Upload speed affects online gaming? I thought that's only if you host or upload stuff. I upgraded my internet speed awhile back, 7Mbps/896Kbps from 1.5Mbps/896Kbps. I didn't notice anything during online gaming except that my brother and I can play online at the same time (wasn't able to with 1.5/896).
I think my parents pay $36.99 for the internet after discounts/bundles and before taxes. Difference after upgrade was awesome.