The ACCC today released the first results from its broadband speed testing program, which show NBN broadband services from iiNet, Optus, Telstra and TPG are now delivering between 80 and just over 90 per cent of the maximum plan speeds in the evening busy hours.
The report, part of the ACCC’s Measuring Broadband Australia program, found these busy hour speeds (between 7 and 11pm) are now only marginally below typical speeds at other times.
“These first test results are better than expected, and indicate the majority of internet service providers are now delivering very close to their maximum plan speeds,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.
But the report also found five per cent of services tested operated at less than 50 per cent of their maximum plan speeds.
“The results for some types of services are still lower than we would like, but the overall results go against the current wisdom that the majority of consumers and businesses are having issues with NBN speeds.
“The relatively high average speeds during peak periods indicate to us that retailers are now providing enough network capacity to meet demand in peak usage periods, including on the top speed plans,” Sims said.
Testing of 25, 50 and 100 Mbps plans and ADSL services took place in February and March 2018, and involved 400 NBN and ADSL services supplied by over 10 ISPs, reflecting 61,000 individual download speed tests. Results are statistically significant, including for the four largest retail brands named in the report.
The report shows three of the four major providers deliver download busy hour speeds between 88.1 and 90.7 per cent of maximum plan speed.
View the broadband performance data at https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/internet-phone/broadband-performance-data