You often notice at times that you are not getting the internet speed you are paying for. You may find out from a speed test that the speed you have signed up for is not exactly what you are receiving rather contrary to what your service provider tells you that they are providing maximum speeds. For instance, you are paying for a 500 Mbps connection, but in reality, you are getting a slow internet speed of about 50 Mbps. spectrum cable use are commonly found in homes and offices.
Well, this article will help you find out the fact why the internet speed shown in the plan varies from the ones we get. But let us tell you that it’s not the same case with all ISPs. There are well reputable providers like AT&T, which deliver the exact same speed as mentioned in their plans. However, in some cases, speed may vary because of different locations. You can always get more information related to that by contacting the AT&T customer service number.
Now that we have restored your faith in ISPs of the USA, let’s find out the difference between actual internet speed from advertised internet speed:
Actual Internet Speed
If you want to find out what your actual internet speed is, begin with running a speed test on your connection. Once you’re done with it, compare it with the internet speed you were promised by your ISP while signing up.
Research has shown that in the US, most people are getting slower internet speed than they were promised. They are paying for high-speed internet and not getting the desired internet speed. But what is the actual reason behind all this?
Several factors can result in slowing down the internet speed for customers. Some of the most common ones are:
-
Distance from the service provider
If you are far away from your service provider’s hardware, your signal may be weak. If you are in the middle of the city, you will get a faster internet connection, but if you are in the suburbs or away from the city, then you are likely to face slower internet. Usually, this issue is involved with satellite internet connection. Advanced technology like fiber internet or 5G sets you free from this issue.
-
End-User issue
It might not be your service provider’s fault completely that you are facing a slow internet connection. Instead, there can be an issue with the equipment of the end-user. If you still have an old modem that cannot cope with the modern internet speed or a Wi-Fi connection that is poorly configured, then it’s not the service provider’s fault. Before complaining to your service provider, make sure everything is fine from your end.
-
Server-side issues
Are you are that it’s your internet service provider that is providing slow speed and not your server? Because sometimes downloading speed also depends on the servers from which you are downloading. It also depends on the routers between them.
For instance, you are sitting in the US and trying to download something from a website that is in Europe, and you are facing slow internet. It may not be your internet service provider’s fault. Instead, there might be a possibility that the website has a poor connection or maybe there are some issues in the routers between you and the European servers.
-
Network Congestion
You are not the only one your ISP is providing internet to. In fact, the line coming from your ISP is providing internet to many other consumers like you. As many people are consuming the internet simultaneously, it puts a load more than what the connection can handle, which causes network congestion. It could be possibly the reason why you can connect multiple devices at one time and have a hard time connecting even one at other times.
-
Peak hours
There are specific hours during the day in which the load on the internet is very high. These are called peak hours, and many people are using a shared internet connection. It can be the major cause of the slow internet speed you are getting.
But then again this problem only occurs with specific types of connections like satellite, or sometimes cable. Fiber optic internet has the capacity to carry a much heavier load even during peak times.
-
Internet Throttling
Internet throttling happens when you have reached a certain amount of downloading data, and your service provider may have intentionally slowed down your internet speed. Usually, the ISPs do this deliberately to emulate low bandwidth distribution or in some cases for paid prioritization too. ISP’s throttle speeds for specific applications or websites to discourage users from using them and switch to the ones that paid the ISP for doing so.
Wrapping up
Now that you know what actual speed is and what keeps your ISP from delivering what they have promised, it’s time that you make a decision for yourself. Either you switch ISPs for your own good or talk to your current internet provider about why they are not delivering you what you’re paying for.
But before you go ahead make sure the problem isn’t from your end. Try taking different speed tests till you finally get authentic results. Troubleshoot your internet connection. Try different hacks that could help you fix your internet speed and if nothing works for you, then reach out to your ISP’s customer support.
