Internet Requirements for a Whole Family: What You Need to Know

Whether applying for jobs, taking classes, scheduling appointments, or meeting with friends or colleagues across the world, you’re probably living out some of your life online. We all rely on the Internet to meet day-to-day demands, and families are no exception. From homework assignments to streaming movies, the Internet is like a member of the family, playing an important role in everyone’s daily routines.

With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to selecting the right internet service provider for your family. That’s why we have broken down several considerations as well as internet types, equipment requirements, and useful tips so that you can confidently pick the right internet provider for your family with ease.

Factors to Consider

Internet service providers are as unique as each individual member of your family. When selecting an internet service provider, there are several key factors that families should consider.

Number of Users in Your Household: A larger family may require a higher download speed to ensure everyone can use the internet at the same time without experiencing slow speeds. This is especially true for households with one or more people working from home. Try our speed test to determine the right download speed for your family size.
Internet Speed, or Megabits per second (Mbps): Take into consideration which activities your family will be doing online when choosing your internet speed. While you do not need a lot of megabits per second for a basic gaming experience, experts recommend at least 50 Mbps in order to enjoy high-definition video and gaming throughout the home simultaneously.
Data Usage: Many internet service providers offer plans with data limits, for example, you may only utilize 50GB of data per device per month. If your family uses the internet frequently or for activities like streaming video, you may need to select a plan with a higher data limit or no limit at all.
Reliability: All the bells and whistles in the world are worth nothing if they don’t work. It’s important to select an internet service provider that offers reliable service with minimal downtime. Be sure to research the reliability of each provider you are considering.

Types of Internet Connections

Choosing the right type of internet connection for your family is just a matter of defining your family’s needs.

Digital Subscriber Lines, or DSL, is a high-speed internet connection that uses existing telephone lines to transmit data. This type of connection is widely available and relatively inexpensive, but it may not be as fast as other options.

Cable Internet uses the same infrastructure as cable television to provide high-speed internet access. This type of connection is widely available and generally faster than DSL, but it may be more expensive.

Satellite internet is available in areas where other types of internet connections are not. It can be slower than other options and may be affected by weather conditions.

Fiber optic internet is the fastest and most reliable type of internet connection available. However, it may not be available in all areas and can be more expensive than other options.

Equipment Needed

Once you’ve chosen your internet service provider, your family will need some additional equipment to connect to the internet, depending on the type of internet service you choose to utilize.

A modem is required to connect to the internet. Most internet service providers will provide a modem for you.

A router, not to be confused with a modem, is used to share your internet connection with multiple devices. It’s important to select a router that can handle the speed and data usage needs of your family. A router that is only equipped for 1-2 devices will not cut it for a family of 5.

A network switch can be used to expand the number of devices that can be connected to your router. These are great tools for large families or families that will be utilizing multiple devices simultaneously – your children’s “tablet time” will be a breeze.

If you have a large home or multiple floors, a Wi-Fi extender can be used to boost the signal and improve coverage throughout your home.

Tips for Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

You have all the information to start choosing a provider, but there are still a few more steps to take to get the most out of your plan.

Research available options: Research all available options in your area and make a shortlist of your top picks based on your preferred type of service. If you know you want cable internet, your shortlist will include only cable internet providers.
Compare plans and pricing: Compare the plans and pricing of each provider to determine which one offers the best value. While you get what you pay for, you shouldn’t need to break the bank to get really great web access, especially if you have a big family.
Check customer reviews: If someone is offering a deal that sounds too good to be true, this is a perfect opportunity to check on that. Read customer reviews or talk to neighbors using the same services you’re researching to get a better understanding of the reliability and quality of service of each provider. This kind of gossip could save you money and a headache in the long run.
Inquire about installation and maintenance: No one likes the unpleasant surprise of unexpected fees on their internet bill. Be sure to ask about installation and maintenance fees, as well as any additional charges that may apply. When in doubt, do take the time to read the fine print to avoid paying for it later.

Choose the Right Provider for Your Family

Selecting the right internet service provider for your family is an important decision, but it’s not an impossible one.

Nothing can cause more irritation than slow internet, especially with so many of our daily activities online. To keep you and your loved ones well-connected, take the time to consider the number of users, internet speed, data usage, and reliability when making your decision.

Additionally, be sure to select the right equipment for your unique type of internet and follow our tips to ensure you have the best possible internet setup for your family’s size and needs.

By taking the time to utilize all of our tips, you can pair with a service provider that perfectly matches your budget while allowing every member of your family to get online whenever they need to.
Ready to get great internet access without having to shell out a fortune? Talk to one of our experts today.