Broadband is the transmission of wide bandwidth data over a high speed internet connection.
So what is broadband? According to the FCC, the definition of broadband internet is a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds. Broadband provides high speed internet access via multiple types of technologies including fiber optics, wireless, cable, DSL and satellite.
Broadband internet is delivered through several different technologies with varying availability based on location. Which broadband internet service you choose will depend on your needs, preferences, cost and where you live.
Fiber optics carry lots of data using pulses of light through strands of fiber at the fastest speeds.
Fios is the most reliable fiber-optic network available and offers Fios Gigabit Connection with blistering speeds up to 940/880 Mbps.
Wireless broadband (Wi-Fi) connects a home or business to the internet using radio signals instead of cables.
Verizon’s new 5G Home Internet is bringing impressive wireless speeds around 300 Mbps to homes in select cities.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) transmits data over traditional copper phone lines.
Verizon High Speed Internet offers plans up to 15 Mbps with a dedicated line from our central office to your home on a network that’s 99.9% reliable.
Cable delivers high speed internet over the same coaxial cables that deliver pictures and sound to your TV set.
On the other hand, internet connectivity via satellite is provided by communication satellites and is often the best option in rural areas.
Streaming HD videos, gaming and downloading large files eat up the most bandwidth. To achieve a virtually seamless experience with less lag, you may want to consider speed plans 100 Mbps and above. For all other activities like streaming music, surfing and video conferencing -- anything above 25 Mbps should be enough. It all depends on how patient you are with potential buffering and slightly slower speeds when others at home are competing for bandwidth at the same time for their own activities.
Not sure how fast your broadband is? Use our speed test tool to see how your current provider compares to Fios.
If you live in the city or suburbs, you’ll most likely have multiple broadband internet providers like fiber, cable and DSL to choose from.
To narrow down your search for the right internet service provider (ISP):
The maximum amount of data transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time.
Learn moreThe technology of transmitting audio and video files in a continuous flow over a wired or wireless internet connection.
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