SpeedTest.co.za
Benefits of speed tests
Like many nations in the world, South Africa is currently moving towards a converged solution to its broadband and telecommunications needs. Download speeds vary depending on the package you choose and the area in which you live and from late 2009 local provider Telkom began offering packages with maximum speeds of between 8Mbps and 12Mbps.
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Quick Facts
Cheaper packages of 384Kbps and upwards are more common in South Africa.
A growing number of people are using mobile broadband as opposed to fixed line ADSL options.
From late 2009 local provider Telkom began offering packages with maximum speeds of between 8Mbps and 12Mbps.
Wireless data speeds are extremely good with more compettition than fixed line operators.
Although a growing number of people are using mobile broadband as opposed to fixed line ADSL options in order to access high download speeds coupled with the flexibility of a truly wireless connection.
If you have a broadband connection then you may well assume that the advertised speed which you are paying for is what you are receiving. However, in most cases this is not true, as a whole variety of factors can impact connection speed and result in a less than ideal performance. If you believe that you have a problem with your broadband connection, or that you are not getting satisfactory download or upload speeds and you want to change provider, the best way to gauge your current performance is via a broadband speed test.
A broadband speed test is a simple procedure that requires nothing but a computer and an internet connection. You need to visit a broadband speed test website in the web browser of your choice. From there you will be able to initiate the test. The test is usually completed in two short stages. The first involves transferring a file from the speed test site`s servers to your computer over the internet. The site will record the speed at which this transfer occurs, which will give you your real world download speed. Next a file will be sent back to the speed test site`s servers from your PC, which will give you an upload speed.
When you run a broadband speed test there are several things you should do in order to ensure that the results are as accurate and useful as possible. First make sure that no one else is accessing the internet via your broadband connection. This could make the speeds much slower as the bandwidth is being shared. Then turn off any applications which are using your broadband connection from your PC, as this will have a negative impact on the speed as well. Finally you must check that the speed test that you are using is based and controlled within your region or nation. If you pick a foreign speed test then the data will have a lot farther to travel and the results will be compromised.
Once you have armed yourself with the results of your broadband speed test, you will be well equipped to check out new wireless broadband plans, report a fault or begin the switch to a new provider. Changing provider is a painless process, particularly if you are switching between ADSL providers, as the downtime during the switchover should be minimal and the process mostly automated.
If you have a broadband connection then you may well assume that the advertised speed which you are paying for is what you are receiving. However, in most cases this is not true, as a whole variety of factors can impact connection speed and result in a less than ideal performance. If you believe that you have a problem with your broadband connection, or that you are not getting satisfactory download or upload speeds and you want to change provider, the best way to gauge your current performance is via a broadband speed test.
A broadband speed test is a simple procedure that requires nothing but a computer and an internet connection. You need to visit a broadband speed test website in the web browser of your choice. From there you will be able to initiate the test. The test is usually completed in two short stages. The first involves transferring a file from the speed test site`s servers to your computer over the internet. The site will record the speed at which this transfer occurs, which will give you your real world download speed. Next a file will be sent back to the speed test site`s servers from your PC, which will give you an upload speed.
When you run a broadband speed test there are several things you should do in order to ensure that the results are as accurate and useful as possible. First make sure that no one else is accessing the internet via your broadband connection. This could make the speeds much slower as the bandwidth is being shared. Then turn off any applications which are using your broadband connection from your PC, as this will have a negative impact on the speed as well. Finally you must check that the speed test that you are using is based and controlled within your region or nation. If you pick a foreign speed test then the data will have a lot farther to travel and the results will be compromised.
Once you have armed yourself with the results of your broadband speed test, you will be well equipped to check out new wireless broadband plans, report a fault or begin the switch to a new provider. Changing provider is a painless process, particularly if you are switching between ADSL providers, as the downtime during the switchover should be minimal and the process mostly automated.