This article was published in 2011 and updated in October 2026.
In 2011 we asked why some people still resisted paying a little more for a fast broadband internet connection. Today the question has turned around: providers advertise gigabit speeds everywhere, and many households wonder whether they’re paying for more speed than they need. Here’s how to work out which connection is right for you — and when faster broadband really is worth it.
Suggested reading: 8 ways to improve your internet connection speed
When a basic plan is enough
A slower, cheaper plan (for example 50–100 Mbit/s) is usually fine if:
- you live alone or with one other person,
- you mainly browse, send email, use social media and stream in HD on one or two screens,
- you rarely download large files or games.
In that case, paying for 1 Gbit/s won’t make web pages load noticeably faster — and if your Wi-Fi is the bottleneck, you won’t even reach the higher speed.
When faster broadband is worth it
- Bigger households: several people streaming 4K video, gaming and video-calling at the same time.
- Working from home: video conferences, large file uploads and cloud backups need a good upload speed — often the real weak spot of DSL and cable plans.
- Gamers and content creators: game downloads of 100 GB and more, live streaming and uploading videos benefit from fast, symmetrical fibre connections and low latency.
- Smart homes: many connected cameras and devices add up.
Being too economical can cost you
Saving a few dollars a month is sensible — but not if a slow or unreliable connection costs you working time, ruins video calls or makes the whole household wait. Think about the value of a good connection, not just the price. Often the best upgrade isn’t a faster plan, but a better technology: a fibre connection is usually more stable and has a much faster upload than DSL at a similar price.
Check the real speed before you upgrade
Before paying for more, test your current speed with a computer connected to the router by cable. If the wired speed matches your plan but Wi-Fi is slow, a better router or a mesh system will help more than a faster plan. If even the wired speed is far below what you pay for, contact your provider — see also possible reasons for a slow internet connection.
Don’t forget security
Whatever speed you choose, protect your connection and devices: keep the router updated, use a strong Wi-Fi password and follow our tips to improve your internet security.
Priyangshu
Aug 07. 2011
Yeah , you are right ! Broadband internet connection is really costly !!!
admin
Aug 07. 2011
So you’re also one among the people who feel that broadband internet connection is costly … As Paul says, One should not think of what he gives but think about what he gets !! Though we spend additional $10 for the broadband, it is worth it
techatlast
Aug 08. 2011
Truely, if we look at what Paul just said, He said that broadband internet is too costlier than any other internet connection but when we now consider the type of benefits that the user is going to be enjoying after signup for a broadband deals, you will agree with me that broadband internet connection is not that costlier but it is only for those who have the ability to use it and even those who wants to access the internet at the very fastest speed in town.
BTW: Most broadband internet offers do come with data bundling, so you get more for your money than on any other connection method in town.
@Karan, you just have to listen to what your parent advise you to do because trying to do otherwise is not good enough.
Thanks for your point too 🙂
karan
Aug 07. 2011
What if your parents don’t agree about having a broadband:D
admin
Aug 07. 2011
In that case, we need to drop the idea 😀
Anthony Goctich
Aug 10. 2011
I wished the price of the connection go down so that i can sit for on and on and on reading blogs 😀
MANMOHAN
Aug 16. 2011
very nice blog and informative.
admin
Aug 16. 2011
Thanks Manmohan …for stopping by and commenting 🙂
Suraj
Sep 02. 2011
I’ve always felt that its a Good thing!
wphoet
Feb 12. 2012
i used broadband technology, but in my country to many choice for broadbrand product. ex: unlimited pro($120) the give you unlimited internet fo 1 month with high speed bandwith. another product is unlimited phone ($1) for one week used. this product means you can used unlimited for your mobile phone, but can’t used in desktop pc. i choice the unlimited phone because just $1 for a week lol, just change the dns and add some tools on the pc and this product can used on my destkop pc. its very cheep LOL
Harsh
Feb 24. 2012
For once I went crazy with the title.. Can;t think of a day without high speed connection.. 🙂
admin
Feb 24. 2012
Thanks for stopping by and commenting … Harsh