How to Compare Internet Connections

Compare Internet connections based on data transfer rates.

Internet consumers can compare connection-data-transfer rates. Higher data transfer rates help transfer larger files and applications via email and other web interfaces. A consumer should compare connections based on the kind of data that he wants to transfer.

Up To One Kilobit Per Second

Choose Internet connections between five hundred kilobits per second and one megabit per second for voice-over-internet-protocol or VOIP telephone calls, text email, text and stationary graphic web pages and web radio.

From One To Five Megabits Per Second

Choose Internet connections between one and five megabits per second to browse complex or interactive websites, transfer email with attachments less than 2 Mb, remote video surveillance and standard definition video content.

From Five To 10 Megabits Per Second

Choose Internet connections between five and 10 megabits per second for sharing large files, multiple standard definition video content, multiple streaming video channels, high-definition video downloading and online education courses.

Over 10 Megabits Per Second

Choose Internet connections over 10 megabits per second to use tele-medicine applications, administer educational services, broadcast standard and high definition video content, advanced tele-presence applications and high-definition-surveillance applications.

References

• Speed Matters: 50 State Internet Speed Report

Resources

• CNET: Bandwidth Meter
• Speed Test: The Global Broadband Test