You deserve better video calls
Most internet plans talk about their download speed – which makes sense because home internet customers typically use more download than upload. But with the growth of work from home, school from home, and more and more (and MORE) video calls where you need to be seen, be heard, and get a word in at the right moment without the dreaded “freeze face,” having fast uploads is more important than ever.
What’s the difference between download and upload speeds?
If you’ve ever gotten a file, a form, a system update, you’ve heard of download speed. It’s how quickly you can download something from the internet, be it loading websites, grabbing large files, or streaming shows and movies.
And perhaps because there was a time when download was the most understood by internet customers, that’s what internet companies focus on. But do you know how much upload speed your internet company promises you, too?
The importance of upload speeds
At a basic level, upload speeds determine how fast you can send data from your computer or device to the internet. Sure, that includes uploading files and posting photos on social media. But sometimes people don’t realize that upload speeds also determine the quality of your video calls. (AKA: you sending you to the internet.) Plus, the more people on a conference call means you need more speed in both directions to see and come in clear.
Up to 77x faster upload speeds than average cable internet*
There’s been a lot of advances in webcams – HD, autofocus, fancy lenses – but even the newest technology won’t make up for a lack of bandwidth when it comes to upload speeds. And when it comes down to it, we believe everyone deserves professional looking and sounding video calls (among all the other things everyone in your home is doing), and we want everyone to pay attention to the upload speed they’re promised with their internet plan.
So yes, our 1 Gig download speeds are as fast down as they are up. But our customers’ results at Speedtest.net are only half the story. The other half is video workers, learners, teachers, socializers, and more having all the speed they need to look and feel their best online.
*Speed claim based on the FCC’s January 4, 2021 Measuring Broadband America report, using the US weighted median speed experienced with cable of 172 Mbps for download and 12 Mbps for upload.