Top questions and answers about high speed internet service. Top questions and answers
about high speed internet service.

Internet speed refers to the rate at which data can be transmitted over an internet connection, whether you're downloading or uploading content. It's measured in how many megabits per second, or Mbps, you're able to transmit data. You can use a speed test to determine your internet connection's download and upload speeds. So check it out — and see how fast your connection really is.

Fast is relative. Depending on how many devices are connected at a time, and what those devices are doing, can affect the speed you need and what you'd perceive as fast. Fast also depends on where you are located and what internet services are available in that area. (See what Verizon internet service is available to your address.)

To determine what would be fast enough for your needs, you need to estimate how much you'll use it and what you'll be using it for. For example, the FCC estimates the minimum Mbps you'd want for many online activities. These are minimum speeds, and should be added together if you anticipate using multiple devices at the same time. Consider the peak time of day when you will have your heaviest usage and the devices that will be running. Remember to also include any devices that run in the background, such as phone backups, smart doorbells, security cameras, smart thermostats, and devices like Google Nest or Alexa.

Again, speed and whether it feels fast will depend on many things. Generally speaking the higher your Mbps, the more devices you can have running simultaneously without hiccups. According to the FCC guidelines, speeds over 50 Mbps should be able to do many activities simultaneously without significant buffering, including gaming, downloading large files, and having multiple devices connected to the internet at the same time.

The fastest internet speed available depends on things like your geographical location, the infrastructure in your area, and the available internet service providers. You can enter your address to see what options Verizon has available to you.

There are 1,000 kilobits per second (Kbps) in one megabit per second (Mbps), and 1000 megabits per second in one gigabit per second (Gbps). But when you're thinking about these sizes, it's good to keep in mind the difference between "bits" and "bytes." A byte is 8 bits. When dealing with file sizes, it's common to use kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB).

How many Mbps you need really depends on the scope of your work at home. Mainly, you need to be sure the Mbps you have available are up for the challenges of your work tasks. The FCC estimates you need between 5 and 25 Mbps for basic telecommuting. If you need to do a lot of video calling or online collaboration, you may need faster download and upload speeds than if you're simply browsing while you make calls from your phone. Everything you do online adds up, so there's a lot to consider when deciding on a plan that can work for your needs.

For example, basic email communication and web browsing might need speeds around 1 Mbps, while a smooth experience with HD video conferencing may need closer to 6 Mbps. Consider the size of the files you need to upload or download or whether you need to use cloud-based storage services or need a higher speed for a VPN connection. Also, don't forget to think about how many people in your home will be working at one time, which may place a higher demand on the network and require a higher speed.

Explore Verizon's many options for getting your home office up to speed.

To find the internet service providers available in your area, you can run a search for "Internet service in my area" or "Internet providers in my area" and compare your options.

While some internet service providers tout limited-time promotional pricing, Verizon's home internet plans offer multi-year price guarantees, depending on the internet plan, making it easy to take advantage of Verizon's network. Check out our latest plan pricing and see what internet service plans are available in your area.

For those without access to a cable internet connection, Verizon Home Internet may be an option. In addition to Verizon Fios, Verizon offers 5G Home Internet and LTE Home Internet, which use Verizon's wireless network to offer broadband internet connectivity.

Verizon has options to help people get online in remote or rural areas. Verizon LTE Home Internet, for example, uses Verizon 4G LTE network to deliver broadband internet service wirelessly. With LTE Home Internet, you can stream video at 1080p, plus enjoy no data limits.* Discover what Verizon service is available in your area.

*Consumer data usage is subject to the usage restrictions set forth in Verizon's terms of service; visit: https://www.verizon.com/support/customer-agreement/ for more information about 5G Home and LTE Home Internet

A great way to stay connected when traveling is to use your phone, though speed and available service will depend on local mobile carrier networks. To get mobile access while traveling outside the US, Verizon offers TravelPass or a Monthly International Plan, which allows you to connect to local mobile carrier networks. Verizon customers can easily add one of these options to your account. You can log in on the Verizon website, go to the International Plan page and select our Trip Planner. You can also use the My Verizon app. In your account, select Plans & Services, choose a line, and under Additional Services, scroll to International Plans to add one. Lastly, you can just text Travel to 4004 to add TravelPass at any time.

Want to keep your phone connected on an international flight or on board a cruise ship? Add a Cruise or In-Flight Daily Pass to your line and start your trip off right without any surprise costs. For the Cruise Daily Pass you'll only pay on days you use your phone at sea. For the In-Flight Daily Pass, if you're onboard a participating international flight, you'll automatically receive a welcome text.