We are influencers and brand affiliates. This post contains affiliate links, most which go to Amazon and are Geo-Affiliate links to nearest Amazon store.
Most Internet subscribers only think about testing their Internet speed when it’s sluggish. However, computer tech experts suggest that this shouldn’t be the case. Regular Internet speed testing should be done as problems usually go unnoticed when you’re only doing simple daily tasks on the Internet. It’s highly recommended that you check your Internet speed with a speedtest at least once a week. Here are the top reasons you should do so:
-
It’s easy and not time consuming
There’s absolutely no reason for you not to test your Internet speed regularly. Checking your Internet speed is easy and not time consuming. You don’t need to be a tech expert to do it. All you have to do is search for an Internet speed test on Google, and follow the steps. In just a few minutes, you’ll have your result.
If you want to test the speed of your mobile phone while being connected to a data service, you can also download a speed test application which is available for both Android and Apple devices.
-
You spend a lot of money to be connected
Let’s face it: having Internet connectivity at home doesn’t come cheap. It’s a fixed subscription that you pay monthly on top of all the other utilities that you have to pay. Therefore, it’s crucial that you’re aware you’re getting the service you’re paying for. You could well be spending that amount on another thing or another provider if your current Internet provider isn’t meeting your expectations.
Record your test results regularly because some Internet service providers offer refunds when you’re frequently not getting what they promised to provide.
-
You’ll find out if someone has hacked your system
If your Internet connection is suddenly slow or if you feel like you’re not getting what you’re paying for, this can be due to a variety of reasons. The first thing you need to do is to report the situation to your Internet provider and let them check the connection in your home to determine where the problem is. If they’ve exhausted all their efforts and your Internet speed is still slow, it might be due to another reason: your internet system may be hacked and others might be using your Internet connection without you knowing. If this happens, it’s vital that you call a tech expert to help you out, so you can prevent being ripped off with the money that you pay.
-
You’ll know your Internet speed figures
Your Internet speed is vital information, especially when you’re applying for a work-from-home job. Most companies usually ask you for your Internet speed figures which are the following:
- Upload speed, which refers to the speed it takes for you to upload content to the Internet, such as photos and videos.
- Download speed, which refers to the speed it takes for you to download content from the Internet to your computer or device.
- Ping, which refers to the amount of time that it takes for data and files to travel from one device to another.
When you’re aware of these figures, you’ll be able to help yourself answer questions that usually bug you, such as why it takes so long for you to upload files to the Internet. You can also take action when the figures don’t meet your needs.
-
You’ll have peace of mind and confidence in your Internet system
When you regularly check your Internet speed, you’ll have the confidence and peace of mind when you know that you’re connected to the fastest speed possible and you’re getting your money’s worth. You’ll stop worrying that your Internet isn’t working correctly, that you’ll have to call your service provider again, or, even worse, that you’ll have to pay more than what you’re currently paying.
Examples of situations where a reliable Internet system is important include:
- As a student, you may be in the middle of researching and completing your graduation thesis; the last thing you need is an Internet that suddenly doesn’t work.
- As a businessman, you may need an extremely reliable Internet connection, especially if you conduct a lot of virtual meetings via chat or video call
- As an employee, like a freelancer, you need a strong and fast Internet connection to submit your work on time, or even to have any form of online job
-
You’ll enjoy streaming videos more
Streaming videos smoothly requires fast speed. If you don’t check your Internet speed before you start streaming your videos, you might find yourself in a very frustrating situation where your video suddenly stops at the climax of the movie. To avoid such situations, check your Internet speed regularly or before streaming a video so that you’re aware of your current speed’s capacity.
Here’s a quick guide of the speed requirement when streaming videos:
- 1 Mbps, for music, standard-quality video, and ordinary website surfing on your laptop, computer, or handheld device.
- 2 Mbps, for streaming standard-quality video to your television.
- 5 Mbps, for streaming high-definition videos.
- 10 Mbps, for streaming full high-definition videos with high-definition audio.
- 25 Mbps, for streaming 4K or ultra-high-definition videos.
Mbps means megabits per second, which is a standard measure used by all Internet service providers should you want to compare different providers.
Even more importantly, when you regularly check your Internet speed, you can help your Internet service provider or technician diagnose accurately any media-related problems with your Internet speed.
-
You’ll learn how to troubleshoot fundamental Internet-related problems by yourself
Regularly doing a test check on your Internet speed will also help you learn how to troubleshoot problems by yourself. When you check your Internet speed, you’ll have the data that you need to compare one issue from another. More often than not, asking a little help from your friend Google can quickly solve many of these problems.
Here are some tips that you can follow when you check your Internet speed and troubleshoot problems by yourself:
- Test your Internet speed with different devices, such as your mobile phone, your television, and your computer.
- Call your Internet provider to check if the speed that they see from their end is the same as the speed from your end, so you’ll know if this is a problem with the Internet service provider or with your setup at home.
- Check if the slow Internet speed is happening at the same time every day.
-
You’ll know when it’s time to change Internet service providers
When you check your Internet speed regularly, you become aware of its performance and if your Internet service provider lives up to their promised speed for the price that you’re paying. If your current Internet speed is always down or regularly slow, then this can be an indication for you to change providers. It’s not worth paying so much money to an Internet provider that’s giving you unsatisfactory service.
When switching to another Internet service provider, consider the following factors:
- Feedback and recommendation, if they can deliver their service well.
- Customer service, if they attend to customers and subscribers’ concerns satisfactorily.
- Price and speed.
- Location of their office.
-
You might have to transfer your router’s location
When testing your Internet connection, try transferring your router from one place in your home to another. When you do this, you’ll know if the problem is merely your router’s location. Perhaps you have positioned your router in a place in your house where it’s difficult for the Internet to pass through.
Here are some tips for you to follow when determining the proper location for your router:
- Keep it away from certain appliances that can interfere with the signal of your router, such as microwaves.
- Don’t put your router in a place where there are too many solid objects and thick walls.
- Position your router in a place where there’s the most open space and where you usually use the Internet, such as your living area or home office.
Conclusion
It’s a prudent move for you to check your Internet speed regularly. Testing your Internet speed will always be to your advantage. When you know how fast or how slow your Internet speed is, you’re fully aware of its performance and if it’s at par with the price you’re paying for. By doing regular checks, you’re sure that you’re given your money’s worth and you have a guarantee that you can rely on the performance of your Internet connection.
We are influencers and brand affiliates. This post contains affiliate links, most which go to Amazon and are Geo-Affiliate links to nearest Amazon store.
I have been obsessed with computers, tech, gadgets and games since the early 1980’s having grown up on the Commodore 64 and Amiga computers.
By day I work in the IT Security Industry and have been in IT for over 20 years. On my spare time I am a Vlogger, Blogger, Streamer, Gadget Reviewer, affiliate marketer, influencer and entertainer. I am also an avid movie fan, TV Show fan, Anime fan, video game fan and fan of trying anything and everything new.