Speed & Latency
Speed
The term "speed" is commonly used as a shorthand way to describe the rate at which a particular broadband Internet access service can transmit data. This rate (or speed) is typically measured in the number of kilobits or megabits transmitted in one second (Kbps or Mbps). Some applications like email or basic web browsing do not require high-data speed to function very well, while other activities like high-definition video streaming or transferring large data files are better experienced with higher data speeds.
Latency
Latency, also known as delay, is the amount of time from when a data packet is sent to when it is received. For Broadband Internet Access Services, latency is the round-trip time it takes for a data packet to travel between two endpoints on the Internet (from point A to point B and then back to point A) and is usually expressed in milliseconds ("ms"). Some applications, such as email, can tolerate a substantial amount of latency without any noticeable impact on the application's performance, while other applications, such as real-time video conferencing, require lower latency to function properly.
Mobile Wireless & Temporary Fixed Wireless
5G Network - On-Device for Most Plans
Download Speeds: Typically between 89 – 418 Mbps. Upload Speeds: Typically between 6 – 31 Mbps. Latency: Typically between 17 – 32 ms
5G Network - On-Device for Select Plans
Download Speeds: Typically between 79 - 357 Mbps. Upload Speeds: Typically between 6 – 30 Mbps. Latency: Typically between 17 – 32 ms.
5G Network: Temp Fixed Wireless & Hotspot/Tethering
Download Speeds: Typically between 74 – 327 Mbps. Upload Speeds: Typically between 6 – 30 Mbps. Latency: Typically between 17 – 32 ms
(On-device for our currently offered Mobile Internet plans with 30GB or more per month and via temporary fixed wireless including Internet Lite, capped Business Internet, and Smartphone Mobile Hotspot/Tethering for plans including 5G tethering.)
4G Network: On-Device for Most Plans.
Download Speeds: Typically between 14 – 68 Mbps. Upload Speeds: Typically between 2 – 10 Mbps. Latency: Typically between 26 – 46 ms
4G LTE Network: On-Device for Select Plans. Download Speeds: Typically between 13 – 61 Mbps. Upload Speeds: Typically between 2 – 11 Mbps. Latency: Typically between 26 – 46 ms. (Via Smartphone Mobile HotSpot/Tethering, for Plans Including 5G Tethering and for our Mobile Internet plans offered after December 12, 2020 with 30GB or more per month, and temporary fixed wireless including Internet Lite, and capped Business Internet)
4G Network: Temp Fixed Wireless & Hotspot/Tethering
Download Speeds: Typically between 13 – 57 Mbps. Upload Speeds: Typically between 2 – 12 Mbps. Latency: Typically between 26 – 46 ms. (On-device for our Mobile Internet plans with 30GB or more per month and via Project 10Million and some other education Mobile Internet plans, temporary fixed wireless including Internet Lite, capped Business Internet, and Smartphone Mobile Hotspot/Tethering for plans including 4G tethering.)
Wireless Internet
5G Network: Generally Available Wireless Business Internet
Download Speeds: Typically between 77 – 292 Mbps. Upload Speeds: Typically between 18 – 31 Mbps. Latency: Typically between 19 – 37 ms
5G Network: Wireless Home Internet, Wireless Small Business Internet, Wireless Business Internet Eligible
Download Speeds: Typically between 72 – 245 Mbps. Upload Speeds: Typically between 15 – 31 Mbps. Latency: Typically between 19 – 37 ms
4G Network: Generally Available Wireless Business Internet
Download Speeds:Typically between 37 – 119 Mbps. Upload Speeds: Typically between 7 – 25 Mbps. Latency: Typically between 24 – 40 ms
4G Network: Wireless Home Internet, Wireless Small Business Internet
Download Speeds: Typically between 30 – 110 Mbps. Upload Speeds: Typically between 6 – 23 Mbps. Latency: Typically between 24 – 40 ms
The ranges above represent network performance nationally on recent devices and may differ from future network conditions or from what you purchased as part of your current rate plan when you first activated it. As described above, your experience may also differ based on, e.g., your choice of rate plan and device, or the number of devices connected to the router in the case of Home Internet. You may occasionally experience speeds, latency, or other network capabilities outside the ranges available as part of your service. Performance for our temporary fixed wireless offerings (Internet Lite, capped Business Internet) reflects our nationwide network given the moveable nature of those services. Download and upload speeds may be lower in the initial locations where these products are activated.
Some plans may include maximum speeds for some services, including some
