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What Internet Speed is Right for You?

Internet speed can be confusing. Whether you're new to the internet or even a long time user,you may be wondering,What internet speed is right for you?

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What Internet Speed is Right for You?

UPDATED: 02/17/20

February 17, 2020

Internet speed can be confusing. Whether you're new to the internet or even a long time user, you may be wondering, how does internet speed work? How much internet speed do I need?

What Is Internet Speed?

Internet speed is basically the speed at which you can use the internet. It is measured in megabytes per second. For example, if you have a speed of 7.5 Mbps, that means that your internet can download the equivalent of 7.5 megabytes of information every second.

How Much Internet Speed Do You Need?

The amount of speed you need depends on how you use the internet. Generally, the more intensive the activity, the more speed you need. For example, if you just like to read the news online or send emails, you don't need that high of an internet speed. For example, the average email without an attachment, is only .02 megabytes. That means you can send or receive that in seconds with most internet providers. Activities like streaming music or watching a movie online take up a bit more bandwidth, and that requires internet with more speed. For example, streaming an hour-long video on high-definition requires you to download about 2 GB of data. That's the equivalent of 2,000 megabytes over the course of an hour. If you want that to stream without interruption, you need an internet speed of at least 0.56 Mbps.

What Internet Speeds Do Top Providers Offer?

To give you an idea of what's available. Here's a look at some of the top internet speeds offered by some of the top providers in the country. Spectrum Internet up to 60 Mbps AT&T Internet up to 75 Mbps Frontier Internet up to 24 Mbps Wow Internet up to 110 Mbps As you can see, different companies offer different speeds, and you can even end up getting different speeds from the same company.

What Affects Internet Speed?

Internet speed is closely tied to the infrastructure in your area. For example, a company like AT&T or Spectrum typically offers different speeds in different areas. In an area with great infrastructure and lots of fiber optic cables, the top speeds are really high. On the other hand, in an area where the company is offering internet service over old phone lines or outdated infrastructure, the speeds may be lower. In addition, internet companies from Spectrum, to AT&T, to CenturyLink, and all the companies in between also offer different packages. That lets you choose the speed that's right for your budget and for your household's' internet needs.

Do You Always Get the Fastest Speed?

It's important to be aware that you don't always get the speed that's advertised. Internet providers advertise the fastest speed that's available. In optimal conditions, you will get that speed. However, there are other factors that affect internet speed. If you have broadband, speed may be compromised at certain times of the time when lots of people are on the internet. On the other hand, if you have satellite internet, that comes to you from the sky rather than through cables in the ground. As a result, you may have slightly lower speeds during storms or on cloudy days. Because of that, you should always get slightly more speed than you think you need.

Does WiFi Affect Internet Speed?

Using wifi can also affect your internet speed. In most cases, it is faster to connect your devices directly to the modem with an ethernet cable. With some internet providers, the modem only offers ¾ of the top speed that you're paying for. With other providers, you can get more effective modems that offer better speeds and more range. Ready to sign up for internet service? Want to find the right speed for your lifestyle? Then, call 888-376-0753 today. Our helpful agents will help you get online quickly and assist you in finding the best deals possible. You can also click here and search your zip code to see which internet service providers are offered in your home as well. You can also compare internet service deals and offers from all of the different internet service providers so you can save the most money on your bill.

The Success and Future of High-Speed Internet

Global access to high-speed internet continues to grow exponentially. As more of the world's population logs on, it makes us wonder: What is the future of high-speed internet?

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The Success and Future of High-Speed Internet


According to research, the average American has access to 10 internet-connected devices. By contrast, the average Japanese person owns about 6 internet-connected devices. This translates to nearly 50% more devices per person than some other nations with access to high-speed internet. However, we manage less than 50% of the average Internet speeds for the nations with the fastest internet, such as Jersey and Liechtenstein. 

So, this shows us that we have far more devices per person, but many other countries have much faster internet service. Why is this? Well, there is no single, simple answer. In fact, there are many reasons that can quickly complicate the topic. 

For example, Japan and South Korea (who each have slightly better internet speeds compared to the USA) have a major advantage of geography - with cities linked closely together - making it easier to install and support high-speed Internet infrastructure. But, what else could be in play? And, where do we go from here?


Contributing Factors to Slow Internet Speeds in the US

The USA is geographically larger and has a higher population density - meaning it's harder to spread internet infrastructure across cities. It also means that many people are far away from the physical servers where their data is stored. A user in New York City browsing websites on servers in San Francisco can experience speeds slower than another person in Denver browsing sites on servers in Los Angeles.

Aside from the distance information must travel through the internet, another important factor that contributes to internet speeds is competition among broadband internet service providers (ISPs). When competition increases between companies, the companies themselves must find ways to provide a more user-friendly and innovative product in order to outcompete their rivals.

Generally, service providers have little incentive to upgrade infrastructure when it's not necessary for them to do so. ISPs tend to focus on areas with high population density because it is more profitable. Therefore, inaction from the government also contributes to slower speeds. 

As a result, unless the government steps in to provide incentives or subsidies, it becomes difficult for smaller towns and rural areas to have faster internet infrastructure because there is simply no profit incentive for ISPs to focus their efforts in those areas. 

The good news? This is about to change. The 2021 Infrastructure Bill has allocated an additional $65 billion for investment in broadband infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on boosting connectivity in underserved areas. This is the largest investment in broadband infrastructure since the Telecom Act of 1996 (which deregulated and incentivized companies to invest in internet infrastructure).


Major Investments to Grow High-Speed Internet in the US

Here in the United States - where there's lots of open space between cities and we are retrofitting older technology on a vastly larger scale than other nations - we're taking major steps to catch up and re-establish our lead in the broadband arena. To achieve this, the annual investment in American high-speed Internet services is growing by leaps and bounds. 

Over the last 20 years, the US has invested more than $300 billion into internet infrastructure. That investment is what allows us to enjoy surfing the web as effortlessly as we do today. Interestingly enough, according to Pew Research, an estimated 7% of Americans are not connected to the internet. Still, according to the 2021 Census, nearly 92% of Americans have at least one computer and 85% have broadband internet service.

From $300 billion over two decades to $65 billion in just a few years, this means the US is poised to dramatically improve connectivity scores. However, while investment is obviously a huge step in the right direction, the USA, Japan, and many other nations also have many major universities and research facilities putting an emphasis on science and technology - which can help develop better, faster, stronger Internet infrastructure. 

All these figures are interesting in their own right, but what can they uncover about the future of global high-speed internet connection? In the next decade, as more and more citizens around the world become connected - through devices or otherwise - there will be a greater opportunity to use the information that we transmit to provide valuable insights into how we can improve our lives.

Data has the potential to help us make better-informed decisions and plan for a brighter future. Our world is increasingly becoming interconnected, and as more countries gain access to high-speed internet connectivity - we'll see what role this information will play in shaping our global society.


What is the Future of High-Speed Internet? 

We all know the terms 4G and the latest buzz around 5G networks, but do you know what it really even means? Well, the "G" stands for generation, and it's basically just a way to differentiate the speeds of networks -- 4G being faster than 3G, for instance. These terms relate mostly to mobile internet capabilities.

But, another potential game-changer in terms of modernizing our internet infrastructure lies within the realm of 10G technology. No, we didn't skip over generations 6-9 to get us here. Rather, the "G" in this term stands by Gigabit, and 10G is a global initiative working to bring 10-gigabit residential connections to homes all over the world. 

Currently, many households in the US enjoy 1 Gbps internet service. Things work pretty well as we stream to multiple devices and play HD games. Having a 10 Gbps connection means that we could download an entire 1 GB movie in just .8 seconds. 

Since this type of bandwidth is significantly faster than the average US household's internet speed, which averaged at 11.9Mbps during the third quarter of last year, there is a good chance you will be hearing more about 10G in the near future.


What is the Future of Internet Connection? 

As for the infrastructure required to support these speeds, fiber-optic cables will be used in this case. It is widely accepted that fiber-optics is the best, most future-technology-proof solution currently available to us.

Fiber optic cables are similar to the ones that bring you your favorite shows on Netflix or Hulu because they operate using light - transmitted down hair-thin strands of glass or plastic. 

They are much thinner than traditional copper wires and transmit data faster than the average household internet connection mentioned above. However, there are currently no fiber-optic cables that run directly to your home. 

Instead, they usually connect to a small box near or on your building called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which allows your ISP to access the network and provide you with service through traditional copper lines.

The ONT box plays an important role in fiber-optic cables. These cables, which are made of flexible bundles of glass fibers, transmit data by sending light through the fibers. The main components of these cables include strength members to hold the cable together and optical fibers that actually carry the signal - much like traditional copper cables. 


ISPs are Jumping on the 10G Bandwagon

In 2020, Comcast announced they have achieved a big milestone in the road to 10G service becoming the standard for ISPs. One of the most significant drivers of their desire to win the 10G race is the fast-growing metaverse. In order to support a metaverse-centered web experience, internet providers must have the network infrastructure in place to support the speeds that VR and other metaverse-related web experiences will require.

Currently, Comcast has already achieved 4Gbps internet speeds through its innovative modem prototype created in conjunction with Broadcom. The modem utilizes what is known as a Full Duplex DOCSIS 4.0 system-on-chip (SoC). While these results were achieved only in a laboratory setting, Comcast is confident they can bring this technology to their customers as well as millions of internet users around the world.


What Technology will Replace the Internet?

There is an elephant in the room we collectively need to address. While this question is certainly open for debate, one thing is for sure: those who claim that the metaverse will replace the internet seem to be confused about the difference between the internet and the world wide web. 

The internet is a massive system of servers that connects users to websites across the world, while the web is a way for users to present information to one another on these sites. 

That's not to say that the metaverse will not have a profound impact on the types of devices incorporated into the internet's structure. But, all the hype around the metaverse really neglects to distinguish between the two terms. This sentiment has been echoed by Dr. Tom Furness who is commonly referred to as the "Grandfather of Virtual Reality." 

Aside from how the metaverse will affect the way we experience the web, there is one form of internet technology that is far more likely to replace the internet. Quantum Computing will have a far more profound impact on the current internet infrastructure. This is partially because Quantum Computing has the potential to render our current security protocols powerless. 

But, it is mostly because a server with Quantum Computing capabilities would be exponentially more powerful than a server without these capabilities. In other words, the infrastructure required to support Quantum Computing would also allow for better internet connectivity around the world – and could ultimately replace the current model of internet servers we use today.

It is not difficult to imagine the kind of problems that can arise when our current internet security methods and current internet infrastructure are rendered obsolete in a short period of time. This would be an issue for all facets of life, including global financial systems and international security. 

And while it is clear that there are some interesting possibilities on the horizon, Comcast believes - as well as many others - it is best to keep our eyes on emerging quantum technologies.


Think Globally, Surf Locally

In today's age, there is a common consensus among the experts that monitor the trends of the digital world: "Think Globally, Surf Locally." With this in mind, it becomes clear that we need to focus on optimizing the ways we connect to the digital world and how we can interact with technology in a manner that is sustainable, responsible, and forward-thinking. 

The infrastructure required to support this type of connectivity will need to be robust enough to accommodate transmitting exponentially more data at faster speeds—and it must remain constantly available. 

This constantly connected world has the potential to impact every sector of life – from business and entertainment to education and public safety – and we can expect some interesting changes as more citizens around the world become connected.

From understanding the environmental effects of connectivity to improving our healthcare system by tailoring medications based on an individual's genetics with the assistance of telehealth programs, there are more possibilities than ever before.

By taking all of this - and more - into account, many experts believe the future growth of internet connectivity will remain steady in the hands of fiber-optic network providers. 

These companies are largely in charge of building the framework that will support a sustainable and forward-thinking world. And, as more of the world comes online, we will continue to see data-driven technologies that impact our daily lives. Perhaps most importantly, this connectivity enables us to share ideas and learn from one another across geographic locations - bringing communities closer together through real-time collaboration. 


So, What's Next?

As we have explored in this article, the technologies on the horizon are rapidly changing the way we connect to and surf around the web. The future of internet connectivity is bright and full of possibilities. 

As the world becomes more connected, we will see data-driven technologies that touch our daily lives in ways never before imagined possible - from healthcare to education to communication methods for businesses. It's up to us as a society to embrace these changes and work together so they are implemented responsibly and with consideration for all stakeholders involved.

The team here at KonectEaze is excited about the future of connectivity around the world. And, we are delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with our partners in this space so that all internet users can experience an optimized web browsing experience. 

Browse our website to learn more about the services we offer. Or, feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions!

What Is DSL internet? What are my internet options?

DSL internet is a digital subscriber line,and it allows you to access the internet over your phone lines. Along with cable,satellite,and ... Read More

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What Is DSL internet? What are my internet options?

Update February 10, 2020   02/10/2020:  

Since we published this article several years ago not much has changed.  DSL internet is still available and unfortunately the only option for many Americans who are simply looking for high speed internet for their homes. Companies like AT&T, CenturyLink and Earthlink still offer DSL service.  Many customers are stranded looking for options to be able to stream their favorite shows from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon amongst other sources.  Since the latest speed test done across the country show that DSL only has the ability to operate at a speed of 1Mbps or less, DSL is simply not an option for today's internet user.  

There is good news for folks who are either moving to a new area looking to set up service and find DSL is one of the only options or existing DSL customer from AT&T, CenturyLink and Earthlink who are simply not getting the speed, and service they are looking for.  Viasat Satellite internet service and HughesNet satellite internet service offer speeds almost 25x higher and give many customers a truly high speed internet option.  Check out to see if you have better options in your area by using our zip code lookup tool here Zip Code Lookup Tool



DSL internet is a digital subscriber line, and it allows you to access the internet over your phone lines. Along with cable, satellite, and fiber optics, DSL is one of the four main types of connections used by internet service providers.

How Does DSL Internet Work?

Traditional phones lines are made of copper wires that carry analog signals. When you talk on a landline phone, the acoustics of your conversation are converted into analog signals that run along the phone wires. Similarly, these wires can also carry analog signals from computer to computer. However, you need a modem to convert the analog signals into digital signals. Finally, subscriber line simply refers to the fact that you subscribe or pay a monthly fee to access the line.

Can You Use the Phone With DSL?

In the early days of internet popularity, dial-up service also used phone lines to carry the internet into your home. With these old systems, however, you could not use the phone at the same time as the internet. With DSL, that has changed. The signal is split coming into your home, allowing you to access the internet and use your landline at the same time.

How Fast Is DSL Internet?

The telephone companies that offer DLS internet use digital subscriber line access multiplexers -- imagine a small building full of constantly buzzing equipment and servers. These multiplexers connect to a network to access data, and from there, the data is forwarded to individual subscribers. In most cases, to get DSL internet, you must be within a certain distance of the multiplexer, and generally, the closer you are the faster your internet service is. DSL speeds range from 128 kbps to 12 Mbps. However, in some cases, you can get DSL speeds up to 20 Mbps or even 40 Mbps — those speeds are typically only available in areas where the existing phone lines have been reinforced or bolstered with fiber optics.

Can You Bundle DSL Internet?

Generally, phone companies offer DSL. For example, AT&T, CenturyLink, Verizon, and Frontier Communications all offer DSL internet as well as phone service. In most cases, if you want to have DSL and a landline, you have to get both services from the same company. However, discounts for booking multiple services is standard practice in the industry. Some DSL providers also pair with television, cell phone companies, and others to offer bundling discounts.

Where Is DSL Available?

DSL service is available around the county. However, it is not strictly available everywhere that has phone lines. As indicated above, the service can only work in areas where the phone company has invested in digital subscriber line access multiplexers and upgrading the phone lines as necessary. If DSL is offered in your area, you may want to consider it. Compare the price with other options, and then, make sure the potential internet speeds are up to your needs. For more on internet speeds, check out our post "What Internet Speed Do You Need?".

Cable Internet Versus HughesNet and Viasat Satellite internet: Which Option Is Best for You?

Two of the most popular internet options are satellite internet like HughesNet and Viasat or cable internet like Comcast Xfinity, Wow, Frontier, Spectrum and CenturyLink. We dig deep to find out which Internet Service Provider is best

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Cable Internet Versus HughesNet and Viasat Satellite internet: Which Option Is Best for You?

Updated: February 11, 2020

02/11/2020

We still get this question often and we wanted to update this article with the questions, myths and facts people still have or hear about cable vs satellite internet service.  For the purposes of this article we will be discussing the two major providers of satellite internet, HughesNet and Viasat as well as various cable providers which include but are not limited to companies like Spectrum, Comcast, Frontier, WOW cable, Time Warner Cable, CenturyLink and WIndstream.  There are over 2700 internet service providers across the US all offering various speed, packages, prices, bundles and incentives.  We will try to help you determine which service is right for you.  


Two of the most popular internet options are satellite and cable internet. Both satellite and cable bring the internet into your home, but they complete this function in vastly different ways. Here's a look at the basics to help you decide which option is right for your needs.  

Cable Internet Versus Satellite: The Basics

Cable internet comes to your home through the same cables that you use to watch cable TV. In most cases, you can use the same provider for both cable TV and cable internet like Comcast, CenturyLink, spectrum, Wow cable, frontier and many others.  , You typically receive a discount for bundling both your new cable and tv services. Satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Viasat, in contrast, starts with a land-based internet connection. That sends signals to a satellite orbiting Earth, which in turn sends signals to your personal satellite dish. Finally, your personal satellite dish is connected to your home modem.  Satellite internet like the service HughesNet and Viasat provide give you the exact same product as far as internet is concerned.  The differences really boil down to speed price and availability.  If you are moving to a new home and looking for a new internet provider, the availability of a cable service like Spectrum, Comcast or CenturyLink really depends if they have put the high speed broadband internet infrastructure in your area to be able to offer you service.  

The Installation Process

Both satellite and cable internet require professional installation and a modem. The cable internet installer simply splices your existing cable and routes it to your modem.  Many times providers like Comcast ( their high speed broadband internet service is actually called Xfinity) and Spectrum (formerly known as Charter) offer self install in which there companies just send the modem to your home and you plug it in.  For the self install feature Comcast and Spectrum need to have been installed in the home previously.  The satellite internet installer has to put in a satellite dish, just as they do with satellite TV.  With both satellite and cable internet, you pay a monthly fee, and if you bundle the service with your TV service, you can often receive a discount.  With Satellite internet service like Viasat and HughesNet, they do not have a standalone TV service but partner with DirecTV and often offer incentives like $10 off of your HughesNet or Viasat bill for signing up for both services.   In both cases, you may be required to buy or rent a modem. However, with satellite internet, you may also have to foot the cost of buying or leasing the satellite dish.  Much of this depends on the offer at the time and your credit worthiness.  Many providers offer free standard installation when you qualify for their offer.  Typically standard instillation of TV, Phone and Internet Service can run as high as $99.  To check and see the current offers or to see if you qualify you can always call Konecteaze.com or call Call 888-376-0753


Reliability

Cable internet runs along cables and tends to be relatively reliable. However, if you live in an area where the cable TV goes in and out, you can expect similar performance issues with your internet. Additionally, if your neighbors receive their internet through the same cable, speed and reliability may be reduced when multiple people are on the internet at the same time. With satellite internet, in contrast, you don't share the signal with your neighbors. That keeps the signal strong during peak usage times. However, storms and sunspots can disrupt the transmission signal and lead to downtime.

Availability

Cable internet is only available in areas with cable TV. Satellite internet is available almost anywhere. In many areas, you can choose between these two options, but in rural areas, without cable, satellite may be the only option.  The best way to find out which internet service providers are available in your area as well as offers and speeds, use our handy zip look up tool on our home page Konecteaze.com and type in your zip code to see the latest offers.  

Speeds

Speeds can vary depending on the type of cables in your area. However, cable internet typically offers speeds ranging from 20 Mbps to over 1000 Mbps. Satellite internet is a bit slower with speeds ranging from 5 to 100 Mbps(. If both options are available in your area, your decision boils down to speed and cost. Check out a few companies in your area to see which options and packages are available. Don't forget however that in addition to these options, you should also check out DSL. This modern take on dial-up will be covered in an upcoming blog.