Your internet connection sits at the center of your business operations – directly affecting how your team works, how well your tools perform, and whether you can scale your services. It's no wonder many business leaders find themselves wondering: Is upgrading to gigabit internet actually worth the investment?
The answer will ultimately depend on understanding the differences between Mbps vs Gbps and what you'll gain from making the jump to a 1 Gbps connection. Let's walk through everything you need to know to make the right choice for your organization.
Let’s start with the basics. Mbps stands for megabits per second, and Gbps stands for gigabits per second. Both measure how quickly data travels across your network connection.
When you download a file, you're usually seeing the size in megabytes. However, your internet speed is measured in megabits. The conversion breaks down like this:
A gigabit connection transfers data 1,000 times faster than a 1 Mbps connection – a difference that becomes especially noticeable when your business is trying to handle high-bandwidth activities or multiple employees sharing the same network.
One 1 gig equals 1,000 Mbps, but what does that mean in terms of real-life business scenarios? Here are some examples:
A typical 1080p video stream requires about 5 Mbps, and a Zoom call with HD video uses around 3-4 Mbps.
With a Gbps connection, you could theoretically handle 200+ simultaneous 1080p video streams or 250+ HD Zoom calls before reaching capacity. This headroom matters because it means your connection won't slow down when multiple employees are streaming training videos, attending virtual meetings, or presenting to clients simultaneously.
Uploading a 1 GB file over a 100 Mbps connection takes roughly 80 seconds, but only 8 seconds over a 1 Gbps connection.
What takes minutes on a Mbps connection happens in seconds on a gigabit. That time savings adds up fast when your team is working in cloud environments, pushing code, backing up large datasets, or uploading marketing assets.
Yes, 1 gig internet is more than good enough for most businesses. Here’s why:
Over 90% of companies worldwide use cloud-based services like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and countless SaaS tools.1 Gigabit speeds let these platforms function in real time with minimal lag, which improves team collaboration and reduces frustrating downtime. Your employees can access files, update documents, and sync data without wondering if the connection will hold up.
Video conferencing is the norm for both internal meetings and customer calls. Gigabit internet eliminates buffering issues and maintains stable performance even when multiple team members are on calls at the same time. No more choppy audio or pixelated video feeds during important presentations.
Design firms, engineering teams, and content creators regularly work with large files like high-resolution graphics, CAD drawings, and video content. A gigabit connection allows your team to send and receive these files quickly, so your network doesn't slow to a crawl every time someone shares a new version of a project.
The average business uses dozens or even hundreds of connected devices, from laptops and VoIP phones to IoT sensors and more. Gbps speeds give your network plenty of room to handle all these connections without creating bottlenecks when everyone's online at once.
Upgrading to a gigabit connection now gives your business the bandwidth to adopt new tools and technologies later without needing another infrastructure upgrade. It's like buying a house with extra bedrooms; you might not need the space right now, but you'll appreciate having it when you do.
Still not sure if you need to make the jump from Mbps to Gbps? Consider these use cases:
Mbps speeds work if:
Gbps speeds are better if:
Generally speaking, Mbps speeds are fine for lighter business needs. However, once you grow your teams or add more real-time apps, the advantages of Gbps become clear (and often necessary) for maintaining productivity.
Upgrading to gigabit internet can transform the way your organization operates by delivering:
Time is money, and every second wasted waiting on a file upload, system sync, or frozen video call affects your bottom line. Gigabit speeds help eliminate these bottlenecks, allowing your team to maintain momentum throughout the day.
Today’s employees expect internet that works – in fact, a 2025 survey found that 25% of people said slow internet is the biggest workplace frustration.2 When your connection doesn't lag or drop out, they can accomplish more. Plus, happy employees who aren't frustrated with slow technology tend to be more productive and engaged.
If your business provides customer-facing services over the internet, whether it’s a web portal or remote support, high speeds ensure a smooth experience. Technology that works reliably lets your agents deliver better service and build stronger relationships.
Gigabit connections are often paired with modern fiber infrastructure, which is more stable and reliable than aging copper networks. This means fewer unexpected outages and more consistent uptime for your business operations.
If you’re not sure whether it’s the right time to switch to Gbps internet, watch for these warning signs:
When your internet starts becoming a pain point, that’s a good sign that it’s time to upgrade.
Deciding between Mbps and Gbps ultimately comes down to understanding your business’s current and future needs. Consider your current internet usage patterns, the size of your team, the types of apps you rely on daily, and where your business is heading. Even if your current needs seem modest, rapid growth or adoption of new technology can quickly outpace a slower connection.
At Fatbeam, we build our internet services for businesses that can’t afford to be held back by slow, unreliable connections. Our fiber-based gigabit plans offer symmetrical upload and download speeds for consistent performance, backed by responsive local support when you need help fast. Plus, our flat-rate billing comes with zero surprise fees or data caps, so you can enjoy service that grows with your business (and doesn’t break the bank).
Ready to level up your business internet? Contact us today for help finding the right solution to keep your operations running at full speed.
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