{"id":8540,"date":"2018-04-04T09:35:03","date_gmt":"2018-04-04T09:35:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bellarinetimes\/?p=8540"},"modified":"2018-04-05T05:56:10","modified_gmt":"2018-04-05T05:56:10","slug":"national-test-finds-better-than-expected-internet-speeds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bellarinetimes\/news\/national-test-finds-better-than-expected-internet-speeds\/","title":{"rendered":"National test finds better than expected internet speeds"},"content":{"rendered":"

THE first report from an Australia-wide broadband speed testing program is in, and the four major NBN retailers are delivering at least 80 per cent of the maximum plan speeds at evening peak times.<\/p>\n

The report, part of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission\u2019s Measuring Broadband Australia program, found these busy hour speeds (between 7-11pm) on fixed line internet were now only marginally below typical speeds at other times.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese first test results are better than expected, and indicate the majority of internet service providers are now delivering very close to their maximum plan speeds,\u201d ACCC chair Rod Sims said.<\/p>\n

However, the report also found five per cent of services tested operated at less than 50 per cent of their maximum plan speeds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe results for some types of services are still lower than we would like, but the overall results go against the current wisdom that the majority of consumers and businesses are having issues with NBN speeds,\u201d Mr Sims said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe relatively high average speeds during peak periods indicate to us that retailers are now providing enough network capacity to meet demand in peak usage periods, including on the top speed plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said the results reflected significant and recent changes in the market, particularly the recent discounting by NBN Co of capacity charges and the retailers\u2019 response as a result.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey likely also reflect the effect of our speed advertising guidance and anticipation that our testing was soon to begin.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is highly likely that just a few months ago, these results would not have been anywhere near as good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Testing of 25, 50 and 100 megabits per second (Mbps) plans and ADSL services took place in February and March, with average download speed results as follows:<\/p>\n