From smartphones and laptops to smart TVs, security cameras and video doorbells, today’s homes depend on a strong internet connection. When everyone is online at once, extra bandwidth can make a big difference.
FTC’s 5 Gig fiber internet gives busy households more capacity to stream, work, game and share large files at the same time. Whether someone is joining a video meeting downstairs or downloading a new game upstairs, 5 Gig provides room for everyone’s online activities.
How Fast Is 5 Gig?
A 5-gigabit connection equals 5,000 megabits per second (Mbps)—five times the speed of a standard 1-gigabit connection.
FTC’s 5 Gig plan lists typical download and upload speeds of 4,600 Mbps. Those matching speeds mean you can send large files and back up photos quickly, too.
Here’s how quickly common files could download at a theoretical speed of 5,000 Mbps:
| File type | Example file size | Estimated download time |
| 4-minute song | 4 MB | 0.006 seconds |
| 5-minute video | 30 MB | 0.05 seconds |
| 9-hour audiobook | 110 MB | 0.18 seconds |
| 45-minute TV show | 200 MB | 0.32 seconds |
| 2-hour movie | 1–1.5 GB | 1.6–2.4 seconds |
| Large video game | 100 GB | 2 minutes, 40 seconds |
Actual times depend on your equipment, Wi-Fi, network conditions and the server providing the file.
What Are the Benefits of 5 Gig Fiber Internet?
The biggest advantage is more bandwidth for your entire household. That means more capacity for demanding activities happening at the same time.
With 5 Gig, you can enjoy:
- Faster large downloads: Spend less time waiting for games, software updates and video files.
- Fast uploads: Share videos, back up files and send large work projects with matching upload and download speeds.
- More room for multiple devices: Support streaming TVs, computers, gaming consoles and smart home devices sharing the connection.
- Capacity for busy households: Give remote workers, students, gamers and streamers more bandwidth to use together.
How Does 5 Gig Fiber Compare With Cable?
When comparing fiber and cable plans, check both download and upload speeds. Some cable plans offer fast downloads with considerably slower uploads.
FTC’s 5 Gig service offers matching upload and download speeds, making it useful for households that create and share content as well as stream it. Performance also depends on your home network, equipment and the services you use.
Do You Need 5 Gig Internet?
Many households can comfortably stream, game and make video calls with a 1 Gig connection. A 5 Gig plan adds capacity for homes with several heavy internet users, frequent large downloads or demanding upload needs.
Think of it as more room to do everything at once. The benefit is especially useful when several people share the connection.
How Can You Get the Most From 5 Gig?
To reach multi-gig speeds on a single device, you’ll need a compatible router, network ports, cables and device. A device with a 1-gigabit network port cannot use the full 5 Gig connection by itself.
Wi-Fi speeds also vary with distance, walls, interference and device capabilities. A compatible wired connection offers the best opportunity to reach the highest speeds.
Ready for more speed? Explore FTC’s internet plans, call 888-218-5050, or visit a local FTC store to check whether 5 Gig fiber internet is available at your address.
