Are you getting what you pay for? How to check up on your broadband speed with Broadband Genie.

July 7, 2008 - PRLog -- It’s a common complaint and one that Virgin Media were put in the spotlight for regarding their new press campaign promoting fast download times for TV and music this week.
The advertising campaign in question was headed with the phrase “Hate to Wait” and featured a list of alleged download times for songs and TV shows. BT challenged the ads by pointing out that Virgin’s speed caps would mean that the download times would be far slower than suggested.


The fact is that your broadband download speed varies throughout the day depending on a whole host of different factors including speed caps (where your ISP slows your service down if they deem you to be an excessive user – this is also known as ‘throttling’), distance from your broadband exchange and the time of day you are surfing.


You could take your ISPs word for it that you are getting the speed you pay for, but if you want to check your speed using an accurate method then check out the Broadband Genie broadband speed test service.


Point your browser to http://speedtest.broadbandgenie.co.uk and you can not only find out what speed your broadband service is running at, but you can also receive some good tips on alternative providers that offer a faster service if you feel like you need a change!


Ciaron Dunne from Broadband Genie explains: “Click on the ‘Test my broadband speed!” button and the Broadband Genie speed test will let you know your connection speed within a matter of seconds. Alternatively, if you take the time to fill out some quick details such as your postcode and your current service provider and the price you are paying Broadband Genie will instantly suggest good alternatives without you having to hunt high and low for prospective new providers.”


Broadband Genie recommends that all broadband customers carry out a speed test regularly to check up on the service they are receiving. “Don’t take your ISP’s word for it when it comes to download speed,” says Ciaron. “If you suspect you are the victim of speed throttling make a speed check diary to find out more about the service you are getting and, if you are in any doubt, talk to your provider or seek an alternative ISP – after all, it’s your money and you should be confident you are getting what you pay for.”


Notes to editors

Broadband Genie allows users to compare mobile broadband online, and is part of Genie Group.

Genie Group Ltd is a leading independent provider of internet comparison shopping services in the UK, and was set up in 2004 by Philip Wilkinson (co-founder of Kelkoo UK). Genie Group's unique selling point is 'the Genie', which makes personal recommendations to internet shoppers based on ground-breaking, intelligent technology. This gives Genie Group the ability to provide an enjoyable and satisfying internet shopping experience, and deliver an unmatched quality of sales leads to our affiliate merchants. Genie Group launched its flagship broadband comparison service Broadband Genie in January 2005.


More information can be found at http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk . Please direct all media enquiries to Ciaron Dunne. Interviews with Philip Wilkinson can be arranged on request.