How Fast Of An Internet Connection Do You Need? [Free Post]

Why the “Fibre+ Gig” Plan Isn’t Always the Best Choice

A while ago, I spoke with someone about their internet plan, I was surprised to hear they’d signed up for the “Fibre+ Gig” option. But after hearing about how they use the internet, I realized they were throwing money away. I recommended they downgrade to a 300Mbps or, at most, a 600Mbps plan.

Here are five questions answered in this post:

1. Do I really need a high-speed internet plan like “Fibre+ Gig” for my home?
2. How do I know what internet speed and plan suits my household’s needs?
3. Is there a noticeable difference between wired and WiFi speeds, especially with higher-speed plans?
4. What should I consider if I want to save money on my internet bill without compromising performance?
5. Are data caps something I should worry about if I choose a faster internet plan?

Salespeople Don’t Always Ask the Right Questions

It turns out the salesperson who sold them the plan didn’t ask any questions about their needs—they just went straight for the upsell. The woman I talked to said she lives with her husband, and the most demanding thing they do online is watch Netflix or YouTube. She works from home, and her husband works in healthcare, so they’re not even online at the same time most of the day.

Why a Gigabit Connection Might Sound Impressive

I get it; a 940Mbps download speed on a wired connection sounds amazing, and it’s easy to see why that would impress someone who’s not tech-savvy. But I know they’re only using a tiny fraction of that speed and certainly aren’t tapping into the full power of a Fibre+ Gig connection.

Misinformed, Not Their Fault

The thing is, I don’t blame them for the choice they made. They simply weren’t given the information they needed to make a decision that worked for them. And they’re not alone—most people don’t have a clear picture of what they actually need from an internet plan.

How to Choose the Right Internet Plan for You

So, how do you figure out the right plan for you? It depends on how everyone in your household will be using it. Download and upload speeds are important, but speed alone doesn’t tell you whether you get the best value. It just tells you how quickly data can move back and forth—it doesn’t explain if you’re actually using that speed or if it’s worth the cost.

If You’ve Got a Full House, Higher Speeds Might Make Sense

If you have multiple people in your home all using the internet at the same time, higher speeds might make sense. When several devices are streaming, gaming, or downloading files simultaneously, that can create congestion and slow everyone down.

A Fibre Gigabit plan could make a real difference in a case like that. It essentially gives you a bigger “pipe” for data, meaning less frustration and more reliability.

For Smaller Households, High-Speed Might Be Overkill

But if it’s just you and your partner, and your internet habits are pretty relaxed, a gigabit plan is probably overkill. You’d likely get the same experience with 600Mbps or even 300Mbps, but I wouldn’t go below that. And if you ever need more speed, trust me—your provider will be more than happy to upgrade you.

WiFi Limits: Why a Wired Connection Matters

Here’s another thing to remember: you won’t get more than 300Mbps on WiFi.

For anything faster, you’ll need to connect directly with an Ethernet cable. Even though a Fibre connection is more consistent than other types, it’s still only “up to” the advertised speed, not a guaranteed minimum.

4K Streaming Could Be a Game-Changer

An exception might be if you’re streaming 4K content regularly; that does require a bit more bandwidth. But if you’re not a 4K enthusiast, you’re not going to notice a difference between 600Mbps and 1Gbps for things like browsing and regular HD streaming.

Data Caps: Fast Speeds Can Mean Faster Overages

Data caps are another factor. Faster speeds mean you’ll reach your monthly data cap faster, so it’s something to watch out for unless you have an unlimited plan.

Using 5G/LTE at Home? It’s a Different Ball Game

And if you’re using 5G/LTE as your home internet connection, like some rural households, you have different limitations to consider. Wireless connections like these often have lower data caps and can be slower, depending on the cell tower traffic in your area. These connections are shared with mobile phones and may not offer the same consistency as a traditional wired internet plan.

The Bar for High-Speed Internet in Canada Is Pretty Low

Interestingly, anything over 50Mbps download and 10Mbps upload in Canada is labeled as “high-speed.” Yet, from my experience working with rural clients, I know many people still deal with much slower connections, despite what the standards say. Recently, I visited a friend in Sundre, and her download speed was just 30Mbps on LTE. While she could still watch Netflix or join video calls, that’s about the minimum speed I’d recommend for a reliable experience.

Running My Home Business: My Own Speed Needs

For my home business, I prefer at least 700Mbps. However, I don’t consistently get the full 700Mbps because of various factors, which is normal. It’s another reminder that even high-speed plans are “up to” the advertised rate and not guaranteed constant speed.

Why Tailored Internet Plans Matter

Honestly, I think salespeople and even IT professionals should focus more on asking what people need. Instead of just going for the upsell, they should base their recommendations on the actual use. When I help someone figure out what internet plan is best for them, my goal is to ensure they’re getting the most value for their money without overpaying for speed they won’t use.

The Big Takeaway: Don’t Fall for Marketing Hype

Here’s the bottom line: the promises you see in internet ads are usually marketing fluff. Most people don’t need 700Mbps or a Fibre+ Gig plan. Before you sign up, ask about data caps and check if an unlimited option is available.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Needs, Save Your Money

Ultimately, understanding your internet usage and budget will help you avoid wasting money. For one person, 700Mbps is probably unnecessary. But if you’re sharing the internet with family or roommates, that extra bandwidth might make a difference, everyone can appreciate. Choose a plan that fits how you actually use the internet, and you’ll likely end up with money back in your pocket.

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