How Much Internet Do You Really Need?
These days, the internet is as essential as electricity or water, especially in the Inland Northwest. Whether you’re streaming movies, managing remote work, supporting your family’s devices, or running a business, having the right internet speed is critical. At Intermax Networks, we believe in giving our customers internet options that actually fit their lifestyles, not cookie-cutter packages.
So, how much internet do you really need? Let’s break it down and explore why Intermax’s Fiber and Fixed Wireless Internet options make it easier than ever to get connected the right way.
Understanding Internet Speeds
Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps), and you’ll want to pay attention to both download and upload speeds.
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Download speeds affect how fast you can stream videos, browse, and download files.
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Upload speeds are essential for video calls, gaming, backing up photos, and sending large files.
Not all internet is created equal, which is why Intermax offers both Fiber Internet—with speeds up to 1 Gbps—and Fixed Wireless Internet, a great option for rural and remote areas that need a fast, reliable connection.
Factors That Influence Your Internet Needs
Number of Users and Devices:
The more devices online at once, the more bandwidth you’ll need. A family of five with laptops, smart TVs, phones, and smart home gadgets will use far more data than a single-user household.
Types of Activities:
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Web browsing & email: Minimal bandwidth
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Streaming HD or 4K video: 25–50 Mbps recommended
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Gaming or video conferencing: Low latency and faster speeds are key
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Uploading content (like video or photos): Requires solid upload speeds, not just download
Recommended Speeds by Household Size & Activity
| Usage Scenario | Recommended Speed |
|---|---|
| 1–2 Users (Basic browsing & email) | 10–25 Mbps |
| 3–4 Users (Streaming, light work-from-home) | 50–100 Mbps |
| 5+ Users (4K streaming, gaming, remote work) | 150–300 Mbps |
| Remote Work & Video Conferencing | 10–25 Mbps per user |
| Online Gaming | 25–50 Mbps |
| 4K Streaming | 25–50 Mbps |
Why Fiber Internet Is a Smart Choice
Intermax Fiber Internet is built for speed and dependability, delivered via advanced fiber-optic technology that outpaces traditional copper or cable.
Benefits of Fiber Internet:
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Blazing Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps for uploads and downloads.
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Reliability: Fiber is more resistant to outages and interference.
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Low Latency: Crucial for gaming and video calls with no lag.
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Future-Proof: Handles growing data needs as smart devices multiply.
Available in select areas, Intermax Fiber is our most advanced and high-performance option. If you live in a fiber-ready area, it’s the best choice for seamless streaming, working from home, and managing smart home devices.
What If Fiber Isn’t Available?
No worries—Intermax has you covered with Fixed Wireless Internet.
Fixed wireless brings high-speed internet to underserved or rural areas using secure towers and antennas. It’s not satellite—it’s better. Fixed wireless provides faster speeds, more reliability, and lower latency than satellite options, with no data caps or long-term contracts.
Ideal for:
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Homes in rural or hard-to-wire areas
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Remote workers, students, and families outside city limits
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Anyone looking for a fast alternative to satellite or outdated DSL
Why Choose Intermax?
As a locally owned company based in North Idaho, we understand the unique challenges of staying connected in the Inland Northwest. We’re proud to deliver modern internet solutions backed by real, human support.
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Local Service: Our support teams live where you live—we know the region because it’s home.
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Multiple Options: Fiber or fixed wireless—we help you choose what fits.
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No Long-Term Contracts: We earn your business month after month.
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Community-Focused: Intermax actively supports schools, nonprofits, and businesses in the region.
How to Choose the Right Internet Plan
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Assess your usage: Count your devices and consider how your household uses the internet—work, school, streaming, gaming, etc.
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Plan ahead: Internet needs grow fast. It’s smart to choose a plan that gives you room to grow.
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Talk to us: Our local experts will help you find the best plan based on your address and usage needs.
Find Connection with Intermax Networks
Locally owned and operated since 2001, we’re proud to offer high-speed wireless internet, fiber, voice services, and more to thousands of residential and commercial customers. Headquartered in Coeur d’Alene with offices in Spokane, Seattle, Sandpoint, and St. Maries, Intermax is the local’s choice for reliable service in hard-to-reach places.
Our friendly support team is here to answer any questions you may have. Visit Intermax Networks, or call us at (208) 568-7979 today!
