How fast do you need your internet to be?

In my home, I have had 100 Mbps download, and 40 Mbps upload speeds since 2018. Before that, in 2010, my download speed was 100 Mbps, and my upload was 10 Mbps. Therefore, one could say my internet speeds have not changed since 2010. That’s 12 years of 100 Mbps and even though I always wanted a speedier connection, I was pretty satisfied with my internet, especially after blanketing my house with EERO wifi.

Last month, a workmate said I could get 1000 Mbps—ten times faster than my current speed. I enquired with my internet provider and was told it would cost $40 extra a month (an increase of 44%). I told my workmate that I rather not pay extra and I am fine with my current internet performance. He said: “you have no idea what you are missing out on... people would pay a lot more for even twice your speed, and you are getting 1000 for only an additional $40 a month.”

He had a point! How do I know if I have never experienced it?

I signed up. The world of fast internet is here. Endless possibilities. The future is here.

A few weeks went by, and frankly, there was nothing significant that I experienced. Yes, specific files (iOS16 beta) downloaded quicker. Previously these would download at 90 Mbps and now at about 300 Mbps on my iPad mini. Speed tests are where my fast connection came alive. It is glorious to see when the speedometer hits 900 Mbps. I have never seen that in my home. I shared this with friends and family.

I fondly recall the excitement when my internet speeds jumped from 2 Mbps to 100 Mbps in 2010. That was a fantastic experience and was (still is) life-changing. Going from 100 Mbps to 1000 Mbps has been meh.

Ultimately, the question was should I pay $40 extra each month ($480 a year or $2400 for five years) for ten times my current speed? I want to. I really do. But, I do not need it, and importantly, I will not have meaningful use of the extra speed.

So, I called my internet provider and asked to change my speed to my old plan. Not only was this a seamless process, but I was also given $10 credit a month for the foreseeable future. This means, previously, I was paying $90 a month for 100 Mbps, and now I will be paying $80 a month. Every dollar counts.

If you have access to 1000 Mbps, I am curious how you use it. Thankfully, if in the future, I do need fast internet, it is just a phone call away. Meanwhile. I will spend that $40 ($50 with the credit) on delicious craft beer 🍺

Thank you ever so much for reading 👓