subject: How Do You Know If Your Broadband Is Any Good? [print this page] There's an awful lot of keeping up with the Joneses in the broadband world: we want to know if we're getting the same speeds, allowances and prices as everyone else.
No-one wants to overpay or miss out online because they don't know any better but, unlike most other utilities, it's not obvious what other people are getting when it comes to the internet.
You can't look through somebody's window and see how quick their broadband is, for example, in the way that you can see whether or not their lights are on.
It's also not so reliable as other utilities - bear in mind when you read below that it's very common for broadband connections to slow at peak times, for example.
So how do you know whether the broadband deals you're looking at are any good? Here are three easy ways to find out how your connection compares with elsewhere.
First, to look at your speed check with your internet service provider.
By law they have to give you an estimated reading of the speeds you should be able to experience. Then test the speed of your connection using on online speed test. This can be done for free fairly easily.
If the two don't match up you may have a problem with your line that needs to be resolved in the longer term and you can subsequently contact your service provider about this.
Second, you can search for internet service providers and look for independent advice on how good they are either in articles or from other broadband users in consumer forums.
For example, if you're trying to decide between two big providers such as Sky or Virgin there's usually a guide that will tell you which one comes out on top in most situations.
There are also likely to be articles which cover one question about one provider such as 'is virgin broadband any good?'.
Third, and finally, you know your broadband is good because it suits your needs.
If you're not going over your usage allowance and the speeds are adequate for what you need.
So don't keep comparing yourself with other broadband users - you know your broadband is good if you can use it do what you need to online without paying over the odds.
To check whether you're paying over the odds, however, a check on a price comparison website wouldn't hurt.
