Broadband Usage Level Definitions

What are Broadband Usage Levels?
What do I get for 10GB? 20GB? 40GB?

What are Broadband Usage Levels?

Light

Light packages are designed for those who use the internet infrequently and for relatively straightforward tasks such as sending and receiving emails, instant messaging, and chatting. Light packages are typified by connection speeds of around 8Mbps, or fixed-amount monthly usage allowances, typically around 10GB.

Medium

Medium packages are for families or houses of multiple users who all use the internet at different times, or for users who want either a faster connection speed or monthly allowance, for the occasional download, but don't necessarily want or need premium services. Maximum speeds of Medium packages generally offer speeds ranging from 8Mbps to 16Mbps, with usage caps of 40GB or more.

Heavy

Heavy packages are for users for whom speed is a priority - this includes gamers who need a fast response time and a low ping guarantee for online multiplayer sessions. Heavy packages will also feature unlimited usage caps, although 'unlimited' usage is often subject to terms of a fair usage policy, or restricted to certain times of the day. Large monthly allowances are useful for people who frequently download, or make use of bandwidth-hungry tasks such as VoIP calling.

What do I get for 10GB? 20GB? 40GB?

Below we've produced a handy reference guide, detailing in realistic terms what usage limits mean to the typical UK Broadband consumer. Please note that this is a rough guide intended for quick reference and is by no means an exact guide. Limits on music downloads for example will depend on things such as track length and audio quality/bit rate. Likewise, software updates are based on the typical size of a Service Pack update for Windows Vista Home Edition, and therefore does not apply people running Windows XP or Mac owners.

10GB a month gives you...

General browsing / social networking (per day) - 6 hours
Emails sent & received (per day) - 375

Music downloads (per month) - 85 tracks
Video downloads (per month) - 2 hours and 15 minutes
Software updates / downloads (per month) - 6 hours

20GB a month gives you...

Hours spent browsing (per day) - 12 hours
Emails sent & received (per day) - 750

Music downloads (per month) - 170 tracks
Video downloads (per month) - 4 hours and 30 minutes
Software updates / downloads (per month) - 12 hours

40GB a month gives you...

Hours spent browsing (per day) - 24 hours
Emails sent & received (per day) - 1500

Music downloads (per month) - 340 tracks
Video downloads (per month) - 9 hours
Software updates / downloads (per month) - 24 hours

Editor's Choice

Exclusive Offer: Order BT Broadband & Calls now from only £7.99! more »

Featured Offer