What upload speed measures
Upload speed is the rate at which your device can send data to the internet. It is usually measured in Mbps. Many residential services provide less upload capacity than download capacity, so upstream congestion can appear even when downloads remain fast.
What uses upload bandwidth
Video calls, livestreaming, sending large attachments, synchronising cloud storage, off-site backups and uploading photos or video all use upstream bandwidth. Security cameras and other connected devices can also create continuous upload traffic.
Signs of limited upload speed
Symptoms include poor outgoing video quality, slow cloud backups, delayed file uploads and higher latency while a large upload is running. Saturating the upstream path can also make the whole connection feel less responsive.
Improving upload performance
Pause unnecessary backups during important calls, use Ethernet for demanding work where practical and check whether other devices are continuously uploading. If the broadband package has a very low upstream allowance, a service with higher or symmetric upload capacity may be the most effective solution.