Are internet speed tests really accurate?

Question

I just got a new internet plan (I live in Canada) according to the sales person on the phone this plan has unlimited bandwidth and comes with 150Mbps which will cost $75/month.

Problem is, I tried 3 different speed test websites and my own ISPs tester it averaged around 20 Mbps on the other sites, 40 on ISPs tester.
Does this mean I’m not getting what I signed up for?

Also why is it that the speed is slower if I connect the ethernet cable compared to over the wifi

Thanks

Edit: Thank you for all your replies, I will see what can do, i.e test all the stuff that needs testing or double checking. Then probably contact my ISP if all else fails.

Cheers,

In: Technology

Answer 1

Internet speed tests are good at measuring one thing – how fast your connection can transfer data in an internet speed test to that specific server.

Also, can’t speak for any laws in Canada or what’s the norm over there, but at least in the US, advertised bandwidth is not guaranteed – if you read the fine print for your plan, I’d expect to see the same.

Essentially, using a cable modem as an example, coaxial may in edge cases be able to support 1Gbps. Longer distance from the ISP to you, damage/etc to any cables or connectors or noise will reduce the bandwidth that the raw cabling/connection are capable of supporting. From there, the ISP will configure your modem to artificially cap the connection speed to what you’re paying for. From there, if you’re using wifi, depending upon a lot of factors you may be able to get the full bandwidth, or hardly at all.

In short, check the fine print of your plan and if you’re speed testing, make sure you’re wired into the modem/router and not relying on wifi. If you’re getting way more bandwidth wired than wireless, the issue is related to your wireless connection (older 802.11b/n connection on the router and/or computer end, too far from the router, interference in the area, etc). If you’re still getting slow speeds, you may need to wrestle with your ISP to get them to take a look at it, If you’re paying for 150Mbps and you’re only getting a max of 40Mbps even wired directly to the modem/router, if it’s anything like it is in the US they may need to send someone out to test out the cable coming into your residence and possibly repair things which will likely improve performance. If you’re paying for 150Mbps and getting like 130Mbps, they’re more likely to politely tell you to go pound sand and there may or may not be anything they can do about it anyways.