Gigabit Internet

Gigabit Internet is an Internet connection that can reach speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps) which is the same as one gigabit per second (Gbps). This makes for a super-fast connection with more data for streaming, gaming and working from home. It’s best for homes with multiple smart devices and multiple users, or for users who spend a lot of time doing data-intensive activities online.

Gigabit Internet over a fiber-optic connection provides an average download/upload speed of 940 Mbps due to overhead capacity reserved to deliver the data. This bandwidth will allow Internet use on multiple devices without any buffering or lagging.

Actual speeds experienced will vary, especially when accessing the Internet wirelessly. A wired Ethernet connection will maximize the benefits of gigabit Internet, however, you will still need to ensure the router is updated, as older routers cannot handle gigabit bandwidth. For wireless connections using Wi-Fi, ensure the router supports the latest generation of Wi-Fi, currently Wi-Fi 6. Devices like phones and laptops connected to your Internet will also need to support the latest Wi-Fi standards in order to get the fastest speeds.

The higher bandwidth provided over a gigabit connection means activities that require a lot of bandwidth can be downloaded or uploaded quickly. Some examples are streaming 4K video (ideal for cord cutters), downloading or uploading large files with high quality graphics, gaming, video conferencing, and supporting multiple users and devices at the same time.