Speed is a crucial consideration when you're deciding which broadband package is right for you. Too slow and you'll struggle to do the things you need to do; too fast, and you may be paying for a service you don't need. The best speed for you depends on how you use the internet.

Most regular families of four users with regular needs and multiple devices connected at a time will be more than happy with 200 Mbps which should be enough for any data-hungry home.

Not every broadband provider offers the same speeds - some providers will only let you choose between two different speeds, while Cablewatch have five on offer.

Ultrafast broadband is classified as over 100 Mbps and speeds below this figure are classified as standard. For iPlayer you need 2 Mbps of sustained bandwidth to watch standard-definition content or 3 Mbps for high-definition, while the minimum recommended broadband speed for Netflix is 3 Mbps.  However, you will likely benefit from a speedier connection if you regularly:

•    Use your broadband at the same time as other people in your home to download films or large online files regularly
•    Use online TV catch-up services from more than one device
•    Upload videos and other large files to the web
•    Play video games online
•    Use video-calling services, such as Skype, Zoom, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams
•    Speeds of 38 Mbps to 76 Mbps should put an end to any stuttering and buffering of on-demand TV

The activities that consume less data are the simplest: sending emails (1 Mbps), browsing the web/social media sites, as well as doing video calls (3-5 Mbps). Playing online games also doesn't actually consume much data (3-6 Mbps). But your data consumption climbs as soon as you start streaming HD TV shows and movies (5-10 Mbps), which can go to as high as 25 Mbps if you watch in 4K Ultra High Definition.

To ensure that you can do these things without a hitch, here's how fast of a plan you'll need to pay for:
•    Emails: 1 Mbps minimum
•    Web browsing: 5-10 Mbps
•    Social media: 10 Mbps minimum
•    Video calls and HD content streaming: 10-20 Mbps (Teams, Zoom, Skype, etc)
•    Online games: 25-35 Mbps, more so if you livestream
•    4K content streaming: 35 Mbps minimum (Ultra high definition TV)

Cablewatch plan of 150Mbps is ideal for users in this category.

Streaming media (i.e. Netflix):

Most of the time, media streaming services say that you need at least 5 Mbps to watch content in Full HD (1080p) resolution, and at least a 25 Mbps if you want to watch 4K. But the thing is, this only matters on ONE device. If you want everybody else in your home to watch at the same resolution you do, on their own devices, you'll need a bit more speed than just 5-25 Mbps (megabits per second).

More devices, more bandwidth required: Similar to streaming HD media to multiple devices at once, it's also important to get enough download speed internet service provider. A good baseline download speed is 200 Mbps, which should be enough for a data-hungry home of 4 users.

Cablewatch plan of 300Mbps is ideal for users in this category.

Now that Wi-Fi is a big part of our everyday lives, users seem to constantly talk about getting a faster internet speed on their devices. In addition, electronic device manufacturers, such as cell phone companies, race year-in-year-out to come up top in the device speed.
Users flock to the shopping carts whenever there is a new product launch which typically includes faster speed capability to match their high-speed Internet. But How Fast Should Wi-Fi Be?

The answer really depends on the individual needs of a household; what kind of online activities, what devices, and how many devices are simultaneously connected to the home Wi-Fi network. Users who only do basic internet surfing and emailing doesn’t have the same Wi-Fi speed requirements as avid online gamers. While 25 Mbps may be fast enough for light internet use, a gamer might need at least 250 Mbps to have a satisfying gaming experience.

Here’s a general guide on what speed is required for different types of online work:

Most regular families (average 4 people) with regular needs and multiple devices connected at a time will be more than happy with 250 Mbps.