Internet Speed: Are You Getting What You Pay For?

February 26, 2010

LOS ANGELES - A new LA Times article is shining the spotlight on the speed of high-speed Internet and the results are eye-opening. Reporter David Lazarus tackled the topic of “Up To” speeds and found that we all need to be aware that we’re often not getting what we pay for. Broadband providers often promise “Up To” certain cyber-speeds to attract high-speed Internet customers. The February 26th article points out:

• Actual broadband speeds could be as much as 80% slower than the maximum access speed you are paying for during peak Internet usage periods
• According to the Federal Communication Commission, peak usage times are from 7 to 10 p.m.
• The average U.S. broadband speed is only about a quarter of what South Korea enjoys
• In a comparison of global broadband speeds, the U.S. ranks a sluggish 18th behind nations like Japan, Sweden, Ireland, and even Romania and the Czech Republic

Telecom companies say that an individual customer's broadband speed will depend on a variety of factors, including network congestion and how far the customer may be located from a data hub.

Connected Nation’s nonprofit work is aimed at addressing these issues through broadband mapping and implementing a smart plan for the building of and efficient national broadband infrastructure. Many interactive tools are provided through the Connected Nation website where you can:

• Test your current broadband speed
• Use the new, cutting-edge mapping tool called BroadbandStat to view broadband availability in select Connected Nation partner states
• Request new or improved broadband service in your area