How Fast Should Broadband Be for Watching TV?

512 Kilobits Per Second

According to UK Broadband Guide, you need a broadband connection cable of at least 512 kilobits per second (kbps) if you want to stream television comfortably. Ideally, you would have a 2 megabits per second (mbps) line if you have to share a connection with other computers.

24 Megabits Per Second

A basic 512 kbps offers only the bare minimum needed to watch average quality television online. If you want to stream DVD quality television, you will need a line rated for 24 mbps. In addition, you probably will not get the maximum speed your Internet service provider offers for your line.

Bottom Line

The broadband speed you need stream television depends on the quality of television you want and if you share your connection. For a single user, 512 kbps is about the lowest you can go without watching online television at poor quality and with a lot of buffering time. Ideally, you would have a super-fast connection of 24 mbps or greater.

References

• UK Broadband Guide: Speeds
• Yahoo! News: Actual Broadband Speeds Rarely as Fast as Advertised