What Is High-Speed Internet?

High-speed internet, or broadband internet, is internet service with download speeds of at least 25 Mbps. This term used to mean anything faster than dial-up internet, but as residential customer demands have increased, technology has improved.

Websites and apps are now more content-heavy, with videos, images, Flash animations, and other components. You need higher download speeds to match.

Keep in mind that your upload speeds might not match your advertised download speed. If you like to upload HD videos or photos to Facebook or Flickr, you’ll want upload speeds of 25 Mbps or faster.

If you need an upgrade, know that DSL, cable, and fiber-optic internet networks have become available in more areas. Fiber-optic internet providers like Verizon Fios tend to have more symmetrical speeds (upload speeds that match download speeds). Satellite internet speeds have vastly improved, too, which is good news for rural areas.

How much is high-speed internet?

Prices for high-speed internet start around $25–$40 in most areas, but costs can go up to $300 per month for gigabit internet speeds (about 1,000 Mbps or more). The average price for decent cable internet speeds (25 Mbps through 100 Mbps) is more like $50 per month.

What internet speed is right for you?

If your broadband internet isn’t quite 25 Mbps or more, then you may want to upgrade to a cable internet or fiber-optic provider with high-speed internet plans.

And while faster speeds are usually better, keep in mind your actual needs. A single user with a laptop, phone, and tablet doesn’t need nearly the same speeds as a house full of people with each of those devices.