Is it time to change your internet plan?

Thinking about updating your internet plan? A reassessment can help you save time, money, and avoid frustration. But with so many options, finding the right plan can be confusing. Going for a plan that’s more than you need is like throwing money away, while a plan that’s too small can mean slow speeds. So, how do you figure out which internet plan is the best fit for you?

What exactly is the “speed” of an internet plan?

While we commonly use the term “speed,” the more accurate term is “bandwidth,” representing the amount of data transmitted in one second. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll stick with the more familiar term, “speed,” in this article.

Many believe that a higher speed means a faster internet experience. However, this notion is somewhat misleading. Higher speed facilitates faster downloads of large files not because the internet is inherently faster, but because it allows for the simultaneous transmission of more data.

For most users, the regular download of very large files is not the norm. So, why opt for exceptionally high speed if not for hefty file downloads? The answer lies in the fact that higher speed accommodates more users and devices connecting to the internet at the same time.

This is where the frustration of slowdowns arises when the speed of our internet plan falls short. It happens when too many people are online simultaneously, or when the number of connected devices surpasses the available data capacity.

If the speed of your internet plan surpasses your actual needs, you end up paying more for capabilities you rarely utilize. While it can be handy for accommodating multiple users during events, it’s usually unnecessary for day-to-day use.

So, how do you determine the ideal plan for your needs? Follow these straightforward steps.

1. Evaluate Your Current Usage

Most EBOX plans come with unlimited data, but some customers still have data limits in their older plans. Are you one of them?

If you are, the first step in finding the right internet plan for you is to evaluate your current internet usage. Check your customer zone to get an idea of the data you consume monthly. If you often exceed your data limit, it might be time to switch to an unlimited plan.

2. Identify Your Needs

Once you have an estimate of your monthly internet usage, it’s time to clarify your needs. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How many people use the internet at home, and on how many different devices?

• What activities do you regularly do online?

Your requirements will differ if you live alone compared to a family of five. It’s essential to note that every device in simultaneous use consumes a portion of your internet speed.

Activities and required speed per device

Basic browsing, emails, social media: 1 to 5 Mbps
Audio streaming (music, podcasts): 1 to 5 Mbps
HD video streaming or EBOX TV: 6 Mbps
Online video games: 10 Mbps
4k video streaming: 25 Mbps

Example

Imagine you’re a family of five, and in the evening, each family member engages in the following activities:

• One parent listens to a podcast while cooking… 1 to 5 Mbps
• Another parent watches IPTV… 6 Mbps
• One child plays online video games: 10 Mbps
• Another child listens to music while browsing Instagram… 2 to 10 Mbps
• Grandma is sharing inspirational quotes on Facebook… 5 Mbps

By totalling the required speed for all devices used simultaneously, you’ll get an idea of your internet needs. In this case, this family requires a plan with at least 43 Mbps to 51 Mbps.

3. Do you work from home?

If you’re working remotely, make sure to think about your work-related needs. In our example, the children are at school during the day, so the internet connection should be sufficient for two people working from home.

However, if you find yourself often frustrated by the time it takes to download large files, we recommend considering an increase in the speed of your plan.

4. Plan for a Buffer

Once you’ve figured out how much data you need, it’s a smart move to plan with a buffer. Internet demands can change—guests might visit, new devices might be added, or you might find yourself multitasking more online. To avoid an overwhelmed and slowed internet connection, it’s a good idea to choose a plan with a slightly higher speed than you think you’ll use. Aim for a plan that provides a bit more speed, and a safe margin typically falls between 10 to 20 Mbps for most users.

In our previous example, we’d suggest this family considers adding around 10 Mbps to their basic needs. Therefore, opting for a 60 Mbps plan would be a good choice.

5. Check Available Plans

Sometimes, making changes to your plan just makes sense. If another plan offers higher speed at a lower price than what you’re currently paying, you could be getting more for less! The telecom industry moves fast, and so do prices. It’s a good idea to check out your internet provider’s plans from time to time to see if there have been any price changes. You might be able to take advantage of an attractive offer!

At EBOX, our focus has always been on providing you with the plan you need—not necessarily the biggest or the most expensive one. We don’t want you to pay for a plan that doesn’t suit you or suffer from easily avoidable slowdowns. If it’s ti me to change your plan, simply go to the customer zone and do it with just a couple of clicks!