How to choose the Correct Fibre Line Speed and Data Package.

Fibre internet has changed the face of digital communication and everything that comes with it. Just as the internet changed the way we work, shop, socialize and even the way we kick-back and entertain ourselves, so Fibre is changing the way we use the internet.

Our previous connection to the online world was (for the most part) via copper phone lines. These copper cables were limited in the speeds they could offer us. They degraded, eroded and (in South Africa at least) were very often stolen!

Copper phone lines were designed for voice calls. While they adapted bravely to the task of converting analogue signals into digital messages, that was never what they were designed to do.

Fibre, on the other hand, has been developed with binary code in mind. It’s remarkably simple. Computers run on binary code, which is made up of ones and zeroes.

Fibre communicates that code using light. When the light is on – that’s a one. When it’s off – that’s a zero.

Fibre cables are made up of glass (sort of) fibres that carry these light messages. These messages are sent too fast for the human eye to detect – so if you had to look at an active Fibre line it would simply appear to be glowing. You wouldn’t be able to see the light flashing on and off.

What this means is that your binary message is essentially able to travel at the speed of light. The devices situated at either end of the Fibre are configured to control how many megabits of data (emails, photos etc.) are transmitted per second – hence, control the speed at which your Fibre line operates.

So, how do you figure out which is the correct line speed for you?

We have put together a simple guide to help you choose the correct line speed and data package for your specific needs.

What Line Speed Do I Need?

Under 10 Mbps: These are similar speeds to what you get with a good ADSL line, but 100% more reliable.

Ideally suited to:

  • Two to three devices
  • Checking email
  • Browsing online (including social media)
  • Occasional media downloads (photos and music)
  • Occasional streaming on YouTube, etc.
  • Streaming for one user at a time

10 Mbps – 40 Mbps: This speed bracket will give you a better sense of what Fibre can do than you would at under 10 Mbps.

This speed bracket is suited to:

  • Three to five devices
  • Media-rich data downloads
  • HD Streaming
  • Working online in real time
  • Email
  • Browsing
  • Social Media
  • VoIP calls
  • Video chat

50 Mbps – 100 Mbps: This is what Fibre is all about. The only thing faster is standing in front of someone and talking to them face-to-face, and even then we’re not sure if this wouldn’t maybe be faster.

Ideally suited to:

  • Multiple data-intensive devices (as in a big company)
  • Media-rich data downloads at High Speeds
  • HD Streaming by multiple users
  • Working online in real time
  • Email
  • Browsing
  • Social Media
  • VoIP calls
  • Video chat with zero lag times by several users at once

How much data do I need?

20 – 50 GB: Light internet usage. This is a good option for your home if you have only one or two devices connceted to the internet at any given time.

  • Send and receive emails
  • Browse news and social media
  • Upload and Download documents
  • View or upload photos and light media

50 – 200 GB: Ideal for moderate to significant internet usage, this is a good option for your home if your family is fairly active online, or for a small business which is not actually working online.

  • Send and receive emails
  • Browse news and social media
  • Upload and Download documents
  • HD media downloads and uploads
  • Streaming
  • Gaming
  • Occasional VoIP calls

200 – 2000 GB: If you have numerous devices connected all the time which need to:

  • Send and receive emails
  • Browse news and social media
  • Upload and Download documents
  • Unlimited HD media downloads and uploads
  • Streaming multiple channels
  • Gaming non-stop
  • Frequent VoIP calls
  • Working in real time
  • Data-intensive applications

Uncapped: Give unlimited access to as many devices as you need to without ever worrying about running out of data.

  • Send and receive emails
  • Browse news and social media
  • Upload and Download documents
  • Unlimited HD media downloads and uploads
  • Streaming multiple channels
  • Gaming non-stop
  • Frequent VoIP calls
  • Working in real time
  • Data-intensive applications

Still not sure? Let Bill Explain it to you: 

Ready to get online with the fastest internet available? Visit our Fibre Page to see if you’re covered.

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