National test finds better than expected internet speeds

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.

The report, part of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s 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.

“These 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,” ACCC chair Rod Sims said.

However, the report also found five per cent of services tested operated at less than 50 per cent of their maximum plan speeds.

“The 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,” Mr Sims said.

“The 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.”

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’ response as a result.

“They likely also reflect the effect of our speed advertising guidance and anticipation that our testing was soon to begin.

“It is highly likely that just a few months ago, these results would not have been anywhere near as good.”

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:

• NBN 100/40 – 87.97 Mbps
• NBN 50/20 – 44.34 Mbps
• NBN 25/5 – 21.52 Mbps
• ADSL12/1 – 7.99 Mbps.

Fibre to the node (FTTN) connections that could not support the maximum plan speed were a factor that brought down the average speeds overall.

The ACCC expects averages will improve as ISPs act on court-enforceable undertakings and adopt ACCC advertising guidance to ensure customers are provided with plans that do not exceed their connection’s maximum attainable speed.