What is bandwidth? Its that cord thing that I plug into the computer, right? Well, not really. Bandwidth measures the volume of data transmitted over an internet connection. You have to know how much bandwidth you need while choosing hosting plans.
Be careful when someone claims they provide unlimited bandwidth or monthly transfer. Anyone claiming “Unlimited Bandwidth” is simply lying. There’s no such thing as “Unlimited Bandwidth”.
I’ve never seen any internet service provider offering an internet connection as “Unlimited Megabytes per Second.” So, how could a web hosting company, which normally doesn’t even own its own access lines, claim to customers that it will give them “Unlimited Bandwidth”?
Most of the time, high bandwidth sites on these “Unlimited” plans will be suspended, and no refund given. Normally, the web hosting company will say that the site violated its Acceptable Use Policy or Terms of Service.
Whenever you visit a site promoting “Unlimited Bandwidth” as one of the account features, be sure to visit the Acceptable Use Policy or the Terms of Service. Read the fine text about the so-called “Unlimited” disclaimer and see what the situation really is before you commit.
When you first look for web hosting services (those who state clearly bandwidth offered), you have to make your best estimation of what your site will use and watch your usage carefully in the first few months. Take these factors into consideration while estimating.
- How many users will access your web site?
- How many pages will be accessed?
- How big are the graphic and HTML files?
Large audio/video files, computer programs, and file downloads require more bandwidth. Flash web sites use tons of bandwidth. Virtual Reality (VR) and full-length three-dimensional audio/visual presentations require the most bandwidth of all. In my opinion, 10 GB a month and above is fine for any small-to medium sized blog or company site. Though my estimation is not very specific, it still gives you something to work with until your site has been online for a while and actual traffic statistics have been generated. From then on, you can determine for yourself how much bandwidth you really need.
Don’t fall for the unlimited bandwidth trap that some companies throw at you. Thewball.com has plans with different amounts of guaranteed bandwidth, meaning you will not have to worry about getting shoved off when your website matters and everybody else uses all of the bandwidth. To find out more about our hosting offers, click here.
Matt is the founder and CEO of Fitzgerald Tech Solutions. He is well versed in web design, system administration, and all things tech.
