PlanetBroadband

 What Are My Actual Connection Speeds?

 The stated speed of your plan is the maximum possible connection speed at which you can  access the Internet. Put another way it's the maximum possible connection speed between  your modem and your local telephone exchange.

 There are several factors that can affect the maximum speed you can receive:

• Where you live or work - The distance you are from your local phone exchange will affect your maximum connection speed. For example, if your home or office is within 1km of the phone exchange it's more likely you'll get a faster maximum speed than someone who is, say, 4km away
• The wiring in your house or office - Both the length and quality of any wiring in your house or office can affect maximum connection speeds
• Your computer - Your computer and modem or router will also affect the maximum speed of your broadband connection
• Your modem connection - How you connect your modem to your computer will affect your connection speed. For example, an Ethernet or Wireless connection is generally faster than a USB connection.

 As is the case with most broadband connections, yours will not always reach its maximum  speed, and the speed will also vary over time. Unfortunately a small number of customers  may not be able to reach their  maximum connection speed at all.

 More generally, the day-to-day speed of your broadband connection can also be affected by  the following:

• The time of day - If you log on during busy periods when lots of people are using the Internet at the same time (usually between 4pm to midnight) speeds are likely to be slower.
• The websites you visit - Some websites limit the speed at which they send out information and sites that are further away (i.e. international) can be slower to download than sites hosted in Australia.
• Sharing your connection - More than one person using the same connection in your home or office can slow speeds.
• The application(s) you are using - Some applications may use all of the spare bandwidth or memory on your computer. You can check if this is the case by turning off each application that you might be using and then checking your speed again. Make sure you turn off any anti-virus software before you do this.
• Viruses and spyware on your computer - Your computer may have been infected by viruses or other unwelcome programs like Spyware. If you have anti-virus or anti-spyware software, make sure the software is up-to-date and that you run regular scans of your computer.

 Why Do Broadband Connection Speeds Vary?

 It's important to remember that you share your network with many other users. So, if you  log on during busy periods when lots of people are using the network at the same time  speeds are likely to be slower. Busy times are generally from 4pm to midnight.

 Also as the Internet is an international network, the speed of your connection is also affected  by things outside our control - for example, how many other people are using the Internet,  the performance of an overseas website you might be visiting, or the destination of an email  you want to send.

 Why Do Some Connections Get Slower Over Time?

 As more and more customers in your area switch to broadband you will experience slower  speeds during busy times of the day. Busy times are generally from 4pm to midnight.

 It's also important to remember that the Internet is an international network and the speed  of your connection is affected by things outside our control - for example, how many other  people are using the Internet, the performance of an overseas website you might be visiting,  or the destination of an email you want to send.

 Why Have Some Connections Slowed Down Since the Launch of the New Range of  High Speed Broadband Plans?

 For most customers, the launch of maximum speed broadband plans means the fastest  speed they can get on their line should increase.

 But, for a small number of customers, the change may actually slow their connection speeds  down.

 Unfortunately, we can't avoid this - it's a result of the way DSL technology works.

 Faster speeds cause more interference on phone lines and this, in turn, can result in slower  speeds or degraded performance, particularly for people who live a long way from their  phone exchange.

 If there are customers in your area who send and receive large amounts of information, you  may also experience slower speeds during busy periods.

 Lastly, it's also important to remember that the Internet is an international network and the  speed of your connection is affected by things outside our control - for example, how many  other people are using the Internet, the performance of an overseas website you might be  visiting, or the destination of an email you want to send.

 What Are Some Potential Options to Improve the Speed of My Broadband  Connection?

 While some factors affecting connection speeds are outside your control, there are a number  of things you can do in your home or office which can help get the best connection that's  available:

• Use an Ethernet or Wireless modem - they generally connect faster than a USB modem.
• Check that all of the phone jackpoints you use and any devices needing a phone line (such as a burglar alarm) have broadband filters installed. Empty jackpoints won't need a filter.
• Get a splitter installed. This will separate your broadband connection from your phone line.
• If you can, use the most up-to-date computer and operating system.
• Avoid using long phone extension cords as these can slow the broadband speed on your phone line. Where possible, plug your modem into the main phone jackpoint.
• Regularly scan your computer for spyware, adware and viruses as these can all slow your connection speed.
• If you have a plan with a monthly data cap, check your monthly usage to make sure your connection has not been slowed to dial-up speeds.

 As we mentioned, following this advice will help get the best from the connection that's  available on your line. But, because there are other factors that can affect speed (for  example, how far you are from the nearest exchange) we can't guarantee its overall  performance will improve.