6 ways high-speed internet lets you have fun and save cash
Bust the cost of living and keep yourself entertained – all from your couch or computer desk.
Sponsored by GigaComm. A new non-nbn network, capable of consistently delivering speeds up to 10 times faster than the Australian average connection. Join today and get $20 off for your first 6 months on any FTTx plan. Use promo code SPECIAL20.
With the cost of living rising through the roof and going out becoming a bit of a luxury, why not take advantage of what you've got at home?
When you've got a high-speed internet connection, you'd be amazed at what you can do.
1. Streaming TV shows and movies
Streaming services have given us access to an unprecedented amount of content.
Huge swathes of TV shows and movies are just a few keyboard taps and a fast internet connection away.
Binge and Netflix tend to have an emphasis on new blockbuster movies and series.
Stan has a great array of older classics while Britbox is perfect for the Anglophile in your life.
Horror fiends will find their bloodlust sated over at Shudder.
By taking advantage of their free trial periods, you can do a try-before-you-buy test to determine which ones you might want to stick with.
Additionally, Archive.org has a huge selection of public domain flicks for those who are looking for a hit of Hollywood history.
Longer-term, some of this viewing will come at a cost. It's important to look for savings on your internet connection where you can while still guaranteeing speed.
There are quite a few options out there, but let's look at GigaComm as an example.
When you sign up as a new member and use the code SPECIAL20, you'll receive $20 off any FFTx plan with GigaComm. This means that their entry plan comes in at $59 per month while offering speeds up to 4 times faster than the median in the country.
Importantly, you'll also be able to enjoy any of the activities on this list even if you have multiple devices being used at the same time, irrespective of the time of day.
Having the right provider in place means that you'll be able to avoid the annoying buffering slowdown, lag, frozen screens and more.
2. Online gaming
Online gaming is a great way to connect with friends and family – or to just frag some n00bs after a long day at the office.
But no matter your preferred style of play, high internet speed is critical for online gaming – possibly more so than any other item on this list.
No one wants to find themselves unexpectedly booted or their winning streak broken because of lag.
GigaComm is one provider that offers high-speed internet, separate from the NBN.
Available in certain parts of Sydney and Melbourne, it also has wider availability rolling out in the near future.
GigaComm uses a combination of fibre and wireless tech to create ultra-fast speeds of up to 1000Mbps download, up to 100Mbps upload and an ultra-low latency of 2–4ms on average.
Having that kind of ultra-low latency is essential for anyone who takes their online gaming seriously, helping bring your ping down to a minimum.
For the non-gamers, that's about 10 times faster than the Australian download average.
The maps below provide a rough coverage outline. You can also check availability at your address on GigaComm's website.
3. Streaming music and podcasts
Music and podcasts are ideal for those looking for some cheap and easy entertainment around the home.
Across services like YouTube, Spotify and Bandcamp, you're sure to find plenty of your old favourites and hopefully some new ones as well.
You've got the chance to create your own radio station for around the house. And that can play nicely into our next suggestion too.
4. Host a virtual party
Virtual parties are an excellent way to spend time with interstate or overseas friends.
In fact, they've taken on new importance over the past couple of years while travel has been more difficult.
Even now, they're a great way to catch up with people that you might not have had a chance to see in a while – new parents, friends who've just started a new job or just when you can't quite make schedules align for an in-person hang.
So whether you're looking to have a quiet catch-up or an all-night rager, it's time to switch on the mini-disco ball, grab a coldie, sit yourself down on the couch and get ready to party!
You may even decide to combine your party with the next couple of items on the list.
5. Take a virtual tour
Virtual tours gained significant popularity during 2020 and 2021 when a good chunk of the world was stuck at home.
You can visit a whole range of locales, including famous museums, or you can take a guided tour around a selection of local curiosities all from the comfort of your home.
Even though the world has mostly reopened, virtual tours still enjoy popularity.
They're a great way to sample part of the world before you next go travelling. You never know what sort of hidden gems you might discover and turn into your next dream destination.
6. Do an online escape room
Escape rooms have exploded in popularity over the last few years. Teams of people collaborate to uncover clues, solve puzzles and find their way out of an elaborate scenario.
But did you know that there are online escape rooms as well?
The exact set-up varies, but you'll generally need to log in via video call and sometimes have your phone handy too.
The interactive components are usually run by a games master who will run you through the process and provide you and your team with tips if you get stuck.
Speedy internet is key. Many puzzles are timed and a laggy connection could cost you valuable minutes.
So if you fancy yourself as a bit of a whiz under pressure, why not put yourself to the test?
Learn more about GigaComm
Sponsored by GigaComm. A new non-nbn network, capable of consistently delivering speeds up to 10 times faster than the Australian average connection. Join today and get $20 off for your first 6 months on any FTTx plan. Use promo code SPECIAL20.
