We all have seen those internet provider advertisements on the street: 5Mbps connection for 500tk! 10Mbps connection for 1000tk! etc., etc.
We also see different claims that certain speeds will download a 2-3 GB movie in just 1 minute or that your video calls will stream 1080p without any interruptions.
But what do they mean?
Well, it's very simple to figure out what those claims mean because this article will discuss all things related to internet speed and how to harness its power for your daily internet usage.
1: What is Internet Speed?
Assuming we already know what the Internet is and how it works, internet speed is the time it takes to transfer data from one server to your device of choice. It is measured in megabytes per second.
When you have slow internet, it means the data transfer is slow, and websites will take longer to load. On the contrary, high-speed internet is a buffer-free user experience where everything loads faster, and data transfer is more efficient.
2: What is Internet Bandwidth?
Although it's different from internet speed, it's important to understand what is Bandwidth. It essentially means the maximum amount of data that can be uploaded and downloaded per second.
Bandwidth is usually measured in Megabits per second (MBps) or Gigabits per second (Gbps). You must consider the bandwidth speed before selecting your internet service plan.
For example, If an ISP offers a network bandwidth of 10 Mbps, it indicates the network cannot transmit data faster than 10 Mbps in any given environment.
3: What is a Megabit Per Second (Mbps)?
This is a unit of measurement for internet speed. The Mbps number indicates the rate at which data is being uploaded and downloaded from the Internet to Internet-supported devices. One Mbps equals one million bits.
For both office and home internet, a minimum of 5 Mbps is required to enjoy a stable connection for primary internet usage.
Now that we have covered the basics, let's explore some tips and tricks for improving your internet speed.
Select Your Internet Speed Preference
There are so many options to choose from. The speed range will vary depending on why you use the internet in the first place.
We can categorise the usage into three terms: light, medium, and high.
General web browsing, emails, and video streaming are considered as usage speed of light internet use. 3-8 Mbps is best for this type of internet use.
Online gaming and video-on-demand streaming would require medium internet use. 10-15 Mbps is ideal for this type of use.
Finally, more than one high-demand device that needs high internet speed is considered high internet usage. 25 and above Mbps will be required to power such intense use of the internet.
Don't Break Your Wallet
By now, it's evident that the higher the internet speed, the better the user experience will be. Unfortunately, that also increases the cost of acquiring that level of high internet speed. Internet service providers in Bangladesh can charge anywhere between 500 tk and 2000 tk for a decent internet package.
Therefore, customers must be smart about what internet speed they need and the correct amount they should pay.
If you are on the hunt for an ISP that offers a range of broadband internet prices in Bangladesh that won't break your wallet, look into AmberIT, a one-stop smart internet service provider that offers a range of bundle packages that best suit your interests.
Ideal Internet Speed for Bangladeshi Users
Although there is no “ideal” internet speed, most Bangladeshi Users prefer their internet speed to be between 5 Mbps and 25 Mbps. A general rule of thumb is that a good upload speed is around 10Mbps, and a fast download speed is around 80-100 Mbps.
Are you still confused? If so, then let's break it down into two parts.
Home User: Social Media and Web browsing will need only 1Mbps, whereas a quick File download will require around 25mbps. HD Video streaming/ online gaming should take around 3-4 Mbps to render.
Office User: Remote employees might require 25Mbps for an efficient workday. Constant emailing and file download/upload require 5-10 Mbps. You can expect HD video conferences for 6-8 Mbps.
Final Thoughts
So there you go. I hope you learned quite a bit about Internet Speed and how to pick what speed is right for you. Preferences will vary from person to person. You can also talk to your ISP for a better understanding of what speed providers offer along with your desired internet speed connection.