Broadband for streaming

More answers to your burning questions...

• Is Full Fibre broadband good for streaming?

  Full Fibre broadband is perfect for streaming, offering significant advantages over traditional copper connections. With speeds of up to 1Gb, it ensures high-quality, buffer-free streaming and reduces latency for smooth playback. Full Fibre also handles multiple high-bandwidth activities at once, so you can stream in ultra HD, download large files, and browse without any performance dips.

• What broadband speed is right for streaming video?

  For streaming video, the required broadband speed depends on the quality of the stream. For a smooth 4K streaming experience, you’ll need at least 50Mb. However, in households with multiple people streaming at once or using other high-bandwidth activities, you’ll want a higher speed. A minimum of 150Mb is recommended to ensure everyone can stream in high quality without buffering or performance issues.

• How do you check your broadband speed?

  Fibre broadband connections are capable of delivering speeds close to the ones advertised by your provider. The fibre cables help maintain a strong signal over long distances, with minimal loss of speed.

  In contrast, internet delivered via standard ADSL connections uses copper wires attached to your phone line.

  Before you start streaming, use a broadband speed test to check your internet speed. Sites such as speedtest.net can show the speed your line is capable of.

• What services offer streaming?

  There are now so many streaming options to choose from! Major services like Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, and Amazon Prime offer a wide range of exclusive content, along with films and TV shows from both the US and around the globe. In the UK, we have platforms such as ITVX, BBC iPlayer, and NowTV. If you’re paying for an expensive Sky subscription, you can break away by opting for NowTV on a pay-as-you-go basis or subscribing to Sky Stream on a monthly plan. The best part? You don’t need to subscribe to any other Sky services to enjoy their TV streaming offerings.

• Is streaming better with Ethernet or wi-fi?

  For a more reliable connection and to reduce interference, it’s always best to use Ethernet wherever possible in your home, especially in areas where slow wi-fi might lead to buffering or frustration. Most smart TVs come with an Ethernet port, so if you’re experiencing buffering issues, try connecting your TV directly to the router with a cable for a faster, more stable connection.

• What is unbundling?

  Unbundling refers to separating your broadband service from other bundled services like TV and phone. Traditionally, many providers offer packages that include broadband, TV, and landline phone services together at a discounted rate. However, unbundling allows you to choose and pay only for the broadband service you need, without having to take the additional TV and phone services.

  For example, if you’re with a provider like Sky or BT, you may be able to keep your broadband connection while switching to a different TV or phone service, or even take TV on a pay-as-you-go basis (such as NowTV for Sky customers). Unbundling gives you the flexibility to tailor your services to your needs, potentially saving you money by avoiding paying for TV or phone options that you don’t use.

• What connection speed do I need for Netflix?

  Netflix outlines its minimum speeds required for streaming but these figures represent the bare minimum required for a single user streaming in each respective quality. However, in a busy household with multiple users, these speeds won’t cut it. If several people are streaming at once, or engaging in other high-bandwidth activities like online gaming, video conferencing, or downloading large files, the total demand on your connection can quickly add up.

  For example, if one person is streaming in 4K (50Mb), another in Full HD (25Mb), and someone else is working from home or gaming, you could easily exceed 100Mb of required bandwidth. To ensure smooth, uninterrupted streaming and avoid buffering or lag, a minimum of 150Mb is recommended in multi-user households. This ensures that everyone can enjoy high-quality streaming without any slowdown, even during peak usage times.