What are Mbps?
Mbps stands for 'megabits per second,' a standard and most commonly used unit used to measure internet speed. It reflects the rate at which data is downloaded or uploaded over your internet connection.
For example, a connection speed of 25 Mbps means you can download 25 megabits of data per second. Faster speeds are crucial for activities like streaming high-definition video, online gaming, and video conferencing, so this is an important number to consider when choosing your new broadband package.
Most modern broadband services offer speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to over 100 Mbps, depending on the plan. Our services start at an average of 35 Mbps, with our Full-Fibre 900 (FTTP) providing up to 944 Mbps.
Kb versus Mb versus Gb — speed metrics explained
When shopping for broadband, it's vital to understand the different units of measurement you'll likely come across.
What’s a ‘bit’?
Knowing what a 'bit' is is essential to setting the scene. Bits are the smallest unit of computer information, usually consisting of very simple web functions — such as 'on or off', 'up or down', and 'yes or no'. With this in mind, let's cover the three most common units of measurement when it comes to internet speed, which are:
Kb (Kilobits): 1 Kb is equal to 1,000 bits. This unit was initially used to measure internet speed. These days, it's rarely used as it’s quite a small measurement that has become outdated for modern internet usage.
Mb (Megabits): 1 Mb equals 1,000 Kb or 1,000,000 bits. This is the standard unit for measuring current-day internet speed, so you'll likely encounter it when you're looking for a new broadband provider.
Gb (Gigabits): 1 Gb equals 1,000 Mb or 1,000,000 Kb. While this unit is less often used for measuring internet speed, Gigabit speeds are gradually becoming more common — with advancements in fibre-optic technology, such as Full-Fibre broadband, offering speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
These units can be pretty confusing on their own. So, to put it into perspective:
Is a Kb bigger than an Mb? No – 1 Mb is 1,000 times bigger than 1 Kb.
What's bigger, an Mb or a Gb? 1 Gb is 1,000 times bigger than 1 Mb.
How many Kb are in a Gb? There are 1,000,000 Kb in 1 Gb.
Understanding these metrics can help you choose the best internet plan, ensuring you receive an appropriate speed for your needs.