Explaining Internet Speeds

Perhaps the most common question we hear from customers at NOVOS FiBER is: “what internet speed do I really need?” 

It’s actually an excellent question, and the answer can depend on a number of factors—from the number of people in the home and the number of devices regularly used at once to the types of online activities that matter most to you. (For example, gaming and videoconferencing will require more bandwidth than checking emails!)

While NOVOS FiBER’s advanced fiber network is the most reliable internet you can get—and that reliability is consistent no matter what speed tier you choose—we offer different plans and tiers based on the speeds your household needs. Some homes or businesses may need or want greater speeds than others, while others prefer to try to save a little money on a slower maximum speed given their actual usage. 

Below, we describe each of our speed tiers, as well as some of the key factors and considerations any customer should take when choosing an internet speed tier. And we help explain the reason why some speeds will work well for certain households or businesses, while others may simply need more. Still have questions? Call us! We’re local and happy to help.

300/300 MBPS

300 MBPS is generally considered the “entry-level” or most basic speed for high-speed internet service. While it is certainly a lower speed and does not take full advantage of fiber’s capabilities, for some households, 300 MBPS may be sufficient for most needs. 

For example, 300 MBPS should enable customers to use three or four devices simultaneously for basic email, web browsing, and social media use—the kinds of everyday internet usage you’ve been accustomed to for years. 

And 300 MBPS also lets you stream TV and movies and other videos and music on two or maybe three devices at a given time. But as streaming and other more data-intensive online activities like gaming do require much more information to be transmitted, 300 MBPS is likely to feel more sluggish, or even rather limiting, compared to faster speeds. 

However, for a smaller home or business, or even for a household with just one or two users, residents may be able to get by with a 300 MBPS tier for most internet uses. Just keep in mind that multiple users streaming at the same time will likely notice the need for a speed tier upgrade. 

1 GIG (or 1000 MBPS) 

The 1000 MBPS tier is where fiber internet’s prowess really starts to show off. 1000 MBPS is a solid option for many customers. 

For starters, at 1000 MBPS, multiple people in one household can generally use around five to nine devices at once for basic email, web browsing, and social media use. More TV and movies can be streamed simultaneously as well, with 1000/1000 MBPS providing streaming capability for three or four devices at one time.  

You’ll also be able to enjoy streaming with more pristine picture at 1000 MBPS, as that speed tier opens up 4K resolution (assuming your smart TV or other streaming device is compatible with it). 

Many families opt for our 1000 MBPS tier to ensure they have the speed they need for streaming, working, or learning on multiple devices at once.

2.5 GIG (or 2500 MBPS)

For users looking for the best internet and streaming experience available—and to take full advantage of fiber’s advanced technology—the 2.5 GIG or 2,500 MBPS speed tier is the clearest choice. At this speed, fiber internet simply pours data into your home, powering your devices with the internet they need to perform at their best. With 2.5 GIG fiber internet, you and your family can easily use ten or even more devices at the same time to surf the web, check email, and play on social media. 

Streaming TV, movies, and other video on multiple devices simultaneously is a cinch with 2.5 GIG, so you’ll never need to ration out streaming times in your home again. And the streaming quality of 1 GIG fiber internet is just exemplary, with 4K’s brilliant resolution making colors and textures pop on all of your screens. At this tier, you can also power a fully connected smart home (think Alexa, security cameras, and more) without noticing a slowdown on your devise. 

Online gaming, which can keep players engaged for hours (and build skills regularly used in “real life,” too!), is incomparably better with the 2.5 GIG speed tier for any gamer. 2,5 GIG’s greater bandwidth capacity allows more data to flow up and down seamlessly, preventing lag and other delays and choppiness that stymie gamers on slower speeds. 

We hope this guide helps you assess your internet speed needs for your household or business. It may even help “diagnose” why you may notice some less-than-stellar internet performance—i.e., when too many people are using too many devices for intensive online activities simultaneously! 

The friendly and knowledgeable support team specialists at NOVOS FiBER are available to answer any question you may have about which speed is best for you or any other question you may have about our fiber network. So feel free to reach out at your convenience!

And to learn more about NOVOS FiBER and why its fiber internet cannot be beat, be sure to check out our social pages!