How fast should AT&T internet be?
Currently, AT&T provides customers with four distinct types of home internet service ranging from simple internet plans with speeds up to 10Mbps to AT&T fiber internet which goes beyond 900Mbps. Well, let us consider, how fast your AT&T Internet is. The answer depends on how many devices are connected and what type of internet usage you have – light, moderate or high.
If you do not go beyond occasional checks of email and rather simple web-based services, it would be more than enough to get an entry-level AT&T Internet speed of approximately 10-25 Mbps. This lets them do simple things such as browsing websites, checking their emails, being active on social media platforms, and even streaming music with limited interruptions. But you would experience problems with the quality of videos that are to be streamed and it would not be advisable to have more than one device to be connected and be using a huge amount of bandwidth.
For typical home usage, which includes streaming high-definition videos, making video calls, playing online games, and having multiple connected devices, what is needed is an AT&T speed of between 50-100 Mbps. These mid-tier plans offer enough data usage to support HD streaming and other applications like video calls and online gaming across devices. But even then, you might notice some buffering when playing 4K video, which is truly high bandwidth.
While for homes with more connected devices, streaming 4K video/VR content, video conferencing, and smart home products, AT&T has higher speed fiber-optic plans that offer up to 1Gbps. These plans are gigabit plans and allow for almost limitless usage for the most data-intensive user but are more expensive. However, for large families that employ 50+ devices or those who are interested in the highest possible speeds, fiber gigabit plans are most probably the most suitable option.
Some key factors determining your ideal AT&T Internet speed include
- Number of users – That is, the more users or connected devices in the network, the higher the required speed.
- Types of devices – Basic versus high-definition streaming devices
- Simultaneous usage - A large number of users/devices at the same time needs more internet connection.
- Usage – Streaming videos, playing games, and video conferencing among others require higher speeds.
Furthermore, it is useful to consider the average and the peak demands for the material, not forgetting that people use cars for daily commuting and occasional long-distance travel. The average daily use will only consist of 25 Mbps while having a 100 Mbps connection allows for bandwidth usage during peak hours.
At times, other factors such as cable bandwidth could potentially limit your speed, despite the internet service provider’s promises. It is also recommended to ensure that you have a Gigabit router so that you can get the full benefits of fiber internet, especially if it is over 900Mbps. Access the router through wireless or directly wired connections because it also influences speed.
AT&T also provides you with the “Fastest Internet” feature where you can enter your home WiFi and Ethernet to get an analysis of the speed. This can confirm whether the plan tier you are currently in is offering the performance level it is expected to. Otherwise, the next step of action is to upgrade to the next level of broadband speeds to address the current and future use of the internet in the home.
In conclusion, AT&T provides its customers with varying internet speed options but most homes need a minimum of 100Mbps for 4k streaming and other devices. However understanding your usage, devices, activity, and connection types will define the suitable package. Using AT&T’s speed test can validate your internet is performing as expected and meets the essential requirements for reliable connectivity.
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.
