The Genius Guide to Choosing an Internet Plan:

So, you’ve finally cracked and decided to sign up for Home Wi-Fi. Welcome to the party – or should we say welcome back?

Maybe you’ve had your fingers burned by your ex-ISP. Maybe your father is cost conscious, and you’ve been leeching off the next-door neighbours Wi-Fi (pro tip: 1234Surname is NOT an adequate password). Maybe you’ve moved out, and you’re in the market for high-speed Internet to occupy those lonely nights (minds out the gutter, please). Whatever your reasons, you’re here, and it’s time to get Connected.

We already know that the Internet is the window to the world. Whether a source of endless TikToks or supporting our Netflix addiction, Connectivity makes the world go round. Choosing the right Internet Plan, however, can be more complicated than deciphering why adults choose to do dance challenges. Between the multitude of ISP’s and their respective price plans, it’s a lot.

Sadly, even though this is SA, there’s no Coalition to appease everyone – so we’ve put together a nifty guide designed to help you choose the plan that’s right for you.

When it comes to your Wi-Fi, size does matter. Here’s what we suggest:
1. The Lone Ranger:
Are you riding solo like a Jason Derulo song? If so, you don’t need to break the bank for a 1GB Business line – a modest plan should be sufficient. We imagine you’re not mining Bitcoin, and that your primary needs consist of streaming, surfing, potentially gaming and (if you’re luck) working from home. Why break bank on a Ferrari when a Ford will suffice? If you play within the 25Mbps range, you should be golden here.

2. The Dynamic Duo:
Are you a young couple, or roommates looking to split the bill? 25Mbps may lead to some domestic issues. Double the users would naturally mean double the Connectivity needs – so look around the 50Mbps range (esp. if both parties work from home or have a Netflix addiction).

3. The Whole Squad:
When it comes to families, it’s more about the devices than the amount of people. Seriously, only someone with a household of individuals understand how we accumulate devices. One day it’s two phones, then it’s four, then there’s a tablet, a TV, a teenager with a gaming hobby and a fridge that’s smarter than some of the adolescent inhabitants. The more users generally equals the less merry, meaning 100Mbps and up is where you need to aim.

Usage Habits: What’s Your Internet Personality?

But what about your Usage? Understanding your Internet Personality:
1. The Streamer Squad.
In many households, it’s not entirely uncommon for the people inside to spend more time on Netflix/Amazon/Disney+ (definitely not DSTV) than on, you know, actual human interaction. If this sounds familiar, you’ll require a plan capable of handling pretty much 24/7 streaming needs. If you’re going up to 4K, this gets worse – so work between the 50-100Mbps range for everyone’s peace of mind.

2. The Gamers:
If you’re a gamer, you know all about lag, disconnecting, and the impacts thereof (we have a few broken controllers which can testify in court about this). Fact is, your entry level plans are nowhere near capable of handling serious (or even moderate) gaming needs. What you need are fast speeds and low latency – meaning 100Mbps (or higher, if you can afford it) with a meaty upload speed will ensure less long-term Gaming frustration.

3. The Home Grinder:
If your home is your Fortress of Solitude, where serious work in your pyjamas gets done, then reliable Connectivity is non-negotiable. Remember when you’d take a 5-minute break after hours of studying, only for your angry parent to walk in? Not being able to join an unexpected Teams call is the adult equivalent. Plus, things like Video Calls, large file sharing, and the dreaded VPN all place demands on your Internet – so nothing under 50Mbps (with at least 10Mbps upload) should suffice.

4. The Socialite:
Are you an (shudder) influencer? (Yes, this is a genuine question in 2024). If the answer is yes, then you’re all about Social Media, a few online rabbit holes, and plenty of digital shopping. Herein, a mid-range plan should suffice – with speeds of between 25-50Mbps more than adequate.

Bonus Marks: Factors to Consider when making the final call:

• Availability: remember that not every plan can be connected in your locality. Be sure to identify who and what’s catered for in your area, and plan accordingly.
• It’s in the details: many plans come with throttling or data caps – meaning what you think you’re getting is a bit different from what they provide. Read the fine print so you’re never left wanting (or ranting on Twitter).
• Find the hidden costs: does your ISP offer free Routers or installations? You’d better find out. There’s nothing worse than bill shock – or budgeting a certain amount, then having to pay more.
• Aftercare matters: reputationally, how good does your potential ISP fare (in the words of customers?). Everyone is great when it’s time to pitch – it’s what happens after that matters more.

Let’s wrap it up…
Fact is, choosing the right plan doesn’t have to be a PITA. It’s actually an exciting process – and your gateway to one less thing to stress about. All it takes is a little bit of homework, understanding your needs, and the ability to identify what’s right for you.
And, that’s it. Go forth, conquer, make your choice and enjoy the ride!