How Much Internet Speed Do You Need?

A simple guide to determine speed and understanding internet plans for businesses

Internet speed is more than just a number—it’s a critical component of your business’ productivity. Dealing with large files, payment processing, hosting virtual meetings, or simply browsing, the right speed ensures everything runs smoothly.  

But how fast is fast enough?  Let’s break down what internet speed means, why it matters, and how to determine the right internet plans for business. 

How do you define internet speed?

An analogy you can use to understand internet speed and bandwidth is to think of internet speed like a water heater. When only one person is using hot water, it stays hot. But if multiple people are taking showers, doing laundry, and washing dishes at the same time, you run out of hot water and it starts to cool down. Similarly, when everyone is using the internet heavily at once, the speed slows down. 

Internet speed measures how fast data moves through your connection—like that hot water flowing through pipes. At 1 Mbps - one million bits of data transfer per second. At 1 Gbps, one billion bits move per second. The higher the speed, the quicker your files, videos, and websites will load.  

Internet speed is typically divided into two categories:

• Downloading: When your devices receive data from the internet.
• Uploading: When your devices send data, such as emails, files, or during video calls.

Download and upload speeds often differ. That's because the majority of online activities involve much more downloading than uploading. However, certain tasks, like video conferencing and transferring large files, demand robust upload speeds. 
 
Tip: Should you consider symmetrical download and upload speeds? If your teams are frequently engaged in activities with high volume uploads, you may want to look into internet plans with symmetrical upload and download speeds. It could prove game-changing for your company's communications and productivity.

Decoding the numbers: Understanding download and upload speeds

Here are some examples of the amount of bandwidth consumed by different types of internet activity:

*Speeds may vary based on file size and quality.

And here are some examples of devices that are used in many workplaces and the amount of bandwidth they can be expected to consume when connected to the network:

The number of connected devices in a workplace can add up surprisingly quickly. Here are some very general examples of the number of devices that might be connected to networks at different kinds of businesses:

Scenario 1: A small accounting firm with 15 workers and the occasional guest can expect to have upwards of 30 devices (laptops, phones, tablets, thermostats, locks, phone systems) connected simultaneously.

Scenario 2: A small restaurant or cafe with a few employees in the back office and a free WiFi network can expect to have between 50 and 100 devices (phones, laptops, POS terminals, IoT devices, security cameras) connected at peak times.

Scenario 3: A house cleaning service with less than five in-office workers who use the internet for email and to schedule visits may have around 10 devices connected at the same time.

What affects your internet speed? Key factors to consider

Your business’s internet needs are different from those of a typical household, so it’s essential to consider several factors that will impact how your internet connection performs and help you choose the right internet plans for business:

1. How many people are  using the network at the same time?

High-definition video calls typically require 3-5 Mbps download and 2-3 Mbps upload, but that’s likely not the only application running on a person’s device. Multiply that by everyone in the office, and your bandwidth needs quickly add up. Having the right internet plan for business ensures you can handle this load without interruptions.

2. How many devices are connected?

Today’s WiFi needs to support not only laptops and mobile devices but also security systems, point-of-sale (POS) systems, smoke detectors and more. Expect device counts to grow over time, increasing your bandwidth demands.

3. What’s the size and layout of your space?

Walls and other structures can reduce speed. Strategic placement of wireless access points —devices that serve as a hub to connect laptops, phones, and tablets to the network — can greatly affect how fast the connection feels to users. Choosing internet plans for business tailored to your space ensures reliable coverage, regardless of office layout.

4. How does your business use the internet?

Consider all the ways your business relies on the internet, from downloading to uploading. Think about critical activities, like accessing cloud-based applications, hosting video calls, or using internet-powered phone or payment systems. Even customers can have an impact if you offer them free WiFi. Each of these demands reliable bandwidth.

Tip: Consider adding a buffer. It’s good practice to add 20-30% more bandwidth to account for fluctuations and other internet activities happening simultaneously.

Tailoring internet speed to your business needs   

Faster internet isn't always the answer. It's about finding the right internet plans for business to meet your company's specific needs. Every business is unique, so your internet needs will vary based on your operations. To lean on experts who answer these questions every day, work with our Business Sales Advisors to find the right plan for you. In the meantime, here’s a general guide to help you choose the right internet speed for your business:

• 75 Mbps: Suitable for businesses with just a handful of employees focused on basic activities like email, voice calls, and some cloud applications. Ideal if only a few people need to make video calls simultaneously. 

Example: A small contracting company that uses the internet to create work schedules, send off quotes and invoices, and take calls from clients and partners.  

• 300 Mbps: A good fit for small offices that frequently send email attachments, use cloud applications consistently, and conduct regular video calls. 

Example: A small law office that uses cloud-based productivity and team software, shares documents, and conducts video meetings with clients and colleagues.

• 1-2 Gbps: Best for businesses with many connected devices, a larger number of employees, or heavy bandwidth activities like video conferencing or large file transfers for daily operations.

Example: A video and graphics design firm with employees who spend their days online across a range of devices as they create and share large files and take video meetings with teammates and clients.

How Rogers delivers reliable internet plans for businesses

Without reliable high-speed internet, work would grind to a halt in most modern businesses. Employees would get less done, clients and customers would lose confidence in your products and services, and bottom lines would suffer. 

Rogers business internet solution, Advantage WiFi offers businesses fast, dependable, wall-to-wall coverage. As a managed service, it includes professional installation of business-grade access points to eliminate dead spots and 24/7 technical support. Your network stays secure with a separate guest login, automatic updates, and LTE mobile network backup, ensuring virtually no downtime. 

What to do next

If you think Rogers Advantage WiFi is a good fit for your business, get in touch with a Rogers business specialist. They can help you calculate speed requirements and suggest an internet package that will meet your specific needs Plus, they'll offer helpful advice on how to make the most of features available with your plan, such as how to brand your customers’ separate sign-in page.

Give us a call today to get fast, safe , frustration-free internet for your business.