Internet Speeds Inconsistent with Advertised Maximum Broadband Speed

Online discussion groups have been discussing whether broadband Internet access is becoming a public utility alongside electricity, water and telephone access. Because broadband Internet access is becoming so important to the daily lives of many, Northwestern professor James Carlini has posited whether public utility commissions should require high speed Internet access carriers to supply consumers with some way of measuring their broadband Internet connection speed.

Broadband Speed: Getting What You Pay For

Broadband ISPs are currently not required to monitor and disclose moment-by-moment Internet connection speeds to their customers. Furthermore, most ISPs advertise their maximum broadband connection speeds - data transmission rates that are achievable only in the most ideal conditions - without guaranteeing that every user will enjoy the advertised speeds. All kinds of factors can affect the Internet connection speed that you are currently receiving, from proximity to the ISP’s headquarters to how many other computers are in your household network.

Because ISPs do not guarantee that any particular household will enjoy the advertised maximum broadband speed, many customers have stepped forward to claim that they are not getting what they bought. To address this problem, Carlini has suggested that public utilities commissions should provide users with a broadband “speedometer” application that monitors broadband speeds from moment to moment.

Why Monitor Broadband Internet Speeds?

The reason to monitor broadband Internet speeds is simple: customers want to know whether they are getting what they paid for, and there are almost no ISPs that offer an unconditional guarantee on an advertised speed. In addition, some users claim that broadband Internet speed advertisement is misleading. If you read the fine print you will notice that the advertised speeds are merely a maximum your connection might reach assuming conditions are ideal, but many consumers do not see or misconstrue this information.

It is possible, of course, to monitor your broadband speeds using already existing utilities. However, many people do not have the time or inclination to check their broadband speed regularly to make sure ISPs are delivering. Including a “speedometer” with broadband Internet access may help ISPs alleviate the concerns of some customers.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee as to whether ISPs or utilities commissions will put Carlini’s suggestion into practice. For now, visit our broadband Internet speed test to test your Internet speed, and if your Internet connection is performing below par, you may want to try one of these reputable broadband Internet access providers instead.