What is internet speed, and how much do you need?

Ever had Netflix freeze mid-plot twist? Or a video call go all pixelated just as you’re saying something important? It’s tempting to yell, “The internet’s slow again!” – but what does that actually mean? 

Let’s dive into the difference between internet speed and bandwidth, how they affect your online experience, and how to figure out what your household really needs. 
 

Bandwidth vs speed 

First up, let’s talk about something related to speed – bandwidth. 

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data your internet connection can handle at any one time. It’s essentially your capacity for how much data can flow between your home and the outside network. 

You’ve probably seen numbers like “100/20” on your plan. That’s your bandwidth! 

• Download bandwidth is the first number and refers to how fast your connection receives data. 

• Upload bandwidth is the second number – how fast your connection sends data. 

These figures are measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). 

Speed, on the other hand, is a measure of how fast that data is moving at any given moment. It’s influenced by your bandwidth, but also by a bunch of other things – like your Wi-Fi setup, how many people are online, and even the time of day. 

To put it simply: 

• Bandwidth = capacity (how much data can move) 

• Speed = performance (how fast data is moving at a point in time) 

Another way to imagine it is to think of your internet connection as a highway. 

• Your internet data is the cars. 

• Bandwidth is the number of lanes. 

• Speed is how fast those cars travel. 

If only one or two devices are online, all cars cruise along without interruption. But if the whole household is streaming, gaming, and video calling at once, it’s like peak-hour traffic. On a lower bandwidth plan, this can cause your network to become congested. 

Adding more lanes (increasing your bandwidth) means more data can move through at once, keeping things decongested even at busy times. 

How much bandwidth do you need? 

Well, that depends! You’ll need to ask yourself 3 questions: 

1. How many devices are connected?

The average Aussie household has over 25 internet-connected devices (yep, really!). That includes phones, laptops, TVs, tablets, gaming consoles, security cameras – even your fridge if it feels like it. Each one takes a slice of your bandwidth pie. 

2. What are those devices doing?

Not all online activities demand equal bandwidth. Things like checking emails only use a little, but streaming in 4K or online gaming? Now that’s a bigger bite. 

Some activities cause short bursts of high usage – like a couple of semi-trailers merging onto our highway. If there’s not enough space, traffic can slow down.  

3. When is your household online

Most homes hit peak usage between 7–11pm, when everyone’s home and online. If your household is buzzing during those hours, your bandwidth needs can spike big time. 

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a clearer idea of what kind of plan suits your household. Still unsure? Check out the guides under each of our plans to help match your usage to the right option. 

It’s not always bandwidth! 

Upgrading your internet plan might help—but it’s not always a magic fix. There are other things that can affect your internet performance. 

Your Wi-Fi setup 

Poor Wi-Fi coverage or outdated gear can slow things down, even on a high-bandwidth plan. That’s why it’s important to make sure your in-home setup is working as well as it can before upgrading your plan. Check out how to do this here. 

Your provider’s network 

Even with a fast plan, a poorly-optimised provider network can cause high latency. That’s when your data takes a long or inefficient route to its destination, or when the network is too congested during busy times. 

If you’re a gamer, you’ll know what lag feels like – that annoying delay between pressing a button and seeing something happen. That’s latency in action. It’s a big deal for gamers, but it also affects streaming, video calls, and general browsing. 

So, if you’re having internet problems, remember – there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. It’s not always about bandwidth!