New research shows broadband subscribers can rarely access the maximum connection speeds advertised by internet service providers.
A study on broadband available in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick has found that - on average - consumers benefit from just 60% of advertised speeds.
The term 'broadband speeds may vary' - will often be heard in advertisements from internet service providers.
According to new research, those variations can be as much as 60% off the stated maximums.
A high speed internet connection helps web pages load faster, makes it easier to download or view video content and increases the potential for gaming or making telephone calls over the web.
This report - by the Epitiro internet monitoring firm - finds that fixed line subscribers receive on average 60% of the bandwidth speed being advertised , with mobile users faring slightly better at an average of 64%.
The results were compiled following over five million tests on the services offered by nine companies.
Overall, Smart Telecom was deemed to be the best of the providers surveyed, followed by BT Ireland and Digiweb.
Because this report only examined trends in urban areas, further tests are planned in 2009, to compare services on an urban/rural basis.
The report's authors say broadband users should be aware of their connection speed and chose their provider and subscription according to their needs.
