Do I Really Need a 1 Gig Internet Plan for My Home?

That’s a question more and more customers are asking, and we’re glad because it means people are starting to challenge the oversized promises and marketing tactics big providers use to sell what most households don’t actually need.

For years now, large internet providers have been marketing 1 Gig (and now even multi-gig) plans to average households, using flashy advertising, but here’s the surprising truth: most people are using only a small fraction of that bandwidth.

We often talk to prospective customers who are shocked when they find out how little bandwidth their household actually needs. A typical home with streaming, browsing, video calls, and a few smart devices generally runs smoothly on plans under 100 Mbps. (Want to know how much you personally need? Check out our next post: How Much Bandwidth Does the Average Household Use?)

So why are people sold plans that far exceed their actual needs? Because it’s natural to think bigger is better.

The Real Question: If you don’t need the fastest plan, what should you look for?

Let’s consider what actually improves your internet experience:

1. Responsive Human Support:  Gig-speed means nothing if your internet goes down or you have a networking issue and you have to navigate a complicated phone tree, work with AI voicebots, or get stuck on hold for hours. Local providers, like Unwired LTD, offer quick and easy 24/7 live support—real people who know your area, not outsourced call centers reading scripts.
2. Local Roots, Local Impact:  Choosing a local internet provider means your money stays in your community. You’re supporting local jobs, investing in infrastructure near your home, and strengthening the local economy, not sending profits off to a national corporation.
3. Honest Business Practices:  Tired of surprise fees? Long-term contracts? Data caps or throttling during peak hours? Look for a provider that believes in transparent pricing, fair billing, and treating customers like neighbors, not account numbers.
4. A Company That Shares Your Values:  You’re trusting a provider with your home’s connection to the world. Choose a company that aligns with your values, whether that’s sustainability, digital privacy, or simply being a good neighbor.

A gigabit plan sounds impressive, but speed isn’t everything. Reliability, support, and values matter more, especially when most households don’t even come close to using 1,000 Mbps. The next time you’re shopping for internet service, ask not just “How fast is it?” but “Who am I supporting?”