October 18, 2023, 6:33 am | Read time: 11 minutes
DSL, LTE, cable–there are many internet plans, but how much speed do I really need? TECHBOOK shows the perfect connection for every purpose.
There are numerous reasons to switch internet plans. Moving, slow connection, an expiring contract, etc. Do I need DSL 100,000, is DSL 16,000 enough, or do I need a cable line with gigabit speeds? TECHBOOK explains which internet speed you should choose for which purposes so that long wait times and unnecessarily expensive contracts become a thing of the past.
Overview
The different connections briefly explained
Before we explain which internet speed is suitable for which user, we would like to briefly explain the different types of connections. There are quite significant differences between them.
(V)DSL
The DSL plan is the classic among internet connections. It is usually realized via the well-known copper cables, which are gradually being replaced by more modern fiber optic lines. Manufacturers typically offer DSL speeds of 16 to 32 Mbps. Occasionally, connections with a maximum of 6 Mbps are still marketed.
VDSL is the expansion stage of DSL and already allows higher bandwidths of 50 or even 100 Mbps. Users are even faster thanks to VDSL Vectoring or Super Vectoring. For example, Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone offer plans with up to 250 Mbps via Super Vectoring. Theoretically, speeds of up to 400 Mbps would be possible.
Cable
If you want even faster speeds, opt for cable plans with up to 1 Gbps. The internet here comes virtually from the TV socket. Often, only one specific cable provider operates in a location, leaving users with no choice. However, cable plans impress with their high bandwidths.
Unlike (V)DSL offers, it should be noted here that different users on a cable branch share the bandwidth (Shared Medium). If many nearby connections are online at the same time, the speed can drop significantly. This is especially a problem in big cities.
Read also: Many internet plans have become more expensive compared to last year
LTE
All major internet providers in Germany now offer stationary LTE routers with suitable plans. The internet connection here is realized via mobile networks. It is particularly popular in regions where DSL and cable are otherwise not developed–for example, in rural areas. A SIM card provides the connection to the network, and the LTE router provides the connection for various devices in the home network.
Unlike smartphone plans, the data volume included in the plan is correspondingly high. For example, Vodafone offers plans with up to 500 GB per month with GigaCube. Typically, speeds of 50 to 100 Mbps are achieved with this type of connection.
Fiber Optic
A fiber optic connection allows, similar to cable, very high internet speeds in the gigabit range. Business customers can even book up to 100 Gbps. The fiber optic network in Germany has been steadily growing for several years. However, it is not yet available nationwide. The name of the connection is based on the type of cable used to realize the line.
Often, network operators still use the existing telephone copper pairs or coaxial cables on the last meters to the customer–the so-called “last mile.” However, with the expansion of fiber optics, there are also more and more FTTH connections, i.e., those where the fiber optic cable is laid directly into the apartment (FTTH–Fiber to the Home). Fiber optic connections are offered by Deutsche Glasfaser, Telekom, and Vodafone, for example.
Also interesting: How far is Germany really in fiber optic expansion?
Is there a right to (fast) internet?
The internet is ubiquitous. You can now do almost everything online. So, it stands to reason that there is a law or a right to fast internet. And that is indeed the case. The so-called Telecommunications Minimum Supply Ordinance (TKMV) defines the minimum requirement for the right to internet. It states that the download speed must be at least 10 Mbps and an upload speed of 1.7 Mbps must be guaranteed. If this is not the case, those affected can legally challenge or enforce this situation. The ordinance has been in effect since June 1, 2022.
Who needs how much internet speed?
The speed requirement is often determined by the demands. Since these differ fundamentally, the question cannot be answered in general terms. Certainly, everyone is happy about maximum fast internet. But that also costs accordingly and may not even be needed.
The Everyday Surfer
Do you regularly check Facebook, read and send emails, shop on Amazon, send smaller photos, and watch videos on YouTube? Then the minimum performance of a DSL-16,000 line is absolutely sufficient if you use the line as a single person or even as a couple.
For new contracts or plan changes, this internet speed is now the smallest available option. Depending on the provider, they offer an upload of up to 2.4 megabits per second (Mbps). If you currently still have a slower connection like the occasionally still widespread DSL 6,000, you don’t necessarily have to switch to a higher plan–this is also more than enough for everyday tasks.
The Streamer
Video streaming has already replaced traditional television for many people. Especially young people are increasingly watching Netflix and Amazon Prime Video instead of ARD or RTL. If you want to stream movies in sharp HD resolution or music from Spotify in high quality, a DSL-16,000 line is usually sufficient. Videos run smoothly here–as long as not several people access the network and stream simultaneously! Otherwise, there may be annoying interruptions. YouTube and online video libraries also pose no problems.
If you have a TV with four times Full HD resolution (4K) at home and want to stream correspondingly high-resolution material from the internet, you need more power on the line–a 50,000 line should be the minimum here to have enough power even in case of reception problems.
Also interesting: Video streaming services in a big comparison
The Gamer
Nothing is more annoying in online duels on the PC or console than a stuttering internet connection, which brings delays in shooter games and thus an advantage for the opponent. Many games are also downloaded digitally today. The files are often many gigabytes in size.
If you want to avoid the frustration of waiting, you should choose a line with an internet speed of at least 50 Mbps. But if you want to be on the safe side, you should consider a speed of at least 100 Mbps, if your location allows it. By the way, download speeds are significantly faster via cable than over Wi-Fi. So if you’re in a hurry to install a game, you can speed up the process and make full use of your internet line’s potential.
Also interesting: What is cloud gaming and how does it work?
The IPTV Viewer
Do you prefer watching traditional TV instead of streaming? As an alternative to cable or satellite reception, Telekom, Vodafone, and 1&1 offer TV over the internet, known as IPTV. What are the advantages? The selection of HD channels is large, the picture quality is great, and many extras like time-shifted TV or a receiver with recording function are often included. The big disadvantage: If the internet connection fails or is too slow, the screen goes black.
Therefore, for IPTV, it should be at least DSL 32,000 to be able to display HD channels smoothly on at least one TV. If you have two or more TVs and want to watch HD channels in parallel, you should look for an internet speed of at least 50 Mbps.
Read also: TV over the internet–IPTV offers in comparison
The Shared Apartment or Large Family
Whether it’s an XL shared apartment or a large family–if many people surf the net simultaneously in a household, you should at least go for (V)DSL 50,000 or–depending on the number of people–a 100,000 line or more. Gigabit connections via cable and fiber optic are also particularly suitable for this target group.
In a family, the son can stream Netflix series, the father can watch TV via IPTV, the daughter can download games, and the mother can listen to music via Spotify–all at the same time and without delays, stutters, or outages.
The Cloud User
The number behind the DSL plan indicates the maximum download speed for files. When uploading (uploading) photos or documents to a cloud storage or videos to YouTube, these numbers do not apply. For example, with a DSL 16,000 connection, you download data at up to 16 Mbps, but only upload at up to 2.4 Mbps. This is still manageable for smaller files like compressed photos, a song, or Word documents, but can take hours for larger uploads with several gigabytes.
As a rule of thumb, the upload speed for many plans is about one-fifth of the download speed–so with DSL 50,000, you already get almost 10 Mbps for uploads. Offers with even higher internet speeds of 250 Mbps or more even offer upload rates of 50 Mbps.
For the Home Office
Since the coronavirus pandemic, the home office has become established. Many employees have been working either fully or partially from home since then. For an optimal workflow, fast internet must also be guaranteed. In terms of the home office, there is no uniform or fixed internet speed. Rather, it depends on the scope of work. You should be able to surf at least 50 Mbps.
Ideally, the internet speed for “home officers” should be between 100 and 200 Mbps. This speed is especially necessary when several people work from home. Regular video calls additionally burden the network.
However, the upload speed should not be neglected here either. If you have to move or upload large files back and forth, this speed should be at least 40 Mbps.
Super Vectoring, Cable, and Co.: Do I need a turbo plan?
Major providers like Deutsche Telekom now offer a Super Vectoring plan with a maximum download speed of 250 Mbps, and Vodafone even offers 400 Mbps in the VDSL expansion stage. Even higher bandwidths are achieved by the classic cable connections, such as those offered by Vodafone after the acquisition of Unitymedia and Kabel Deutschland. Thanks to the new DOCSIS 3.1 transmission standard, gigabit data rates of up to 1000 Mbps are already possible in some regions.
If you want to know how fast your connection is: Determine your actual download and upload speed easily with the TECHBOOK speed test.
What do I do if I live in the countryside?
Those who live in rural areas sometimes have the problem that there is no fast internet connection via cable or DSL. What to do? An alternative is plans with the fast mobile standard LTE, which have a high range thanks to the low frequency on which they are transmitted. However, they are comparatively expensive and often have a predetermined data volume. Once this is used up, the provider throttles the speed to a snail’s pace. Streaming movies or uploading data to the cloud is therefore only very limited–depending on the booked data volume. However, there are now also plans that offer unlimited LTE volume. These are expensive but guarantee smooth internet even in rural areas. Other options include directional radio and internet via satellite.
Why Is Cable Internet Often So Slow?
Fritzbox Displays Internet Connection Speed
Why do I get less internet speed than advertised?
You have booked a DSL-50,000 line, but instead of the promised 50 Mbps, you are only surfing at half the internet speed? Since the revision of the Telecommunications Act (TKG), customers now have more options to enforce their rights. If the provider cannot deliver the contractually guaranteed speed permanently and significantly, customers can reduce the basic fee for a connection. However, they must first report the reduced bandwidth and give their provider time to remedy the situation. If this does not lead to an improvement in the long term, there is even the right to extraordinary termination.
Read also: Prove slow internet and get money back
Even with classic cable connections, it can happen that the promised speed does not come from the line. This is especially the case during peak times, i.e., when many people are online. The reason: Unlike DSL connections, a cable connection is a shared medium. Thus, several users share the available bandwidth. Depending on the time of day and user volume, the available speed can fluctuate greatly.
Source
- Federal Network Agency: “Minimum supply requirements announced” (accessed October 17, 2023)