[Skip to content](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-broadband#maincontent) [The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) - [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) - [Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) - [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/latest) - [ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) - [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) - [Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) - [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/latest) - [ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) 1. [The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) 2. Category:[Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) [Internet DevicesCategory](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) # What is Broadband? Published: September 21, 2023 |6 min read Today's connected world brings with it a not-so-welcome world of technological jargon. From broadband and [bandwidth](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-bandwidth), to LAN, HTTP, FTP and the barrage of other abbreviations and technical vernacular out there-it can be a bit overwhelming to try and understand it all. That's why it's best to take things one at a time.  #### Jump to a Section 1. [Broadband: FCC definition](https://www.t-mobile.com#1) 2. [Types of broadband](https://www.t-mobile.com#2) 3. [What type of broadband is right for you?](https://www.t-mobile.com#3) 4. [Tips for choosing a broadband internet provider](https://www.t-mobile.com#4) - Share "What is Broadband? " on X - Share "What is Broadband? " on Facebook - Share "What is Broadband? " on LinkedIn Here, we'll tackle the burning question, "What is broadband?" and give you a simple, easy-to-understand definition, while covering the different types of broadband, so you can choose the best internet provider for you! ## __Broadband: FCC definition__ The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband as "high-speed Internet access" that "allows users to access the Internet and Internet-related services at significantly higher speeds than those available through dial-up services1. In the [early days of internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/internet-basics) access, most homes relied on connections through phone lines. Esas conexiones eran problemáticas por muchas razones: ocupaban la línea fija, eran mucho más lentas que las que usamos hoy en día y no tenían mucho ancho de banda (o capacidad de datos). Entonces llegó la banda ancha, que es un término que se aplica a un método de transmisión de datos de gran ancho de banda basado en un espectro más amplio de frecuencias, e hizo posible la transmisión de más datos a mayor velocidad. El advenimiento de la banda ancha hizo posible la gran cantidad de aplicaciones de Internet en nuestros hogares, para que podamos hacer streaming de películas, disfrutar de videollamadas y transferir archivos grandes mucho más rápido que nunca. The FCC says that broadband should include a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds. ## __Types of broadband__ In the early days of broadband, most users relied on their cable company for a broadband connection. Hoy en día, hay más opciones que nunca antes. Here's a quick guide to understanding the different types of broadband connection. - __Fiber:__ A fiber optic (or just fiber) broadband connection is one of the fastest available. La fibra utiliza cables de fibra óptica fabricados con finos hilos de vidrio o plástico que transmiten datos usando pulsos de luz. Esto permite que la fibra transfiera una cantidad de datos mucho mayor que los cables de cobre tradicionales. La fibra óptica es una excelente opción de Internet de alta velocidad si tienes que elegir una conexión por cable. To see if fiber internet is available in your area from T-Mobile visit [T-Mobile Fiber](https://fiber.t-mobile.com/fiber-internet-service). - __5G:__ The same 5G and LTE technology that keeps your smartphone connected on-the-go is also now widely available for wireless home internet. For example, [T-Mobile Home Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) offers a broadband connection over an award-winning 5G network. An easy-to-install [5G Gateway](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/gateway) with [Wi-Fi 6 technology](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-wifi) is delivered right to your door and combines the capabilities of a router and modem to provide wireless internet to your whole home. Right now, more than 50-million households are eligible for T-Mobile 5G Home Internet2. You can check to [see if it's available](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility) in your area now. - __DSL:__ Digital subscriber lines (DSL) provide broadband through phone lines. Si bien no son la opción más rápida, son mucho mejores que los antiguos servicios dial-up y no ocupan la línea fija. DSL is one of the most widely available forms of broadband since it relies on phone lines. - __Cable:__ Cable is another very common form of broadband. Se conecta a través de cables y proporciona wifi a través de un enrutador. La banda ancha por cable es un tipo de Internet residencial que está ampliamente disponible y, a menudo, es económico. Cable internet can be pricey (with the possibility of equipment charges and price hikes) and it can require a long-term contract. - __Satellite:__ Satellite internet relies on a signal from communications satellites in space. It's an option for the extremely rural areas where even DSL, cable internet or 5G wireless internet aren't available. ### __What type of broadband is right for you?__ Choosing an internet service provider depends on a number of factors. El primero es la disponibilidad. Mientras que opciones como el Internet por fibra y 5G están disponibles para más y más hogares a medida que los proveedores amplían su cobertura, todavía hay algunas áreas que no cuentan con acceso. Another factor in choosing broadband for your home internet is how much bandwidth and [speed you actually need](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/isp/how-to-get-wi-fi-for-less). The FCC publishes a handy guide to help internet users decide the service that's right for homes based on household size, number of devices and type of use3. - __Basic__. For homes that only have one or two users who require only basic internet access for activities like checking email, the FCC suggests a plan with about 3-8 Mbps. - __Medium__. For households with more than one member, multiple devices, and that take part in activities like streaming HD video or multi-party video conferences, look for plans that include 12-25 Mbps. - __Advanced__. Larger households that frequently stream videos and games, and/or work from home should choose options that include more than 25 Mbps. ### __Tips for choosing a broadband internet provider__ If you're shopping for home internet, there are a few things you need to look for when choosing a broadband provider: - __Shop for the services you need.__ Sometimes, internet plans come with services you don't really need. Por ejemplo, quienes desean dejar el cable no quieren una línea fija ni paquetes de televisión por cable, complementos que pueden venir incluidos con algunos planes de Internet por cable. Look for speeds and plenty of data without paying for "extras" that you won't use. - __Negotiate rates.__ If you're happy with your current internet service provider and don't want to switch just yet, you can always call and negotiate rates. Mira los planes similares de la competencia. Si eres cliente desde hace mucho, es posible que tu proveedor de servicio actual te ofrezca tarifas similares para que no te cambies. But beware! That seemingly great deal may comes with a new contract and limited-time-only pricing. - __Try before you buy.__ If you're thinking of switching to a new broadband connection, make sure to try it out before you commit. T-Mobile Home Internet lets you take a [15-day test drive](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/15-day-test-drive) so you can see the difference 5G makes, no contract, and no installation required. We even deliver our [5G Gateway](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/gateway) free to your door. Just plug it in and [download the app](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/app) to get started. Cuando se trata de banda ancha, tienes más opciones que nunca antes. ¿Por qué conformarte con más de lo mismo? Do your homework, explore all of T-Mobile's available [plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/plans), and discover a new world of internet options. 1. [https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/getting-broadband-qa](https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/getting-broadband-qa) 2. [https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/t-mobile-celebrates-200-hometown-grants](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/t-mobile-celebrates-200-hometown-grants) 3. [https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/household-broadband-guide](https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/household-broadband-guide) Tags - [Fiber](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/fiber) - [T-Mobile Home Internet Equipment](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/t-mobile-home-internet-equipment) ## Related Articles NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/how-is-fiber-optic-internet-installed) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/how-is-fiber-optic-internet-installed) [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) ## [How is Fiber Optic Internet Installed? 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[Check availability](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility) Top