How the calculator works
Your speed needs depend less on any single activity and more on how many people are online at once. So the calculator starts with the busiest moment of your day, often the evening, and builds up from there.
- People online at once. Choose how many people use the internet at the same time at your busiest hour. Five or more counts as five.
- The heaviest activity. Each person is counted at the rate of the most demanding activity you select. Download and upload are worked out separately, each using its own heaviest activity, which keeps the estimate on the safe side.
- Security cameras. Each camera adds 2 Mbps of download and 3 Mbps of upload, because cameras send video out of your home around the clock.
- Headroom. We add 50% on top for phones, software updates and smart devices running in the background.
- Rounding. Download is rounded up to a common plan tier: 50, 100, 300 or 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, or 1.5 Gbps and up. Upload is shown as a minimum, rounded up to the next 5 Mbps.
The rates we use
These are rough planning figures in megabits per second (Mbps). Real needs vary with the app, the video quality and the device.
| Activity | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing & social media | 5 Mbps per person | 1 Mbps per person |
| HD streaming | 8 Mbps per person | 1 Mbps per person |
| Video calls | 6 Mbps per person | 3 Mbps per person |
| Online gaming | 10 Mbps per person | 1 Mbps per person |
| 4K streaming | 25 Mbps per person | 1 Mbps per person |
| Working from home & large files | 25 Mbps per person | 10 Mbps per person |
| Each security camera | +2 Mbps | +3 Mbps |
For example, two people who stream in HD and join video calls come to 16 Mbps down and 6 Mbps up. With headroom, that's 24 and 9, which points to a 50 Mbps plan with at least 10 Mbps of upload.
How to read your result
Treat the download tier as a sensible floor, not a target. If you're close to the next tier, or your household is growing, compare the price of stepping up. Sometimes the difference is small.
Upload matters more than many people expect. Fibre usually offers upload speeds close to its download speed. Cable upload is usually much lower, so if your result calls for strong upload, check that number on any cable plan you consider.
This estimate is about speed, not price. When you compare plans, look at the regular price after any promotion, and remember that taxes are extra. The true cost of a promo calculator can help with that part.
Find plans with the speed you need
Answer four quick questions and leave your details. Partner providers in Québec will contact you with internet plans that match your household, free and with no obligation.
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