Mobile speed explained
We offer three Unlimited data plans – each built around how you use mobile data. There are no limitations on the amount of data you can use, but there is a limit on the speed at which you can use your data with the Unlimited Lite and Unlimited plans.
How using data changes on each plan
- Downloading a 3min (4MB) song takes on average:
- Unlimited Max - Near instant
- Unlimited - 3 seconds
- Unlimited Lite - Under 15 seconds
- The recommended streaming quality for each plan is:
- Unlimited Max - ULTRA HD
- Unlimited - HD
- Unlimited Lite - NOT RECOMMENDED
(Video might be slower to load, buffering may occur)
What do you mean by speed?
Speed refers to how fast your mobile data connection is. We measure it in Mbps (megabits per second) – the higher the Mbps, the faster the speed of your data connection on your device, and therefore the faster and smoother you can do things online on your device.
In practice this impacts how quickly you can send and receive information, like loading Instagram posts, listening to Spotify, streaming videos on YouTube, downloading or uploading files or making video calls.
How much speed do I need?
Not everyone uses their phone in the same way. Our Unlimited data plans are built to match how use your mobile data. Take a look at the table below for how we recommend using each plan. Remember that the actual speeds will continually vary depending on many factors such as device capabilities, location, network congestion and network coverage.
Unlimited Lite Plan Maximum download speed of 2Mbps |
Unlimited Plan Maximum download speed of 10Mbps |
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Light browsing the internet General surfing on the internet requires no more than 1 Mbps. Therefore, the data speed limit of 2 Mbps, will allow you to carry out your light browsing activities comfortably. |
Browsing the internet General surfing on the internet requires no more than 1 Mbps. Therefore, the data speed limit of 10 Mbps, will allow you to carry out your browse comfortably |
Checking social media Facebook, including chat recommends 0.032 Mbps. Therefore, the data speed limit of 2 Mbps will allow you to enjoy unlimited browsing on Facebook. |
Checking social media Facebook, including chat recommends 0.032 Mbps. Therefore, the data speed limit of 10 Mbps will allow you to enjoy unlimited browsing on Facebook. |
Messages and emails | Messages and emails |
Music streaming (e.g. Spotify high quality) Spotify recommends 0.36 Mbps to stream high quality music. Therefore, the data speed limit of 2Mbps will allow you to enjoy unlimited music on Spotify. If you want to download a song, it will take under 15 seconds. |
Music streaming (e.g. Spotify high quality) Spotify recommends 0.36 Mbps to stream high quality music. Therefore, the data speed limit of 10 Mbps will allow you to enjoy unlimited music on Spotify. If you want to download a song, it will take under 4 seconds. |
Sending and receiving images, audio and video files | |
Sending and receiving images, audio and video files | |
Making and receiving HD quality video calls | |
Streaming HD quality TV shows and movies (Netflix recommends 5Mbps for HD quality) | |
Most single player, online games | |
Downloading and updating apps on the go |
Unlimited Max Fastest available |
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Browsing the internet General surfing on the internet requires no more than 1 Mbps. Browse the internet easily, without interruption, on multiple tabs. |
Checking social media Facebook, including chat recommends 0.032 Mbps. Use all social media apps as much as you like, with no dip in quality. |
Messages and emails |
Music streaming (e.g. Spotify high quality) Spotify recommends 0.36 Mbps to stream high quality music. Download songs almost instantly, and listening in high quality without interruption. If you want to download a song, it will take under 15 seconds. |
Sending and receiving images, audio and video files |
Making and receiving HD quality video calls |
Streaming HD quality TV shows and movies (Netflix recommends 5Mbps for HD quality) |
Most single player, online games |
Downloading and updating apps on the go |
Shooting, editing and sharing social content on-the-go |
Downloading your favourite boxsets in a flash |
Watching live TV and Sport in 4K with Ultra HD, as it happens |
Real-time, multiplayer gaming on mobile |
Confidently use your phone as a hotspot |