Internet speeds

[Woodsey]

My Internet is pretty variable and can be anywhere between 2 and 15 megs download. I'm thinking of upgrading my package to a higher one but will this make any difference? I'm not clear if I went from a 20 megs to a 50 megs package whether it will make my current speed faster, or whether the number they quote are just the max available to me?

[theprawnidentity]

Virgin 120mb, ftw.

[Woodsey]

Well I'm with virgin mate, if I go for a 50 meg package do you think it would double my actual speed? I'd be happy if it did.

[Longines]

EDIT: If you're on Virgin, ignore this 

If you're getting between 2Mb/s and 15Mb/s currently then it's likely you're on ADSL. The speed is dependent on a number of factors including distance to the exchange and the quality of the line between you and the exchange.

If your local exchange and cabinet have been upgraded to fibre then you may be able to get faster speeds - the speed is dependent on the distance between you and the cabinet. If you're within 300 metres or so you could be looking at 50Mb/s+.

The checker can tell you if you can get fibre. You don't have to get it from BT, most ISPs can sell you a fibre service.

[Longines]

Virgin 120mb, ftw.

Sticksville sucks.

[curnow]

BT infinity , they said will be 300 Mbps at some point

[Woodsey]

To honest I'm probably nit going to change providers for the moment, will be moving at some point in the next 6-12 months and cba before then.

Just really wanna know if upping my package will up my speed, or whether that is just the max capped speed.

[Longines]

Virgin is supposed to be what it says on the tin - if they offer you 100Mb then you should be able to achieve it.

[Graham C]

Should be fine if you upgrade.  Fibre optic broadband doesn't slow down as it gets further away from junction boxes, it'll hold the speed.   Also, if you're sticking with Virgin, just ask them to upgrade it - they should be able to do it whilst you're on the phone if your router is OK.   Then if you aren't happy with the new speeds you can downgrade too.  You may have to just reset the router but they've just upgraded me whilst I've been on the phone before.

Don't forget to ask for Spotify premium for a few months for free if you don't already have it, definitely a plus of being with Virgin.  I assume they still do this, they may not anymore but it's worth asking if you want it.

[Woodsey]

Cheers lads, good point if it makes little difference I'll just drop it back.

[baldock92]

I'm not great with tech, how do you check your actual internet speed?

[Longines]

Fibre optic broadband doesn't slow down as it gets further away from junction boxes, it'll hold the speed.  

Fibre speed does slow down the further you get from the cabinet.

http://www.increasebroadbandspeed.co.uk/2013/chart-bt-fttc-vdsl2-speed-against-distance

If you're 1km from the cabinet you're not going to get better than 28Mb/s on fibre.

[Graham C]

Didn't realise that, cheers for the link

[Graham C]

I'm not great with tech, how do you check your actual internet speed?

Go to http://www.speedtest.net, it'll show you what you're on.

[baldock92]

I'm not great with tech, how do you check your actual internet speed?

Go to http://www.speedtest.net, it'll show you what you're on.

That's great thanks.