The difference between upload and download speeds

With hybrid working now becoming the norm for most workplaces – accelerated following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic – there has never been a more important time in ensuring your broadband speed is supporting your productivity.

There’s no denying that we’ve all felt the frustration of slower download speeds, and this has especially been the case with even more remote workers online at the same time. Can the same be said for uploading content too?

We delve into the detail a little more here to let you know the real difference between the two terms and why it matters…

What is upload speed and how fast should it be?

Broadband speeds are measured by how many megabits your internet connection can transfer per second (Mbps). In terms of upload speeds, this equals how many Mbps of data      your computer can upload information to another device or server.

According to Ofcom, there was a 54% increase in the mean average upload speed in 2020 alone – the year there was a mass shift to people primarily working from home. But why do upload speeds matter? Anything from sending emails, uploading YouTube videos, adding documents to a shared drive, or even a video call, requires a good upload speed. Whether you’re a homeworker or a gamer, the faster the upload speed, the better!

What is download speed and why do I need it?

Download speeds equal how many Mbps of data your computer can retrieve information from the internet. For the majority of people, download speeds will be the most important compared to uploads.

That’s because it typically involves a multitude of areas to make life a little easier – from loading web pages swiftly, to streaming music, and downloading files, all these require a fast download speed. And that should make  buffering  a thing of the past.

So, now you have had a whistle-stop tour into the two terms, what’s next? Well, the good news is that our price-competitive symmetrical framework will guarantee you the same hypersonic upload and download speeds — which means no more waiting around for the wheel of doom — whether you’re uploading or downloading!

Enter your postcode to check if BeFibre is available in your area, here.

All references to how many times faster our broadband service is, depends on you being able to access ‘superfast’ type broadband services of 70Mbps (or less) and selecting one of our packages at the advertised speed. Speeds shown may be affected based on the placement of the router in your property or the device you are using.