Many of us give little appreciation to our internet connection until a problem arises, and then we are quick to realize how much the internet provides for us each and every day. It powers your computer, smart television, entertainment systems, tablets, phones, and most importantly connections you to the outside world. I mean what would we even do to entertain ourselves without the internet? How would we communicate? These are questions many of us only talk about in the abstract, because we rely so heavily on internet it would be too difficult to find out the answers to these questions without immobilizing ourselves. The internet has become increasingly fast, according to a study conducted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the average US household went from a speed of 10 Megabits per second (Mbps) in March 2011 to 31 Mbps in September 2014. In 2015 the FCC took such statistics and re-defined the minimum download speed from 4 Mbps to 25Mbps, a big jump for broadband connection. The FCC is the one who is also attempting to increase internet speeds for all households, but the real mover and shaker is competition. Local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as Google have pushed big name companies to raise speeds while keeping costs affordable. Verizon FiOS, one of the only fiber-to-the-home-only increased it’s minimum speed from 25Mbps to 50 Mbps. There are some lucky cities as well that have gigabit internet status, meaning ISPs in such cities provide 1 gigabit per second, 1000X better than 1Mbps speeds and 40X the FCC qualification for broadband. The increase is due in part to fiber optic lines such as Google’s dark fiber that is already in place in large cities even though it is not ready for use, as well as newer DOCSIS 3.1 that will make it easier for cable companies to get on board with faster speeds.
So, how fast is my connection then?
Despite innovations, and the reliance on speedy internet connection, the average speed is nowhere near the industry top technology capabilities. Researchers at PCMag helped us out by examining the Fastest ISPs in the United States using a tool named Speedtest. The data is then used in comparison to other ISPs in a formula PCMag calls the Internet Speed Index, which basically comprises of a number that pits ISP to ISP.
They encourage you to do the same and click the link, www.pcmag.com to test your own internet connection speed. Once you hit the page, scroll down to Begin Test to find out how your connection compares to others.
If you would like to educate yourself in more detail about the information presented in this blog post please visit : www.pcmag.com
