TRCSL Releases Broadband Download Speed Test Results
TRCSL has released the first set of broadband download speed test results conducted on fixed broadband services. Both fixed wired and fixed wireless (ADSL and WiMAX) services were selected for the evaluation and their available international download speeds during busy hours were taken into consideration.
These tests were conducted by a fully equipped broadband monitoring unit established by TRCSL on its premises. It commenced its operations during the third quarter of 2010. The initial test results recorded during September 2010 have shown that the speeds were far below the advertised rate during the peak hours especially in respect to the international domains. During peak time the download speed slows down heavily causing innumerable problems to internet users. Recent download speed tests conducted on fixed broadband services by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) and subsequent corrective measures adopted by TRCSL have led to broadband operators improving their download speeds by over 60% and in turn ensuring a much faster service to broadband users during peak hours. However if the subscribers are not receiving a proper broadband download speeds in their connections similar to the result pattern experienced by the TRCSL, subscribers can complaint this situation to the respective operator.
The released test results reflect the performance of fixed broadband services in the country. The download speed represents the peak time rates between a test terminal and a server located in a foreign territory. For this particular test the performance and speed of broadband services in the United States and United Kingdom were chosen for the evaluation of International download speeds. Though the tests were conducted over a period of 24 hours on a regular basis for the last two months, the test results between 9 a.m. and 12 midnight were used as the basis for the plotting of the graph.
TRCSL has commenced discussions with operators to examine the possibility of hosting a test file at ISP’s international POP in the future. In addition TRCSL is planning to introduce a testing facility to enable users to test their broadband download speed accurately by running a service which will be available at the respective operator’s web site. It is a well developed user friendly system that gives valuable information to the user about the service being provided which includes RTT, packet loss, jitter, upload and download speeds. Until such time this mechanism is in place TRCSL will continue to publish download (Intl’) speed test results in the current manner.
In respect to fixed wireless services TRCSL will conduct remote tests in other parts of the Island to identify their last mile issues; if they exist.
Concomitantly, with this exercise TRCSL has begun work on developing new standards for broadband services in the country. In this respect there will be two distinct standards for volume based and unlimited broadband services. The main objective of this endeavor would be to offer the best service to end - users by lowering the access charges in high speed services above 1Mbps. However with the introduction of a minimum download speed level in unlimited packages, operators have stressed the importance of having a FUP to minimize network abuse in the future.
The new proposed standards would not only regulate broadband speeds but they would also create new market opportunities for the operators to serve a wider customer base especially in under-served urban and rural areas where individual income is relatively low.
The results of mobile broadband services will be published in January 2011.
TRCSL has released the first set of broadband download speed test results conducted on fixed broadband services. Both fixed wired and fixed wireless (ADSL and WiMAX) services were selected for the evaluation and their available international download speeds during busy hours were taken into consideration.
These tests were conducted by a fully equipped broadband monitoring unit established by TRCSL on its premises. It commenced its operations during the third quarter of 2010. The initial test results recorded during September 2010 have shown that the speeds were far below the advertised rate during the peak hours especially in respect to the international domains. During peak time the download speed slows down heavily causing innumerable problems to internet users. Recent download speed tests conducted on fixed broadband services by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) and subsequent corrective measures adopted by TRCSL have led to broadband operators improving their download speeds by over 60% and in turn ensuring a much faster service to broadband users during peak hours. However if the subscribers are not receiving a proper broadband download speeds in their connections similar to the result pattern experienced by the TRCSL, subscribers can complaint this situation to the respective operator.
The released test results reflect the performance of fixed broadband services in the country. The download speed represents the peak time rates between a test terminal and a server located in a foreign territory. For this particular test the performance and speed of broadband services in the United States and United Kingdom were chosen for the evaluation of International download speeds. Though the tests were conducted over a period of 24 hours on a regular basis for the last two months, the test results between 9 a.m. and 12 midnight were used as the basis for the plotting of the graph.
TRCSL has commenced discussions with operators to examine the possibility of hosting a test file at ISP’s international POP in the future. In addition TRCSL is planning to introduce a testing facility to enable users to test their broadband download speed accurately by running a service which will be available at the respective operator’s web site. It is a well developed user friendly system that gives valuable information to the user about the service being provided which includes RTT, packet loss, jitter, upload and download speeds. Until such time this mechanism is in place TRCSL will continue to publish download (Intl’) speed test results in the current manner.
In respect to fixed wireless services TRCSL will conduct remote tests in other parts of the Island to identify their last mile issues; if they exist.
Concomitantly, with this exercise TRCSL has begun work on developing new standards for broadband services in the country. In this respect there will be two distinct standards for volume based and unlimited broadband services. The main objective of this endeavor would be to offer the best service to end - users by lowering the access charges in high speed services above 1Mbps. However with the introduction of a minimum download speed level in unlimited packages, operators have stressed the importance of having a FUP to minimize network abuse in the future.
The new proposed standards would not only regulate broadband speeds but they would also create new market opportunities for the operators to serve a wider customer base especially in under-served urban and rural areas where individual income is relatively low.
The results of mobile broadband services will be published in January 2011.
