just the minimum, and you may need a higher speed. For example, if someone in your home is streaming an ultra-high-definition Netflix show and you want to play a high-speed game, you'll need speed, like a fibre connection, to play. 4 Xbox requires a connection of 3 Mbps, but they say that the better your connection, the better your gaming experience. PlayStation says it needs broadband speeds anywhere between 5 Mbps and 38 Mbps. Typically, a 5 Mbps connection will only be able to run its cloud gaming services, and a 15 Mbps connection will run this at a 1080hp resolution. Meanwhile, 38 Mbps will allow you to stream games at 4K resolution. What is a broadband speed guarantee? When you sign a contract with your broadband provider, it'll include a broadband speed guarantee. This is a promise that, at the very least, it'll offer a set download and upload speed. If it fails to offer these speeds, then you need to get in touch with your broadband provider and ask for them to rectify the issue. If it isn't rectified in a certain timeframe, normally 30 days, then you can leave your contract penalty free. Providers like Sky, Virgin Media, and BT all offer broadband speed guarantees.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
How to switch broadband provider – explained step by step
STAYING put with the same broadband provider can be expensive and, if you're not getting good service, frustrating. A YouGov survey revealed that nearly eight in ten people don't change their broadband provider. 1 This could be for various reasons, but if you feel you're being short-changed, it might be time to consider switching. It may seem a technical process, but recent interventions from Ofcom, the regulatory body for the telecommunications industry, are aimed at making switching easier. Below, we explain how to switch broadband provider through a step-by-step process. We also list some of the best broadband deals from our own experts. How to change broadband providers Ofcom introduced its 'One Touch Switch' last September to make switching broadband providers easier. This is how it works, including some other steps you can make to ensure the switch goes more smoothly: Check your contract Before changing broadband providers, it's worth checking your existing contract for any early exit charges and penalties. These can be hefty, and it could mean switching providers might end up being expensive. If your contract is nearing its end – for instance, within a month of renewal – you can start shopping around for new providers without worrying about exit fees. (AD) FIND THE BEST BROADBAND WITH USAVE Searching for the best broadband deal online can be a real hassle. Save yourself the stress by using usave's comparison tool, which compares tariffs across a wide range of providers. Click on the link below, and enter your postcode to see what's available in your area. Find a new broadband provider Once you're ready to switch, the next step is to find the best broadband provider for your needs. The Sun regularly highlights the best-value broadband deals, so it's a good place to start your search. Alternatively, Usave's comparison tool finds the best value deals for your area. However, price isn't the only factor to consider. Opt for a provider with a solid reputation for reliability and customer service. This ensures that any technical issues can be resolved efficiently. We list some of the companies with the best customer service here. Apply through your new broadband provider When you've chosen your new provider, apply for your selected package directly through them. Under 'One Touch Switch' rules, your new provider is required to give you crucial information about the switch, including any charges and confirmation of your new pricing. If you're satisfied with the details, you can select the date you wish to switch – typically the day your current contract ends. From there, your new provider will manage the entire process. You won't need to contact your old provider, and you'll stop being charged for their services once your new contract begins. Should I switch my broadband provider? It's worth switching your broadband provider if you're receiving poor service or if you could get a significantly better deal elsewhere. Can I switch providers mid-contract? Yes, although this might be expensive. Most broadband providers - like Sky, BT, and Virgin Media - require you to pay a penalty fee if you're looking at leaving your contract, although there are two notable exemptions. The first is if your provider significantly changed the contract terms, like increasing the price of your broadband over the annual limit. Such an increase could have a grave impact on your household bills, which is why you'll have the option to leave penalty-free. The second is if you've not received the service you've paid for. For example, you'll be promised certain download and upload speeds – if these aren't guaranteed then you'll need to get in touch with your provider and give them the opportunity to resolve the issue. If it isn't resolved after a certain period, then you can leave your contract penalty-free. It's also worth remembering that broadband providers, alongside other service providers like car dealerships, are required to offer "cooling off" periods. These are designed to offer consumers a way out if they've jumped into an agreement that isn't right for them. For broadband contracts, you can usually leave your agreement penalty-free within the first 14 days. Do I need to cancel my broadband before switching? If you're using the 'One Touch Switch' service, then you don't need to get in touch with your old broadband provider to make the switch. The one exception is if you're on a combined package, like a Sky TV bundle or a broadband and landline deal. You will still follow the 'One Touch Switch' steps to change broadband providers, but you may need to get in touch with your old provider to explore your options for the other services. Will I lose internet during the switch? It's rare for households to lose internet when switching broadband providers and, if you do, then you could be owed compensation, according to Ofcom. Its rules state that if your provider promises to start a new service on a particular date, but fails to do so, then you could be owed £6.24 for each calendar day of delay, including the missed start date. Some technical issues might arise too, like if you're moving from cable to broadband, and your new provider might send an engineer around to your home to ensure you've installed the right technology. During the installation, you might lose internet connection for anywhere between a few minutes and an hour – it all depends on how long the engineer takes to get the service up and running. But this shouldn't put you off upgrading your technology – a few minutes or a couple of hours without internet could be worth a more reliable connection. Can I keep my landline number? Yes, and you'll need to follow a process called number porting. This starts when you contact your new provider to switch broadband and landline packages. When it comes to switching landline packages, you need to explicitly state that you'll be keeping your number. Some providers require a letter of authorisation, but after this your new provider will handle the rest of the process. It's a similar process to changing mobile providers with a single text.
