Do you need gigabit internet: burning questions answered
Matthew Harrington
November 13, 2024
This is a question many people are asking as they consider upgrading their internet package from Megabits to Gigabits. If you are just browsing the web, checking email and social media, then you probably don’t need it. But if you are a power user who uses their computer for gaming, 4K video streaming or other bandwidth-intensive activities, then a Gigabit Internet can make a big difference. It’s also important to consider the future. As more and more devices in your home connect to the internet, Gigabit speeds will become increasingly necessary to keep everything running smoothly. But what is gigabit internet and what can you do with it? How does it work? Which service providers have the best Gig plans? HomeLinkd shares their knowledge on these questions so that you can make the right decision.
What is gigabit internet?
A gigabit is a unit of digital information that equals one billion bits. This data can be used to represent different types of information, including text, images, and music. One gigabit can also be used to store a large amount of data, such as an entire movie or video game. Gigabit internet is a term used to describe a type of connection that is capable of transmitting data at speeds of 1 gigabit per second (1 Gbps). This is significantly faster than the more common broadband connections, which typically offer speeds between 5-940 Mbps.
Gigabit internet service was first introduced in the early 2010s, with South Korea and Japan being the first countries to offer it. The United States followed suit in 2013, with Google fiber being the first provider. Since then, gigabit internet service has been slowly rolled out across the world, with many countries now offering it in select areas. It is available in 21 states in the United States. If you live in one of the 21 states where it is available, you should definitely consider upgrading to this higher speed option. It is faster than 5G. 5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks, and it promises speeds up to 20 times faster than 4G. However, it is even faster than that, with speeds up to 1,000 times faster than 4G. This makes it perfect for activities like streaming HD video or gaming online.
How does gigabit internet work?
So, how does it work? The answer lies in the infrastructure. To get gigabit internet speeds, you need a fiber-optic connection. Fiber-optic internet was first introduced in the early 2010s. It is a type of broadband internet that uses fiber cables to transmit data at high speeds. It is much faster than traditional cable or DSL internet, and it is able to handle large amounts of data traffic.
The cables are made of thin strands of glass or plastic that transmit data using light. This makes them much faster than traditional copper cables, which transmit data using electrical signals. Fiber-optic internet is also more reliable than copper cables, because they’re not as susceptible to interference from things like power lines and bad weather. That means you can get consistent speeds even if you live in an area with a lot of power outages or severe weather conditions.
What can you do with 1 gigabit internet?
Gigabit internet is incredibly fast and can be used for a variety of tasks. With this type of internet connection, you can download large files quickly, stream HD video without buffering, and play online games without lag. If you work from home or need to transfer large files regularly. Gigabit internet is a great option.
This high-speed internet connection is perfect for businesses and homes that need to connect to the internet at speeds that are much faster than what is typically available. With it, you can download files and stream video at speeds that are up to 1,000 Megabits per second (Mbps). This type of internet connection is also great for gaming and VoIP applications. 1 Gig is more than fast enough to support 4K or 8K video streaming, which is a much higher resolution than watching an HD movie. In fact, most major streaming services now offer 4K content, and some 8K content is starting to become available as well. If you have a Gig internet connection and a 4K or 8K television, you'll be able to enjoy the highest quality video content available.
It's great for multiplayer gaming because it provides a fast and stable connection. This means that players can enjoy a lag-free gaming experience and have an advantage over other players who are using slower speeds. In fact, you can connect up to 255 devices to a single gigabit internet connection! This makes it perfect for large families or businesses with many employees.
What is the downside to gigabit internet?
The downside is that it can be expensive to install and maintain. Also, if you live in an area with limited internet infrastructure, you may not be able to get the speeds you need. Although your upload and download speeds will be very impressive, if you're a singleton, a couple or a small family, you may be paying far more for incredibly fast internet than you may need.
What are the best gigabit internet plans? Top internet providers in the US
Xfinity
The cheapest plan is from Xfinity. It’s their Gigabit Pro plan and it offers 2,000 Mbps (2 Gig) download speeds and 1,000 Mbps upload speeds. If you need even faster speeds, they have a Gigabit Pro Plus plan which offers 4,000 Mbps download speeds and 2,000 Mbps upload speeds.
The AT&T Internet 1000 plan is one of the best and convenient way to get high speed internet. It offers speeds of up to 1000 Mbps and no data caps. You can also get free installation, free equipment and paperless billing with this plan.
Google fiber
Google fiber's service is currently available in select cities across the United States. Google fiber plans start at $70 per month for residential customers while business plans start at $250 per month.
The Spectrum gigabit plan is a great way to get faster internet speeds. With this plan, you will be able to get speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. This is a great option for those who need faster speeds for gaming or other activities.
How much speed do I need for my home internet?
The speed you need for your home internet depends on a few factors. If you only use your internet for basic tasks like browsing the web and checking email, you can get away with a lower speed. But if you do more data-intensive activities like streaming video or playing online games, you'll need a higher speed.
The best way to figure out how much speed you need is to ask yourself how you use the internet and what kinds of activities you do most often. Once you have a good understanding of that, you can choose a plan that will give you the speed you need. Browse our plans here.
Finding the best gigabit internet in 2023
Getting reliable internet can sometimes be a stressful and time-consuming task. However, with HomeLinkd's Gigabit speed guide, you can be comfortable knowing you will have a superior internet experience. Compare internet service providers with HomeLinkd today!
Written by:
Matthew Harrington
I’m Matthew, your go-to tech enthusiast who loves diving deep into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of all things technology. My day job? Breaking down complex systems so you don’t have to! When I’m not geeking out over the latest gadgets, you’ll find me exploring new coding languages or reading about future tech trends. I believe every technical problem has a solution, and I’m here to guide you through them, step by step.
Discover the Best Plans for You
We have a wide selection of plans to choose from, so you can find and select the perfect one to suit your needs.
There's a deal for with fast, reliable and secure internet. With dozens of plans and bundle offer to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice.
CenturyLink is your trusted provider of internet, home phone, and TV services. Whether you're at home or on the go, CenturyLink offer fast and reliable internet.
AT&T offer you a variety of options to get the high-quality services you require, including DSL, fiber optic and fixed wireless networks, streaming and satellite TV services, and extensive 5G coverage.