With a double-digit projected CAGR of around 10.1%, Over-the-top (OTT) video market is showing exponential growth. OTT streaming is a popular way of consuming media content these days, thanks to its convenience and flexibility. However, to enjoy seamless and uninterrupted streaming, you need a reliable internet connection. That's where internet service providers (ISPs) come in.
But with so many options to choose from, selecting the best internet providers for OTT streaming can be overwhelming. With this compact guide, we will share some interesting factors to ponder on when picking an ISP for your OTT streaming needs.
1 - Internet Speed
Internet speed is perhaps the most crucial factor to consider when selecting an ISP for OTT streaming. You need a fast and stable internet connection to stream HD and 4K videos. Such heavy files need a high speed connection so that they can stream sans any buffering or lagging.
The recommended internet speed for streaming varies depending on the streaming service and video quality. For example, Netflix recommends a minimum speed of 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K streaming.
So, when selecting an ISP for OTT streaming, ensure that they offer internet speeds that meet your streaming needs. Be it Zee5 subscription plans, you simply cannot compromise on speed.
You can check your internet speed using online tools such as Speedtest.net or Fast.com to determine whether your ISP is delivering the advertised speeds. You can also ask the ISP for a speed test or try out their service on a trial basis to gauge their internet speed.
2 - Data Caps
Data caps are another essential factor to consider when choosing an ISP for OTT streaming. Some ISPs limit the amount of data you can consume per month, and exceeding this limit can result in additional charges or reduced speeds. This can be a significant inconvenience for heavy streamers who consume a lot of data in the form of streaming content through Lionsgate subscription plans or Apple tv subscription plans.
Therefore, when selecting an ISP for OTT streaming, look for one that offers unlimited data plans. This way, you can stream as much content as you want without worrying about data caps. Alternatively, if you have to choose an ISP with data caps, ensure that their caps are reasonable and won't hinder your streaming experience.
3 - Latency
Latency, also known as ping, refers to the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the ISP's server and back. Low latency is crucial for smooth streaming, especially for live streaming events, online gaming, and video conferencing. High latency can result in buffering, lagging, and other interruptions that can ruin your streaming experience.
When selecting an ISP for OTT streaming through MX player subscription plans or Shemaroo subscription plans, ensure that they offer low latency. You can test your internet's latency using online tools such as Pingtest.net or Speedtest.net.
Remember this benchmark - A latency of 20-50ms is considered good, while anything above 100ms can result in noticeable lag.
