The need for fast and reliable internet has exploded in recent years. In 2020, the average U.S. household had around 10 connected devices. Today, that number is projected to climb to 20 devices per household in 2025. According to recent studies, 62% of Americans rely on a high-speed internet connection for their livelihood. With over 30 years of experience in telecommunications, I’ve witnessed this digital shift firsthand. What once was simply streaming movies in my home has now evolved into remote work, virtual learning, smart home devices, telehealth, and much more — all competing for bandwidth.
This ever-increasing reliance on connectivity can bring its share of frustrations, especially when trying to decipher internet speeds and terminology. And let’s be honest — if you’ve ever stared blankly at your router wondering why your internet is buffering again, you’re not alone. The world of internet speeds — Mbps, gigabit, upload vs. download — can feel like a whole new language, and we’ve all been there.
At United Communications, our goal is to make the entire internet process easy from start to finish. That’s why we want to cut through the jargon and help you understand internet options and speeds so you can choose the perfect plan for your needs. Consider this your ultimate guide, built from the questions we hear most often.
Understanding Your Internet Options: Fiber, Cable, 5G, and More
Choosing the right type of internet can be overwhelming with so many options available. Let’s clear up the confusion with some answers to your most common questions.
1. How does fiber differ from DSL or cable internet?
The biggest difference is the way data is transmitted. Fiber uses light to carry data, providing significantly faster speeds, more reliability, and equal upload and download speeds. This is a significant upgrade compared to older technologies like DSL (which relies on phone lines) and cable (which shares bandwidth with your neighbors). Considering a switch from satellite or cable? Learn more about how these connections compare here.
2. What’s the difference between fiber internet and 5G connection?
First, 5G internet is not fiber. It’s cellular/wireless technology, so not as reliable as fiber. 5G works differently than fiber. Fiber uses physical cables to deliver a consistent and dedicated connection directly to your home or business. 5G is a wireless technology that relies on radio waves, which can be affected by factors like distance from the tower and network congestion.
To help you better understand the differences, here’s a short video our team put together:
3. How much internet speed do I need for my household?
The ideal speed depends on how many devices you have and what you do online. United offers a variety of high-speed fiber internet plans, including blazing-fast 1 Gig and multi-Gig options (like 2 Gig and 8 Gig fiber)— perfect for large households, remote workers, gamers, and heavy streamers. Check out our guide to help you choose the best internet plan or reach out to our local customer service team today for personalized assistance!
Managing and Improving Your Internet Speed at Home
With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can easily manage and optimize your internet speed from home. Here’s how:
1. Why isn’t my internet performing at its best?
Several things can impact your internet speed. While your chosen plan’s speed is a primary factor, website performance, software updates on your devices, and the number of devices using your Wi-Fi can all play a role. Keep in mind, each device using your Wi-Fi shares a portion of the bandwidth.
2. How can I fix internet interruptions?
Internet disruptions can happen for various reasons. A good first step in troubleshooting common issues with your internet is to try the classic reset: unplug your modem and router, wait a minute, and plug them back in. Also, double-check all your cables and run a speed test. If the problem continues, our United Communications team is always ready to assist you.
3. How can I boost my internet speed and Wi-Fi signal at home?
Improving your home network speed can be as simple as prioritizing certain devices or disconnecting those you aren’t actively using. Our team at United created this guide to improve your internet speed from home to help you think through the best option for enhancing your online experience.
4. How many devices can my internet plan handle?
As a general guideline:
- 300 Mbps: Suitable for around 5-7 devices for typical use like streaming, browsing, and emailing.
- 1 Gig: Can comfortably handle 10+ devices with heavy usage like simultaneous streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming.
- Multi-Gig: Designed for households with a very high number of devices and bandwidth-intensive activities running at the same time.
At United Communications, we designed our Broadband Labels to demystify internet plans, ensuring consumers are well-informed about the plans and prices they choose.
5. Does distance from the router affect speed?
Yes, the farther away your device is from your Wi-Fi router, the weaker the signal and potentially slower the speed. United offers routers with advanced WiFi 6 technology for better coverage. For homes with large or hard-to-reach areas, I recommend looking into our mesh Wi-Fi systems that work with your main router to create a seamless blanket of connectivity throughout your entire home.
6. Do I need to upgrade my router to get faster speeds?
Potentially. United provides high-performing routers optimized for our fiber network. If you’re using your own older router, it might not be capable of handling the faster speeds you’re paying for, leading to slower performance.
7. Is wired (Ethernet) faster than Wi-Fi?
Generally, yes. A wired Ethernet connection provides a more stable and often faster connection than Wi-Fi because it’s a direct physical link, less susceptible to interference.
8. How do I test my internet speed?
You can easily check your current internet speed using our speed test tool: https://united.speedtestcustom.com/
Internet Upload and Download Speeds
Many competing internet providers advertise fast speeds, but they often focus only on download speeds, leaving upload performance overlooked and underdelivered. Here are some of the most common questions we get about internet upload and download speeds:
1. What’s the difference between internet upload and download speeds?
Think of it this way:
- Download speed: How quickly you receive information from the internet (like loading a webpage or streaming a movie).
- Upload speed: How quickly you send information to the internet (like sending an email with an attachment or participating in a video call).
Speed is the maximum rate of data transfer, while bandwidth is the total amount of data your connection can handle at once.
2. Why are upload speeds important to consider?
While many internet providers focus on download speeds (asymmetrical connections), don’t underestimate the power of a good upload speed, especially if you work or learn from home. Every time you send an email, collaborate on cloud documents, share photos or videos, or participate in video conferences, you’re using your upload speed. Unlike many other providers, United’s fiber internet offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, meaning you get the same fast performance in both directions.
3. What are good upload and download speeds?
For today’s internet demands, especially if you are regularly online, you’ll want to look for plans with download and upload speeds with a minimum of 300 Mbps or higher. Fiber networks are often the best solution for achieving these symmetrical speeds, so check if United’s fiber is available in your area!
United Communications: Connecting You to What Matters Most
Ready for fast internet that keeps up with every chapter of your life? Explore our residential and business internet plans today. With our three-month fiber guarantee, you can try us risk-free! If you’re not fully satisfied, simply cancel within three months for a full refund*.
*eBill and Autopay must be active on your account to qualify for the refund.
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Author Bio:
BJ Webb
Director of Sales & Marketing at United Communications
With over 30 years of executive experience in telecommunications and cybersecurity, BJ Webb is passionate about eliminating the digital divide. She is actively involved in Project UNITE, an initiative to provide fast, reliable broadband service to every under-connected home or business in the Tennessee mid-state region. BJ’s expertise was honed through years of corporate business experience in various sales, marketing, business operations, and business transformation roles. Before joining United Communications, BJ worked for more than 25 years leading product marketing and marketing teams. She is passionate about serving customers and providing them with the best possible experience.
BJ earned her MBA from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business in 2020 with specializations in Digital Marketing, Strategic Innovation, and Finance. She also holds a certificate in Design Thinking from the University of Texas at Austin, a certificate in Marketing Strategy and a certificate in Data-Driven Marketing from Cornell University, a micro-credential in Organizational Transformation from the Project Management Institute, and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Illinois. BJ and her family reside in Spring Hill, TN.