Gigabit internet sounds impressive – but if you’re like many folks, you might wonder what it even is. How fast is it, too? And is it really worth it for your household?
If you’ve got any of these questions, you’re not alone. Today, let’s break down what gigabit internet is, what it really means, and if you should think about switching to a gigabit internet provider in your area.
What is gigabit internet?
Simply put, gigabit internet is super-fast internet. When we say “gigabit,” we’re talking about 1 gigabit per second, also written as 1 Gbps.
Most people have internet speeds much lower than that. For example, if your internet is 100 megabits per second (or 100 Mbps), gigabit internet is 10 times faster. That’s a lot of speed! There are also even faster options, like 2 gigabit internet, which gives you 2 Gbps. That’s double the speed of 1 gigabit: 2,000 megabits per second, to be specific.
Gigabit internet means you can do things online quickly and easily. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or joining video calls, it all happens faster and smoother compared to other internet types.
How fast is gigabit internet speed?
In technical terms, gigabit internet speed is as fast as 1,000 Mbps – and in many cases, it’s even faster. To help you understand how speedy that is, here are a few things you can do with 1 gigabit internet:
- Download a full-length HD movie in less than a minute
- Watch 4K videos without any pauses or buffering
- Play online games with no lag
- Make a video call with super clear sound and video
- Have many people online at once – with no slow internet issues!
It’s like having a superhighway for your internet. You don’t have to wait in line or deal with traffic. Everything just works – fast.
Is gigabit internet worth it?
Gigabit internet is an excellent choice for households and businesses alike. Thanks to its benefits and great performance, it can make surfing, streaming, and everything else online much better. Here are some details on the specific benefits gigabit internet brings to the table (and your household devices).
Gigabit internet benefits for homes
Whether you like to stream shows in HD or need high-speed internet to work from home without missing any important meetings, gigabit internet is the way to go. In fact:
- Gigabit internet’s low latency makes it perfect for streaming several shows at once
- Symmetrical upload and download speeds mean work projects and meetings go more smoothly
- You can upload lots of family photos and videos quickly, thanks to gigabit internet’s speed and bandwidth
- Serious gamers will appreciate gigabit internet’s low lag and lightning-quick speeds, which can help them dominate matches
The bottom line? Gigabit internet keeps everything running without lag or delays. Everyone can be online at the same time, and no one has to wait.
Even if you don’t use all the speed now, having 1 gigabit internet means you’re ready for the future. Internet needs keep growing every year. Getting a faster plan now can save you trouble later.
Gigabit internet benefits for businesses
Businesses can also benefit from gigabit internet. Fast business internet helps work get done quicker and better than before. Let’s break down a few examples:
- Video meetings are smooth and clear, which can be great for clients and customers alike
- Uploading and downloading big files takes seconds, which improves productivity in the office
- Multiple workers can be online at once with no slowdown – again, that’s just more productivity and more success
- Point-of-sale systems and online tools work faster, leading to better customer experiences
- Customer service gets better with reliable internet, too!
If you’re running a business – even a small one – fast business internet helps your team and your customers at the same time. Plus, if you get gigabit internet set up for your business early, upgrading from 1 gigabit internet to 2 gigabit internet or faster is easier as your needs grow.
How to get gigabit internet
Getting gigabit home internet is easier than you might think, even if you live in a rural area. Here’s how to start:
- Check if it’s available in your area. Not every neighborhood has gigabit service yet, but many do – and more are coming soon. Local providers like Fybe already offer fiber-optic internet (which comes with gigabit speeds) to lots of households in the rural North Carolina region.
- Pick the right plan. Some providers offer 1 gigabit internet plans or faster. Look at your home or business needs to decide which is best.
- Set up your equipment. You might need a new modem or router to handle gigabit speed. Your internet provider can help with that, plus handle installing any special terminals.
- Schedule installation. A technician might need to visit your home or office to get everything set up.
Once it’s ready, you’ll be online just like before – but you’ll be faster than ever.
Ask about gigabit internet today
If you’re tired of slow downloads, laggy games, and video calls that freeze, it might be time to upgrade to high-speed internet. Whether you’re working from home, running a business, or just want better internet for your family, gig speed internet can make life easier.
It’s fast. It’s strong. And it keeps up with everything you do online. Best of all, it’s yours once you switch to Fybe! We offer fast fiber internet with wall-to-wall Wi-Fi, with speeds of up to 2 Gig, plus home phone and streaming services. Getting gigabit internet has never been easier, so check your availability and get in touch with us today!