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Internet providers advertise the speed of their connections using acronyms that can make it difficult for some households to choose the right package. Internet service without enough bandwidth may not have enough speed to power all of your devices, while choosing a package with too much speed means paying for services you don’t need. Understanding the basics of internet speed will help ensure you get the right package for your needs.

A Basic Guide to Internet Speeds

How Internet Speeds Are Rated

internet providerInternet bandwidth is generally measured in megabits per second, or Mbps. Bits are extremely small, discrete pieces of data, approximately the size of one character in a text message or webpage. A megabit is comprised of one million bits, which may constitute anything from music files to movies. When internet providers advertise speeds of three Mbps, that means three million bits are transferred every second.

How much bandwidth do you need?

Three million bits may seem like a lot of data, but several devices sharing a network can fill that bandwidth fairly quickly. Streaming video can consume one gigabyte per hour, which translates to approximately 8,000 megabits. If two members of the household are watching movies in separate rooms and someone else is streaming music, your data speed will begin to lag if you don’t have enough bandwidth to handle the load.

If your internet use is limited to reading the news and checking email, one Mbps is probably enough to satisfy your needs. However, streaming video or online gaming takes much more bandwidth, so consider your usage carefully. Streaming one hi-definition movie needs a minimum of five Mbps, so two devices will require 10 Mbps to run without issues.


 

Since 1903, Volcano Communications Group has been keeping homes throughout the Pine Grove, CA area connected, offering rural communities a level of service you’d expect in bigger cities. This internet provider prides itself on investing in some of the most advanced technology available, with data speed packages tailored to meet every need. Visit their website for an overview of their data plans or call the internet provider at (209) 296-7502 to discuss a plan that is right for you.

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