Download speed
Download speed is how fast data comes to you — loading web pages, streaming video, downloading files and games. It is the number ISPs advertise most prominently because it is the one most people notice day to day.
Upload speed
Upload speed is how fast data goes from you to the internet — sending email attachments, backing up to the cloud, video calls, live streaming and uploading to social media. It is easy to ignore until you rely on it, at which point a low upload cap becomes a daily frustration.
Why plans are asymmetric
Cable, DSL and most fixed-wireless technologies dedicate far more capacity to download than upload because historically people consumed much more than they created. Fibre is usually symmetric — equal download and upload — which is why it is preferred for remote work, content creation and self-hosting.
How to check
Run a speed test and compare the two numbers. If your upload is a small fraction of your download and you do a lot of calls or cloud work, a symmetric fibre plan is worth considering.
How much upload do you need?
- Casual use (email, browsing): 3–5 Mbps
- Video calls: 3–5 Mbps per simultaneous call
- Cloud backup and file sync: 20+ Mbps
- Live streaming in HD: 6–10 Mbps
- 4K live streaming or multiple creators: 25+ Mbps