It’s no secret that Internet connection speeds differ between ISP’s (Internet Service Providers). It happens all the time. But ever wondered why? Why do the speeds of connectivity flux between providers? Don’t all major competitors offer about the same stuff? Actually, no; they don’t. You see, different Internet service providers utilize different network hardware devices, different connectivity substrates, and also operate in different climactic conditions – all of which can significantly affect the end user’s Internet connectivity speeds.
In the UK, for instance, a recent study showed that only about 2 percent of DSL consumers were receiving the 20 Mbps internet speed as advertised. In reality, 2% got between 14 and 20 Mbps; 34% got between 8 and 14 Mbps, and the other 64% of all DSL consumers got less than 8 Mbps speeds. Hmm, right off the bat, I sense some type of monopolistic, governmental-accommodated criminal activity here. But that is not the point. You can do an internet speed test with iiNets new tool, to help determine how fast your current connection really is.
Main Culprit; DSL via Copper Lines
Some ISP’s operate via the old copper lines that are normally part of a dated telephony system for a house or business structure. Several factors come into play here concerning the connectivity quality (speed) delivered. One thing is the quality of the old copper wires. Not all copper, like not all gold, is created equally. Some is of higher quality than some other. If the quality of the dated telephony copper lines in your DSL delivery spot are poor, then your connectivity speeds may be likewise poor.
The length of the lines is also of important consequence. Like electricity, DSL signals diminish with increased travel distance. In other words, a signal that only travels 20 feet will be stronger than a signal that has to travel 50 feet. Moreover, it’s not just the length of wire that enters your home that matters. It is the entire length of wire the signal has to travel from the nearest telephone exchange to get to your home in the first place. And like old telephony systems, this type of Internet service will soon enough be obsolete.
Future of Internet Connectivity (Much Faster Speeds)
Of course, the future of Internet connectivity depends not on old copper; it depends on the wide-scale implementation of fiber-optic networks, currently being developed all around the world (at least in developed countries). You can be sure that every major (and minor) ISP is trying desperately to allocate funds to expand their networks further than their competitors’, faster and with more customer appreciation intact.
You see, from a macro business standpoint, the first ISP to offer fiber-optic connectivity in a given geographical area will come off as being superior to their competitors; of being better able to serve. And besides, if there are no competitors otherwise, the consumers are going to have to choose your service (as the only one) or go without, or stick with their currently slower-than-could-be Internet speeds.
The factors that determine your ISP’s speeds are not all in your control. Sure, you can move your devices closer to your router and such, but the true lightning-fast speeds you desire are going to arrive via fiber-optic connections. That’s where the real speed differences are coming from.