To choose the right Internet service speed for your home, consider the bandwidth requirements of each device and activity that will be running simultaneously.

• 4K Streaming (TV):
  • Requires about 25 Mbps per stream.

• HD Streaming (TV or Device):
• Requires about 5-8 Mbps per stream.

• Video Conferencing (Zoom or similar):
• HD Video Conferencing: Requires about 3-5 Mbps up and down.
• Group Video Conferencing in HD: Requires about 5-8 Mbps up and down.

To calculate the total bandwidth needed, add up the requirements for all the devices and activities you expect to use at the same time. For example:

• 4K TV: 25 Mbps
• HD TV: 8 Mbps
• 2 Devices Streaming in HD: 2 x 8 Mbps = 16 Mbps
• Video Conferencing: 8 Mbps

Total Estimated Bandwidth:

• 25 + 8 + 16 + 8 = 57 Mbps

• Overhead and Fluctuations:
  • Add about 20-30% extra to your calculated total to account for network fluctuations, background tasks, and overhead. For example, 57 Mbps plus 30% would be about 74 Mbps.

• Simultaneous Usage:
• Consider how many people and devices will be using the Internet simultaneously. More devices may require additional bandwidth.

• Future Proofing:
• Consider getting a slightly higher speed than you calculate to accommodate future needs, additional devices, or to prevent slowdowns during peak usage times.

Given the example above, a plan that offers at least 100 Mbps should be sufficient.

For multiple high-bandwidth activities simultaneously or to ensure a smooth experience with no slowdowns, consider a 200 Mbps or higher plan.

If you have a large household or foresee increased usage, a plan in the range of 300-500 Mbps might be more appropriate.

Also, ensure the upload speed meets your needs, especially for video conferencing and cloud services, as many standard plans focus primarily on download speed.