GTA 6 Download File Is So Big ISPs Are Offering Free Speed Boosts
Xfinity and Spectrum are both offering broadband customers a free and temporary internet speed boost intended to help manage Grand Theft Auto VI's massive download ahead of the game's release. Notably, the preload window is now open for both Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 owners, so if applicable, the speed boost can potentially save a lot of time.
You still can't actually play GTA VI until it releases on November 19, but the faster you download the preload file, the quicker you can free up bandwidth on your home network for other internet-connected chores, like playing online games or streaming movies and TV shows.
This matters because the file download is in the neighborhood of 212GB. Depending on your connection, downloading a file that size could take a full day. Here's how it breaks down:
- 25Mbps: ~19 hours
- 50Mbps: ~9.5 hours
- 100Mbps: ~4.75 hours
- 150Mbps: ~3.2 hours
- 200Mbps: ~2.4 hours
- 300Mbps: ~1.6 hours
- 500Mbps: ~57 minutes
- 1Gbps: ~28 minutes
- 2Gbps: ~14 minutes
Spectrum was the first ISP to offer a limited-time speed boost at no cost. Effective now through November 30, users who claim the free "Gig Speed Lift" promotion will see their internet speed boosted to 1Gbps across the company's 45-state service area. In select markets, the same offer bumps the speed to 2Gbps if you already subscribe to the ISP's 1Gbps plan.
"The most anticipated game in the world is almost ready to download, and Spectrum is treating eligible customers to a free Gig Speed Lift, November 9 to 30, that will have them cruising Vice City before the rest of the block finishes downloading. No cost, and no strings attached. With Spectrum Internet Gig, customers can start playing Grand Theft Auto VI in less than 30 minutes, so game day is for cruising, not downloading," Spectrum says.
According to Spectrum, there will be no changes to your bill once the free period ends, so you don't have to worry about adjusting your service plan to avoid an unintended price hike. However, you do have to activate the offer in the first place, which you can do in the Spectrum app or by visiting the offer page and clicking/tapping on the 'Activate' button.
Not to be outdone, Xfinity has come out with a similar offer—a free upgrade to 2Gbps for up to 15 days. It's also intended to ride the GTA VI hype, though you could opt to wait until December to claim the offer.
"The redemption period for the speed boost ends on Dec. 3, so gamers should redeem by then to maximize this unique benefit. Members who redeem on Dec. 3 will have increased speeds until Dec. 18. Xfinity members can also use the Boost a Device feature in the Xfinity app to ensure their gaming console receives the highest-quality WiFi experience with virtually no lag under normal conditions," Xfinity says.
Likewise, you can claim Xfinity's offer in the accompanying app or on the ISP's membership page.
