# Understanding Internet Speeds: A Kenyan's Guide You've probably heard internet providers throw around terms like "5 Mbps" or "20 Mbps." But what do these numbers actually mean for your daily internet use? Let's break it down in simple terms that make sense.

What is Mbps?

Mbps stands for "Megabits per second." It's a measure of how fast data travels from the internet to your device. Think of it like water flowing through a pipe—the bigger the pipe (higher Mbps), the more water (data) can flow through at once. Here's an important distinction: Don't confuse Mbps with MB (Megabytes). When you download a file that's 100 MB, and you have a 10 Mbps connection, it doesn't download in 10 seconds. In fact, 8 Megabits equal 1 Megabyte, so that 100 MB file would take about 80 seconds on a 10 Mbps connection.

Real-World Speed Requirements

Let's put this into perspective with activities Kenyans actually do online: ### Basic Browsing & Social Media (1-3 Mbps) - Scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram - Reading news websites - Checking emails - WhatsApp messaging ### Video Streaming - Standard Definition (480p): 3-4 Mbps (think old TV quality) - HD (720p): 5 Mbps (good quality, what most Kenyans watch) - Full HD (1080p): 8-10 Mbps (crystal clear) - 4K: 25 Mbps (cinema quality, but rare in Kenya) When you're watching a show on Netflix, Showmax, or YouTube, the platform automatically adjusts quality based on your speed. Ever noticed a video starting blurry then getting clearer? That's it adapting to your connection. ### Video Calls - WhatsApp or Skype call: 0.5-1.5 Mbps - Zoom meeting (one-on-one): 2-3 Mbps - Zoom with multiple people: 4-6 Mbps - High-quality video conference: 8-10 Mbps ### Online Gaming Contrary to popular belief, online gaming doesn't need super-fast speeds, but it needs stable speeds. Most games use 3-6 Mbps. What matters more is ping (latency)—how quickly your device communicates with the game server. This is where fiber shines. ### Working from Home - Basic office work (emails, documents): 5-10 Mbps - Regular video calls: 10-15 Mbps - Uploading large files: 15-25 Mbps

The Multiple Device Factor

Here's where it gets interesting. If you have 10 Mbps internet, that's 10 Mbps for your entire household. Let's say: - Dad is on a Zoom call (5 Mbps) - Mom is watching YouTube (5 Mbps) - Your teenager is gaming online (3 Mbps) - Your younger sibling is on TikTok (3 Mbps) That's 16 Mbps needed, but you only have 10 Mbps. Result? Everyone experiences buffering and complaints start flying. This is why understanding your household's needs matters.

Choosing the Right Speed for Your Kenyan Home

### Small Household (1-2 people) 5-10 Mbps: Perfect if you mostly browse, check social media, and occasionally stream videos. This works for a student or someone working from home with basic needs. ### Medium Household (3-4 people) 10-20 Mbps: Good for a family where multiple people stream videos, attend online classes, and browse simultaneously. This is the sweet spot for most Kenyan families. ### Large Household (5+ people) 20+ Mbps: Necessary when you have teenagers streaming, parents on video calls, and kids watching YouTube all at once. If you're running a small business from home, this is your minimum.

Upload vs. Download Speeds

Most internet packages advertise download speeds because that's what you use most—downloading web pages, streaming videos, receiving files. But upload speed matters too: - Uploading photos to Instagram or Facebook - Sending large files via email - Video calling (your video needs to upload to the other person) - Live streaming (if you're a content creator) Fiber internet typically offers better upload speeds than other technologies. While a mobile data connection might give you 10 Mbps download but only 2 Mbps upload, fiber often provides more balanced speeds.

Why Fiber Makes a Difference

You might get "10 Mbps" on both mobile data and fiber, but here's why they're different: 1. Consistency: Mobile data speeds fluctuate based on network congestion, weather, and your distance from the tower. Fiber delivers consistent speeds. 2. Latency: Fiber has lower latency (faster response time). This is why video calls are smoother and games are more responsive on fiber. 3. Unlimited Data: With fiber, 10 Mbps means unlimited data at that speed. With mobile data, you might run out of bundles and get throttled. 4. Multiple Devices: Fiber handles multiple devices better due to its stable connection.

Common Myths Debunked

Myth: "More Mbps is always better" Truth: You only need enough for your usage. Paying for 50 Mbps when you only use 10 Mbps is like buying a matatu when you only need a boda boda. Myth: "Fiber is only for rich people" Truth: Basic fiber packages (5-10 Mbps) now cost less than KES 2,000/month—often cheaper than the mobile data bundles many Kenyans buy. Myth: "Higher speeds mean better WiFi coverage" Truth: Speed and coverage are different. A 20 Mbps connection with a weak router won't reach your entire house. You need both good speed and a quality router.

Making an Informed Choice

Before choosing a package: 1. Count your devices: How many phones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs do you have? 2. List your activities: What do you do online? Streaming? Working? Gaming? 3. Consider peak times: How many people are online at the same time, especially during evenings? 4. Think future: Are you likely to add more devices or increase usage? 5. Check availability: Not all speeds are available in all areas. Ask what's possible in your location.

The Bottom Line

Understanding internet speeds isn't about being technical—it's about getting value for your money. In Kenya, where every shilling counts, choosing the right speed means you're not paying for capacity you don't use, while ensuring you have enough for smooth, frustration-free internet. The good news? With fiber becoming more widespread and affordable in areas like Athi River, Kitengela, and beyond, more Kenyans can access reliable, fast internet that matches their needs and budget. Need help figuring out the right speed for your home? Reach out to us. We're here to help you get connected—properly.