For many of us, broadband (fast) internet services are the only way to go. Here locally, we have several different choices of where to purchase those services along with a variety of different types.

If we are paying for the service, it is only reasonable to expect the services we to which we have subscribed. To that end, we need to check from time -to-time that the services we receive are correct. As an example, a year or so ago, I subscribed to one speed of service but was actually receiving a reduced speed. After some testing, I called the company and they said there was a mistake and my package was stepped down. Had I not tested, I would never have known and probably just complained that their service was slow.

To ensure you are receiving your selected services, you only have to run a speed check. There are hundreds of places you can use. The primary sites I use are at:

http://www.dslreports.com/speedtest

http://www.Speedtest.net

http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/

You may not receive your full limit of bandwidth (especially in the evening when everyone is online), but you should get somewhere in the ballpark.