Understanding Speed Bandwidth: What Do 30/10, 100/20, or 950/500 Mean?

‍What Is Bandwidth?

Internet bandwidth, often referred to as your speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). It has two parts:

• Download speed – how fast data travels from the internet to your device (e.g. streaming, browsing, downloading files).
• Upload speed – how fast data travels from your device to the internet (e.g. video calls, uploading photos, cloud backups).

For example, a 100/20 plan means up to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.

Typical Plan Speeds

• 30/10 Wireless– 30/10 Mbps
  Suitable for general browsing, email, and standard streaming.
• 100/20 Fibre – 100/20 Mbps
  Ideal for HD streaming, online meetings, and everyday multitasking.
• 500/100 Fibre – 500/100 Mbps
  Great for multiple devices, cloud storage, and large downloads.
• Fibre Max– 950/500 Mbps
  Best for high-usage environments, 4K streaming, and real-time collaboration.
• Wireless Max – Uncapped Speeds*
  Designed for performance-intensive use where fibre isn’t available.
  *Actual speeds may vary based on signal quality and network conditions.

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Real-Life Example

Imagine this setup at home:

• One person is playing online multiplayer games, which relies on stable download and upload speeds for a smooth experience.
• Two TVs are streaming different shows—one in HD, the other in 4K.
• Meanwhile, another household member is uploading photos to cloud storage.

On a 30/10 Mbps wireless connection, this kind of simultaneous use can quickly push the limits:

• The gamer may experience lag or rubber-banding.
• One or both streams might buffer or drop in quality.
• Uploads could stall, affecting the entire network.

For households with this level of activity, upgrading to a higher-speed plan—like our Wireless Max with uncapped speeds or a faster fibre option (where available)—can make a big difference in performance and reliability.

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What Happens When You Max Out Your Bandwidth?

When your connection is being used at full capacity, you may notice:

• Slower performance across all devices
• Buffering or reduced streaming quality
• Lag in online gaming
• Delays in file uploads or video calls

Sometimes, when all available bandwidth is being used, devices may even appear to lose connection altogether. In reality, they’re still connected—the network is just overloaded. This can feel like a dropout, especially during video calls or gaming, but it’s a sign your current plan might be under strain.

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Signs It Might Be Time to Upgrade

• Video calls freeze or drop when others are online
• File uploads are slow or fail
• Devices compete for bandwidth
• Streaming services lower video quality automatically

Faster plans allow more devices to stay connected and responsive at the same time.

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Why Upload Speed Matters Too

While download speed affects most everyday online activity, upload speed is just as important when:

• Making video calls
• Uploading large files
• Backing up data to the cloud
• Using real-time tools and apps

Plans with higher upload speeds (like 1000/500 Mbps) support smoother, faster performance in both directions.

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Need Help Choosing the Right Speed?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re on wireless or fibre, our team can guide you to the plan that suits your internet habits best.

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