What To Look Out For When Selecting A Residential Internet Package

Shopping around for an Internet service can be overwhelming, with different providers giving you various information. That's why it helps to know what to look out for when purchasing a residential Internet package.

The Download Speeds

The main selling point of any Internet package is going to be the download speed, which is how fast data will stream to your home when you request it from a device. Higher download speeds are necessary when you have multiple people in your home using the Internet at the same time or if you download large files for work and want them to transfer quickly. 

Getting the cheapest package can cause problems in large households. You must consider all the activities that are done in your home using the Internet and how much data that uses. For example, watching a 4K movie can use 25 Mbps for each person using a streaming service. This means that two people streaming 4K TV can easily consume all of a 50 Mbps Internet connection. 

The Upload Speeds

Be aware that upload speeds do not always match download speeds. Ask what the upload speeds are for each package and what it will take to get a higher upload speed. The problem you'll notice most when upload speeds are maxed out in your home is that you click the link to load a webpage and there is a huge delay because that request is struggling to get out of your home and reach the destination. 

In addition, be aware that the type of Internet service you select can limit your upload speeds. Many cable-based Internet providers have a limit on how fast you can upload, which will not match your download speeds. This is due to a limitation of the technology, and more priority is given to downloading. However, fiber Internet providers often match upload speeds and download speeds. 

The Data Caps

Some Internet service providers also enforce a data cap with their Internet service, which is how much you are allowed to upload and download each month. Make sure that you understand what the data cap limitations are and what happens if you go over your data cap. Will you be charged for more data, or do you risk having your service terminated for using too much data? With more people working and learning from home these days, it is possible that a data cap is a concern. 

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