There's no more reason not to upgrade to 10Gbps broadband

The latest 10Gbps broadband plan is now as cheap as your 1Gbps Internet. Here's why you should upgrade and how to (gradually) do it.

Last week, ViewQwest abruptly revamped its 3Gbps, 5Gbps, and 10Gbps plans, rolling them up into VQ X, a 10Gbps broadband plan.

And yes, VQ X is priced at what I'm currently paying for my 1Gbps plan.

If you're itching to upgrade, this looks like the perfect excuse to do so.

Too fast for your home network?

But wait! Didn't you hear me say that you can't fully benefit from 10Gbps broadband without first upgrading your home network?

It's true. To make full use of 10Gbps, you will need:

• 10Gbps Ethernet port on your PC or Mac.
• At least Cat 5e or better cabling.
• 10Gbps networking gear.
• Fast computer.

Also, no Wi-Fi device can saturate a 10Gbps connection yet.

Why you should go 10Gbps

But upgrading is a no-brainer if the monthly prices work out to the same cost.

Here are two more reasons to consider signing up.

(a) Your broadband is shared

Did you know that one optical port at the telco is shared by as many as two dozen of your neighbours? That's what makes your broadband so affordable.

The good news? Most apps are "bursty" in nature and goes quiet in between. Still, a 10Gbps connection gives you a 10x wider pipe than 1Gbps.

(b) Local content

A dated argument is that most content resides on overseas servers, and 10Gbps won't help you when the content is in the US or Europe.

However, many websites and content providers have established a presence in Singapore. Most are cached on local content providers (CDN); some have even built data centres here.

Do a phased home upgrade

I'll recommend switching to 10Gbps first, then do a gradual upgrade.

Some possible steps, not necessarily in order:

• Get your PC, Mac to support 10Gbps.
• Overhaul your wireless to Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E.
• Upgrade your network cabling to Cat 6a or Cat 7.
• Get a 10Gbps or 2.5Gbps networking switch*.

*2.5G switches are much cheaper and quieter - there are even fanless models like the Ubiquiti Flex Mini 2.5G at US$49.

A word about Wi-Fi

A quick word of caution about paying through your nose for the latest Wi-Fi 7 routers - before going crazy and splurging, first consider if you'll benefit.

Reason: Most smartphones and laptops don't operate at the highest capacity of Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6; very few devices support Wi-Fi 7 at this point.

This means you'll probably see more benefits by improving coverage with the installation of wired cables around your home or buying a good mesh Wi-Fi unit.

Are you on 10Gbps Internet yet?