This page was setup to share my ISP notes with the world. Last updated 5/9/2012
My ISP from January 19, 2011 to present is SureWest. I subscribe and pay for the 30 Mbps downstream and 5 Mbps upstream Internet Package.
I have been a participant in the FCC broad reporting trial since January 17, 2011. The FCC has detailed reports regarding my ISP service at Sam Knows.
For approximately 13 of 17 months my actual upstream speeds have been approximately 80% of advertised speeds, or roughly 4 Mbps. I want SureWest to provide me the upstream that is advertised or change their advertised plans to match actual upstream provided to customers. I've contacted SureWest multiple times over the last month regarding my upstream throughput (initial email contact was April 2, 2012) having an apparent cap around 4.1 Mbps. As of today my upstream is approximately 4.1 Mbps. Due to lack of response to upstream issue for over a month today I have filed a complaint with FTC regarding false advertising. I'll give more time to SureWest and FTC to address issue before researching other options with FCC, local media, or Internet outlets if SureWest or FTC do not follow through with resolution.
I have provided SureWest and now FTC and world with the upstream and downstream data from Sam Knows (shown below) that shows SureWest upstream and downstream throughput from January 2011 to May 9th, 2012. The data clearly backs up my claims.
SureWest tech support provided me a SureWest hosted speed test server link that SureWest uses to measure broadband speed. The speeds on the SureWest test server match the speeds of the Sam Knows report.
Here is a test from a few minutes ago on May 9, 2012 (note the upload is 4.11 Mbps):
Below I provide upstream and downstream data to prove that advertised and actual should be very close. The downstream data shows downstream performance as roughly +/-3% of advertised speeds. The upstream data shows upstream performance as roughly 20% lower than advertised for 13 of 17 months. Note: SureWest increased downstream from 25 Mbps to 30 Mbps about a month ago so historical data is mostly 25 Mbps. Notice the 30 Mbps spike April to May 2011 timeframe. I suspect that spike was SureWest testing 30 Mbps downstream without actually advertising the speed until March/April 2012.
I did a quick search and noticed the FCC handles Deceptive or Unlawful Advertising and Promotion Complaints. I'll file a Form2000A after I give the FTC and SureWest a month to address their upstream speeds or advertising.
Email to SureWest NOC today providing a courtesy "heads up"
