What internet speed do I need?
How is internet speed measured and what does Mbit/s mean?
Have you ever wondered how internet speed is measured and what those complicated-sounding terms Mbit/s, Gbit/s, gigabit internet and high-speed internet actually mean?
Internet speed is the rate at which data is transmitted over the internet. It is usually measured in bits per second (bit/s). The most common units of internet speed are Mbit/s and Gbit/s, which stand for megabits per second and gigabits per second, respectively. One megabit is equal to one million bits and one gigabit is equal to one billion bits. A bit is the smallest unit in a computer. Eight bits make up a byte - which is one letter. Mbit/s and Gbit/s are download and upload speeds and indicate how fast data can be downloaded from or uploaded to the internet. For example, a 100 Mbit/s connection can download data at a speed of 100 million bits per second.
What is my current internet speed? |
Speeds from 1'000 Mbit/s are often indicated in Gbit/s. For example, 1'000 Mbit/s is referred to as 1 Gbit/s or 10'000 Mbit/s is referred to as 10 Gbit/s.
Gigabit internet offers speeds of 1 Gbit/s or more, making it incredibly fast and suitable for data-intensive tasks such as streaming high-definition video, your favorite TV show or online games.
The term high-speed internet generally refers to internet connections with speeds from 50 Mbit/s.
Understanding how internet speed is measured is crucial to choosing the right internet subscription for your needs. It's up to you to decide whether you need a basic connection for surfing the web or a super-fast gigabit internet connection for more demanding activities.
Why is the speed of my internet at home important?
The speed of your home internet connection is an important aspect of our modern, connected lifestyle that affects many aspects of our online experience. There are several reasons why home internet connection speed is important.
First, internet speed affects the way we interact online. A fast internet connection allows for smooth browsing, quick loading of web pages, and seamless streaming of video, television, or music. No one wants to waste valuable time waiting for pages to load or dealing with constant buffer overflow issues while trying to enjoy their favorite content.
Second, internet speed is critical for sharing content and data. Whether it's emailing large files, uploading photos and videos to social networks, or performing online backups, a faster connection makes these tasks more efficient and less frustrating.
More stable and faster internet at home? |
A stable and fast internet connection is also essential in the home office. As more and more people work from home, their productivity depends heavily on internet performance. Slow connections can hinder file transfers, video conferencing participation, and access to company resources.
In short, the speed of your home internet connection directly impacts your online experience, whether it's simply browsing, streaming content, or working productively. Investing in adequate internet speed will help you get the most out of your connected life and enjoy a seamless and efficient online experience.
What internet speed do I need?
Occasional usersIf you use the internet occasionally to check your e-mail or read the latest online news, you can get by with a slightly slower internet connection. For occasional users, we recommend an internet subscription with 100 Mbit/s. |
Everyday usersMany people use the internet every day for a variety of activities: scrolling through social media, watching videos, chatting, checking email, browsing websites, and so on. Often, multiple devices are connected to the internet at the same time. For everyday users, we recommend an internet speed between 500 Mbit/s und 1 Gbit/s. |
Online gamingIn online gaming, every millisecond counts. A fast and stable internet connection is essential. The speed of your internet connection also determines whether downloading a new game or update takes a few seconds or one hour. For online gaming, we recommend an internet speed of at least 1 Gbit/s, ideally 10 Gbit/s. |
Streaming and internet TVDo you like to watch shows and movies on streaming platforms like Netflix or Disney? Or do you watch your favorite TV show or football game over the internet? For a perfect experience without interruptions and buffering problems, you need a fast enough internet connection. For streaming fans and TV enthusiasts, we recommend an internet speed of 1 Gbit/s. If you have multiple family members gaming and streaming, a higher performance is recommended. |
Home officeIf you regularly work from home, a reliable and stable internet connection is essential. Video conferencing in particular requires a fast internet connection for uploading and downloading. For home office work, we recommend an internet subscription of at least 500 Mbit/s or 1 Gbit/s. Note that if several people are working in the home office, a line with lower speeds may already be reaching its limits. |
Better enoughWant to be prepared for all eventualities and always have enough bandwidth? If you want the best of the best to be on the safe side, we recommend a 2.5 Gbit/s or 10 Gbit/s internet connection. |
Families and multi-person householdsBandwidth is important for families and multi-person households who want to do a variety of internet activities on multiple devices at the same time. In this case, add some speed to the above examples. |
Please note that these are general recommendations and the actual speed required may vary depending on individual usage patterns and the number of connected devices in the household. It is always a good idea to choose an internet subscription with a slightly higher speed to ensure a smooth online experience.
It's important that the speed is designed for peak usage times: for example, in the evening when everyone is at home streaming, playing games, or video chatting. This is when the internet needs to run smoothly.
What internet speed is available at my location? |
With Green, you surf on the best network in Switzerland at a fair price. The Swisscom network provides Switzerland with powerful and super-fast broadband technologies. Network expansion continues: fiber optic network coverage in Switzerland will be expanded by the end of 2025.
If the bandwidth you need is not currently available in your area, keep an eye on the market. As soon as your location is covered, we will be happy to provide you with high-speed internet and to advise you with our competent support team.
With Green, you surf on the Swisscom network.
Still not sure? Give us a call. |