What is Mbps and Why is it Important?

If you are shopping for internet, you will come across various acronyms, and that can get confusing. One that you might not understand is Mbps, but it is actually easier to understand than you might think. When shopping for internet packages, the first thing many people notice about Mbps- megabits per second- is that the higher the Mbps, the more expensive the package will be.

Why is this? What does Mbps really mean? And how much do you need to get for reliable internet connection?

Mbps means “megabits per second”. It measures internet bandwidth and refers to the maximum speed available to download data to your computer or mobile device. Generally speaking, the higher the Mbps number, the faster internet downloads will be. Don’t let the word “download” confuse you, though. You do not have to be downloading something like a movie or a document for Mbps to matter. Whenever you are surfing the web, you are downloading files onto your browser. Mbps affects the speed of your uploads, too. You will notice this the most when you are uploading large files; the higher the Mbps, the faster your files will upload. The download and upload speeds are not always the same, so make sure you ask the internet provider about the differences.    

Sometimes, a package might seem like a good deal because it is inexpensive but appears to have high Mbps. If you dig deeper, though, you will see that that number only applies to download speeds, and upload speeds may be much slower.

So you may be wondering, how much Mbps do you need for your home or business? There are two factors you will need to take into consideration in determining the best package for you. First, what is the nature of your internet usage? Next, how many people will be using the internet? Here are some recommended bandwidth sizes for individual users, for different types of usage.

-Social media and basic web browsing: 1-3 Mbps

-Video conferencing: 2-4 Mbps

-Video streaming: 3-5 Mbps

-HD video streaming: 5-7 Mbps

You will notice that Mbps is listed in ranges, not specific numbers. The reason for this is that what is being described is the maximum speed, rather than the average speed. Upload and download speeds fluctuate, usually between 50 and 80 percent of the listed bandwidth, but rarely at the peak amount. Bear this in mind when you are shopping for a new internet option.

At Trifecta Wireless, we believe that escaping the hustle and bustle of the city shouldn’t mean you’re stuck with slow or no internet. Living in a rural area shouldn’t cause you to lose out on top-notch internet speeds, and we are here to make sure it doesn’t. Using America’s largest cellular networks, we offer fast, reliable rural internet access in all 50 states, with no contracts and none of the questionable billing practices you may have encountered with DSL and satellite internet providers. We are here for you, with unlimited 4G and 5G rural internet that offers modern convenience, easy setup, clear pricing and a money back guarantee.

To learn more about improving your rural internet speed, call or text us at 616-881-1188 or contact us through our website.