Deals on Internet and TV plans

Most providers offer Internet plans with different speeds – from 10 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps. Which speed is best for you depends on a range of factors:
- Number of simultaneous users in your household
- Type of Internet usage
- Distance between the modem and devices

As a rule, the following Internet speeds are recommended:
- 20 Mbps to 50 Mbps: “normal” web surfing, standard-quality streaming (Netflix, TV streaming websites etc.), sending and receiving e-mails
- 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps: larger distances between modem and devices, use of repeaters, multiple simultaneous users
- 100 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps: multiple users simultaneously performing high-consumption activities e.g. video conferences, intensive streaming (e.g. UHD resolution), online gaming

Most providers specify an “upload/download” speed in their deals. However, the download speed is usually much higher than the upload speed.

For most people, the download speed is also the most relevant, because it is important for services such as TV streaming. However, if you frequently need to upload large amounts of data, you should find out from the Internet provider what the actual upload speed is. You need a high upload speed to perform tasks such as sending large video files or uploading them to servers.

If you are accustomed to or simply prefer traditional TV viewing, it's worth choosing a combined Internet and TV package. TV streaming websites are not always easy to use. A TV plan offers you the certainty of being able to watch the programmes you enjoy at the usual time. In addition, not all the content from all broadcasters is available on streaming websites or via streaming providers.

Replay TV allows you to watch TV shows with a time delay. Usually, this is possible for up to seven days after broadcasting. With Replay TV, you can also fast-forward. However, you can no longer completely skip advertisements on some channels without the new “Skip Ad” function.

Whether or not the “Skip Ad” feature is worth it for you depends on several factors:
1. Do you use Replay TV a lot?
2. Do you often watch private TV channels from Germany and Switzerland (e.g. RTL, VOX, ProSieben, Sat.1, 3+, TV24)?
3. Do individual advertisements bother you?
If you answered “Yes” to all three questions, then the “Skip Ad” function is worth your while.

“Skip Ad” enables you to precisely skip advertising blocks. Without “Skip Ad”, you will see advertisements on Replay TV when you
- start a programme
- skip an advertising block
- pause live or Replay TV
On public television stations, you can still skip advertisements for free.