(Forgive the long message,and the non technical nature of the post, but I wish to give some detailed background)

I am interested in any feedback regarding download performance for other users. I have been using ADSL, in Auckland, for 4 months now and have been almost continually frustrated over the actual download performance of the jetstream system. I complained a number of times about download performance after installation (was only getting 5-8kb per sec) and was asked to check the M10 site at Telecom. This showed that my modem was functioning correctly and that I was getting a theoretical 6 megabits per sec (approx) It was suggested to me that the performance gap was either the site I was accessing, or other issues such as browser config.

The issue reached a head some 4 weeks ago when I was getting server time outs when getting email from the xtra site. Even when connecting I was only getting 2-4 kb per sec. A 200kb email took me 8 minutes to download, when I could get any access at all. I was getting better transfer rates from a 56k dial up direct to Xtra. Again I complained to the help desk and was asked to check the M10 site. Same result. They said that because of the ongoing performance issue they would send someone out to check my setup. The DataCable people came out and checked my setup. They then told me that there had been ongoing problems with two exchanges in the Auckland area and I was the 8th person they had been to in two days who was having performance problems. (What about those who hadnt complained) There was nothing wrong with my setup at all and the problem lay in the exchange. The next day I called the help desk again and was told that yes they had a problem and they were looking into it. They could give me no time frame for resolving the problem.

Two weeks later I noticed that the sytem had improvedly markedly, compared to the previous couple of weeks.
But my issue is this, even when connected direct to Xtra, and downloading only from the xtra site, my browser only shows data transfer rates of between 4 and 10kb per second. I have on ONE occasion, and one only, witnessed a download that ran at 30kb per second.

Despite all my problems I have never been offered any compensation. Today I rang the helpdesk again and asked what would be done to compensate me for having to use Dial Up rather than my non performing ADSL service. After much discussion I was offered one months credit on the ADSL service.

On the ADSL Homepage there is a avi file that is approx 3.4Meg in size. Telecom claim that this file file downloads between 21-50 secs. I have never downloaded the file in under 4 minutes yet. Is this the best I can expect? If so I will cancel my ADSL connection.

I would appreciate any performance feedback at all.

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