Find out first what speed your operator promised you in your contract
Do not assume that you will get the speeds the operators advertise in their advertisements.
Fixed Internet service providers (ISPs) have to mention the minimum, maximum and generally available speeds in their contracts and on their websites as well.
A BIPT Decision defines how these values have to be interpreted concretely, taking into account the set-up of networks in Belgium:
- “the minimum speed” shall be understood as the value of the speed the access provider will never drop below, unless there is an interruption of service;
- “generally available speed” shall be understood as the value of the speed that an end-user would expect to obtain for most of the time when accessing the service (i.e. for at least 95% of the time);
- "maximum speed" shall be understood as the value of the speed which the user may expect at certain times, in principle at least once per 24-hour period.
The actual speeds shall be between the minimum and maximum speeds and preferably as close as possible to the generally available speed.