Living alone? You're probably paying for a crowd.
One person rarely needs more than a modest plan. Here's how to get one.
The numbers
29%
of US households are one person living alone: 39.7 million homes
5 Mbps
is what Netflix recommends for Full HD streaming
Where the money goes
Family-size plan for one person
Speed for a crowd, used by one.
Paying for internet your rent or dorm already includes
Two bills for one connection.
Renting a router you could own
A monthly fee that never ends.
Signing a contract you'll outlive when you move
Early termination fees when life changes.
What you probably need
13 Mbps
At the busiest hour. About 141 GB a month.
For 1 person, 1 HD stream, 1 video call daily, with 20% headroom.
Work out what you needWhat to say
1. Opening · You say
"Hi, I'm calling about my internet account."
2. The ask · You say
"We've worked out that our home needs less speed than we pay for. What's your cheapest plan that covers streaming and video calls, and what's the total monthly price with every fee?"
Before you call
- Renting or in a dorm? Check whether internet is included first
- Run the calculator for one
- Avoid long contracts if you might move
- Ask for the cheapest plan at or above your number
- Ask about moving your service before you sign
Questions, answered
Usually a modest plan. Streaming HD and video calls at the same time use well under 10 Mbps.
Live out of town?
If cable and fiber don't reach you, satellite may. Check your ZIP to see what's possible.
Sources
Data checked October 2026.