Residential Internet Plans for Remote Workers: What Matters Most
The ability to work remotely has opened up many new options for those who don't want to move to a new city, suffer a long commute, or be away from home when the kids get home from school. However, it is crucial to find the right internet plan before starting to work from home, as this can make a difference in how much work can get done at home. Some things to look for include the following.
A Stable Connection
The most important part of a residential internet plan to consider is the stability. Slow speeds are possible to deal with as long as the internet is working. Fiber internet tends to be the most stable, as it isn't as susceptible to issues as other types of internet. Look for providers who are known for their uptime to minimize potential issues with the internet and make sure it's working properly when it's needed.
High Download Speed
After a stable connection, it's important to look at the speeds. When internet service providers advertise their speeds, they typically advertise the download speeds. It's important to make sure this is high enough to handle all of the work that will be done at home. For basic tasks, the speed doesn't need to be too high. However, for video conferencing, sharing large files, connecting to resource-heavy programs, and other tasks, it's a good idea to look at a plan that's 500 Mbps or higher.
High Upload Speed
With most internet connections, the download speed is higher than the upload speed. This is because of the way the information is sent, and it's something that makes a fiber connection unique. Fiber internet has symmetrical internet speeds, so uploading and downloading are done at the same speed. This is important for those who work remotely because it ensures they can quickly and easily upload or send large documents.
Unlimited Data
Data limits can be detrimental for those working remotely. An internet plan can rapidly become far more expensive than expected if there is a data cap, as the worker may need to pay to use more data before the month is over. Instead, it's important to look for a plan that offers unlimited data. No matter how much work the person does at home, they'll be able to continue using high speeds without worrying about going over their plan or having to pay extra fees.
Unlimited Bandwidth
The bandwidth determines how much can be done at one time through the internet connection. With most connections, the bandwidth is limited, so the internet slows significantly if too many devices are connected. Those who work remotely need to be able to have reliably high speeds, so they need a connection that offers nearly unlimited bandwidth. Fiber is an excellent option, as it has the bandwidth needed and will continue to offer high speeds no matter what other internet-connected devices are being used in the house.
If you're planning to start working from home or if you already work from home but are struggling with your internet connection, now's the time to look into what plans are avaialble near you. Take a look at fiber internet options, as this is likely the best internet type for remote work, and take the time to find the right provider.
