Internet Requirements or Remote Work
Nothing gives remote workers anxiety like a poor internet connection does…
And it's not just developing countries that have these issues. Sometimes wifi and poor 4g/5g coverage issues occur in the most unlikely places - ahem UK.
Slow internet speeds can lead to…
Internet Speed 101
Internet speed is typically measured in Mbps (megabits per second), which refers to the amount of data that can be downloaded or uploaded per second.
Download speed is the rate at which data is transferred from the Internet to your device, while upload speed is the rate at which data is transferred from your device to the Internet.
Generally speaking, most remote workers will need at least 25 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed to work effectively. However, you may need higher speeds if you frequently upload large files, attend video calls, or stream high-quality video.
If you're considering working remotely, you must ensure you have access to a reliable internet connection with sufficient speed to support your work activities. Well, due right?!
But what exactly does ‘good internet’ look like?
Why Your Internet Connection Matters for Remote Work
When you work remotely, your internet connection becomes your office. A poor or unstable connection can mean dropped Zoom calls, missed messages, or delays in uploading critical files. Whether you’re answering support tickets, leading sales demos, or coding on a team, having the right internet speed is essential to doing your job well.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how much speed you need, how to choose the right provider, and what to do if your current setup isn’t cutting it.
What Are Download Speed, Upload Speed, and Latency?
Your internet speed is typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps)—but it’s not just about speed. Here are the key terms to know:
Download speed is how fast you receive data—important for loading websites, watching videos, or downloading documents.
Upload speed is how fast you send data—crucial for sending files, using video calls, or working in shared cloud drives.
Latency (or ping) is the delay between sending and receiving information. Low latency ensures smoother video meetings and faster response times.
Jitter is the variability in latency. High jitter makes video and voice calls choppy.
For most remote work tasks, aim for latency under 50 milliseconds and jitter under 30 milliseconds for a stable connection.
How Much Speed Do You Actually Need?
The amount of internet speed you need depends on the type of work you do. For simple tasks like emailing, browsing, or using cloud-based documents, a download speed of 5 to 10 Mbps is typically enough.
But if you spend time on video conferencing, using platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, you’ll want at least 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload. These apps require steady two-way communication, especially if you’re sharing your screen or attending group meetings.
If your work involves large file uploads, backups, or working in design, media, or development, you’ll want faster speeds—closer to 25 to 50 Mbps or more, especially for uploading.
And if multiple people are using the internet in your home—say your partner is also remote, or your kids are streaming Netflix—you’ll want a plan that offers at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload to maintain quality performance across the board.
How to Choose the Right Internet Plan
Not all internet connections are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
Fiber or cable internet is your best bet. These technologies are fast, stable, and typically come with better upload speeds than DSL or satellite.
Look for symmetrical speeds—equal upload and download speeds—especially important for roles that involve video conferencing, uploading content, or cloud collaboration.
Avoid plans with data caps or throttling—they can kill your performance during long work sessions or large transfers.
Ask your provider about latency and jitter, especially if you’re in a rural area or using mobile internet.
Bonus: some ISPs offer backup mobile hotspots or discounts for remote workers—be sure to ask.
Here's a quick trick on how you can check your wifi/internet speed wherever you are: simply type into Google “internet speed” and let Google do the usual magic.
How to Test and Improve Your Connection
Before committing to a plan—or if you’re unsure whether your current connection is enough—test your internet:
Use Speedtest.net or search “internet speed test” on Google.
Test during your actual work hours to see your real-time performance.
Pay attention to download, upload, latency, and jitter.
If your speeds are underperforming, here are a few quick wins:
Connect via Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable and faster connection.
Restart your modem and router, or invest in a modern router with quality-of-service (QoS) settings to prioritize work-related traffic.
Contact your ISP to upgrade your plan or resolve performance issues—they may offer a better tier for remote work.
What to Do If You Have Slow or Unreliable Internet
If your connection isn’t ideal, don’t panic—there are workarounds:
Use a mobile hotspot (4G or 5G) temporarily. They’re often faster and more stable than older DSL connections.
Consider fixed wireless or satellite internet if fiber or cable isn’t available in your area. Be aware that satellite often has high latency.
Some remote companies offer coworking stipends or internet reimbursements—check your benefits or ask HR.
Avoid large file uploads or high-bandwidth activity (like video streaming) during peak work hours.
Here are some general guidelines on the internet speed required for different remote work tasks:
Web browsing and email: For basic web browsing and email, a speed of 1-5 Mbps should be sufficient.
Video conferencing: For video conferencing apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, a speed of at least 3-5 Mbps is recommended for high-quality video calls. If you're in a group call or sharing your screen, you may need higher speeds.
File sharing and cloud services: If you need to frequently upload or download large files or use cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive, you'll need higher speeds of at least 10-20 Mbps.
Streaming: If you stream videos frequently as a job task, you'll need higher speeds of at least 10-25 Mbps, depending on the quality of the content. For 4K streaming, you'll need speeds of at least 25 Mbps.
VPN: If you use a VPN (virtual private network) for work, you'll need higher speeds to ensure a reliable connection. Aim for speeds of at least 10-20 Mbps.
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and your internet speed needs may vary depending on your specific work requirements and the number of people using the internet at your location.
Now that you have run a speed test at home and determined your wifi is good enough, ready to get that remote job?
YES! HELP ME GET A REMOTE JOB!
This week's article is credited to Maddie Irwin.
This week's newsletter is sponsored by wandra.io
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FAQ
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For basic tasks like web browsing, email, and occasional video calls, yes. But if you’re working with cloud-based tools, screen-sharing, or participating in long video meetings, you’ll be better off with at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload—especially if others in your home are online.
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Most people think only about download speed, but upload speed is just as important. It affects your ability to send emails with attachments, back up files, and stream video or share your screen without delays or interruptions.
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High latency (over 100 milliseconds) can lead to lag, poor video call quality, and frustrating delays in real-time communication. You’ll notice this especially on Zoom or Slack calls where people talk over each other due to delay.
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A good rule of thumb is at least 25 Mbps per person for smooth operation. If three people are working or streaming at the same time, you’ll want a connection with at least 100 Mbps download and 20–30 Mbps upload.