TL;DR — Quick Summary
- ISPs advertise „up to … Mbps” speeds, which refers to the theoretical maximum of the network, not the guaranteed minimum.
- Actual internet speed is influenced by many factors: network congestion, WiFi interference, router quality, and subscriber plan limitations.
- To measure real speed, use a reliable measuring tool (e.g.,. speedtest365.hu speed test), and perform multiple measurements at different times of day.
- The word „up to” is not a promise but indicates an upper limit — and in the fine print, providers reserve the right to reduce speeds.
- Digi, One, and Telekom each use different technologies and measurement methodologies — so it's worth running tests tailored to each provider.
Introduction
When choosing an internet service provider, you see enticing numbers on posters and websites: „Up to 1000 Mbps”, „Gigantic speed”, „The fastest optical network”. However, after signing the contract, many users face the reality that the actual internet speed falls far short of the advertised values. The download speed is a fraction of what was advertised, videos stutter, and game latency becomes unbearable.
But are providers cheating their customers? The answer is more nuanced than a simple „yes” or „no”. In this article, we explain in detail what speed promises really mean, how ISPs measure the connection, why you don't get the advertised speed, and how you can find out the real performance of your own network.
What does the advertised „up to … Mbps” actually mean?
The word „up to” is not a promise but an upper limit
Internet service providers use the term „up to … Mbps”, which carries an important legal nuance: this number indicates the theoretical maximum capacity of the network under ideal conditions. It does not mean that every subscriber receives this speed at all times.
What do consumer protection regulations say? In Hungary and the EU, providers are required to display both the estimated maximum and the minimum achievable speed (the so-called „generally available speed” and „minimum speed” parameters). In practice, however, many people do not read this data in the fine print.
The typical example: „Up to 1000 Mbps”
In a plan „up to 1000 Mbps,” the *actual* speed is often:
- During peak hours: 200-400 Mbps
- Under average usage: 400-700 Mbps
- Under ideal conditions: 800-950 Mbps
Providers usually include a „fair use” clause and network management restrictions in the contract, which allow them to reduce speed in certain cases.
How do ISPs measure speed — and why doesn't it match yours?
Providers' own measurement methodology
Internet service providers typically publish speed data measured within their own network, to their central servers. This measurement does not take into account:
1. Last mile losses: The quality of the cable, router, and in-home network.
2. WiFi interference: Other devices, neighbors' networks, walls, and other obstacles.
3. End-user device limitations: The maximum capacity of the computer or smartphone's network card.
4. Network congestion: Increased load during peak hours.
Why is your measured speed lower?
Regardless of the provider, the following factors can all reduce the actual internet speed:
WiFi vs. Cable Connection
WiFi connection is significantly slower and less stable than an Ethernet cable connection. While a cable connection can deliver up to 950 Mbps from a gigabit package, with WiFi 5 (802.11ac) this is around 300-600 Mbps, and with WiFi 6, 600-900 Mbps is realistic, but only under ideal conditions.
Router Quality
Cheap routers provided by the ISP are often unable to handle high-speed packages. A router with a weaker processor may simply drop packets during peak times.
Network Congestion
Between 6 PM and 10 PM, most users stream, game, or download. During this time, the network is congested, and your actual speed may decrease.
ISP Traffic Shaping
Some ISPs limit certain types of traffic (e.g., streaming, torrents) to ensure more consistent network performance — this can also reduce the measured speed in some cases.
How to Measure Your Actual Internet Speed
Steps for Accurate Measurement
1. Wired Connection: Connect your device directly to the router via an Ethernet cable. WiFi measurements are less accurate and show lower values.
2. Close All Applications: Close browsers, streaming apps, and downloads.
3. Use a Reliable Measurement Tool: A speedtest365.hu Provides accurate measurements based on Hungarian servers.
4. Measure Multiple Times at Different Times of Day: Take measurements in the morning (8-9 AM), afternoon (2-3 PM), and evening (8-9 PM) to get the full picture.
5. Record the Results: Calculate the average of at least 3 measurements.
What to Watch Out for When Measuring?
- The Measurement Server Matters: If the server is far away or overloaded, the result will be distorted. speedtest365.hu uses Hungarian servers, so you get more accurate data.
- Only One Device Should Measure at a Time: If someone else is streaming on the network, it will distort the result.
- The Wired Connection Measurement is the Benchmark: The speed measured over WiFi is usually 30-50% lower.
ISP-Specific Tests
Since each ISP uses different technology and network architecture, it's worth measuring on a test page tailored to your provider:
- Digi Subscribers: speedtest365.hu/speedtest-digi/ — Digi network-specific measurement
- One Subscribers: speedtest365.hu/speedtest-one/ — One network speed test
- Telekom Subscribers: speedtest365.hu/speedtest-telekom/ — Telekom connection optimized measurement
What to Do If Your Speed Is Consistently Below the Advertised Rate?
First Step: Document the Results
Collect daily data for at least a week (morning, noon, evening). If the measured speed regularly falls below the minimum speed in your contract, you can file a complaint with your provider.
Second Step: Check Your Own Network
- Is the router firmware up to date?
- Try using a wired connection instead of WiFi.
- Also try with a different device.
- Check if there is network congestion in your household.
Third Step: Contact Your Provider
If the speed is still low after the above checks, call customer support and reference your documented measurements. You can request:
- Remote troubleshooting
- A technician visit to check the network endpoint
- Contract termination if the provider cannot guarantee the minimum speed promised in the contract
How to interpret provider comparisons?
When switching providers or choosing a new package, know that:
- Advertised numbers always refer to ideal conditions.
- The „typical available speed” is a more realistic indicator — providers must display this.
- Download and upload speeds may differ: Many packages are asymmetric (e.g., 1000/50 Mbps).
- Latency (ping) is also important: For gaming and video calls, low ping is needed, not just high bandwidth.
Realistic expectations by provider
| Provider | Advertised speed | Actual (average) | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digi | Up to 1000 Mbps | 700-950 Mbps | Optical |
| One | Up to 1000 Mbps | 600-900 Mbps | Optical / Cable |
| Telekom | Up to 1000 Mbps | 500-850 Mbps | Optical / Copper |
*The above values are estimated averages; actual speed depends on individual circumstances.*
How does speedtest365.hu help with accurate measurement?
A speedtest365.hu The speed measurement tool is specifically designed to provide accurate, reliable data for Hungarian users:
- Hungarian servers: The measurement is performed with local servers, minimizing the distorting effect of external factors.
- Provider-specific tests: Separate pages for Digi, One, and Telekom subscribers:
- Digi speed test
- One speed test
- Telekom speed test
- Detailed results: Download speed, upload speed, and ping (latency) from a single measurement.
- Free and browser-based: No installation, no registration.
Try it now: Measure your actual internet speed!
Real cases: what Hungarian users experience?
Case 1: The family home where „the internet is always slow”
In an average Hungarian family, 4-5 devices are constantly on the network: two smartphones, a laptop, a Smart TV, and a gaming console. The subscription is „up to 500 Mbps” — but Netflix lags in the evening. The solution: they switched to a wired connection for the TV, replaced the provider's router with a more modern device, and set up WiFi 6. After this, the actual measured speed increased from 150 Mbps to 380 Mbps — without switching providers.
Case 2: The remote worker suffering from video calls
A home office user's complaint: Teams calls constantly drop, the image pixelates. The package is „up to 300 Mbps”. The measurement speedtest365.hurevealed that the download speed is fine (280 Mbps), but the upload is barely 10 Mbps, and the ping is 80 ms. The solution: they switched the provider's asymmetric package (300/15 Mbps) to a symmetric one (200/200 Mbps). Teams calls have been stable since.
Technical background: what happens in the network?
The difference between optical and copper-based connections
A actual internet speed One of the most important factors is the access technology:
- FTTH (Fiber To The Home): The optical cable reaches all the way into the apartment. Here, signal loss is minimal, and speed typically ranges between 80-95% of the advertised value.
- FTTC (Fiber To The Curb): Fiber optic cable to the house, then copper cable continues. 10-30% speed loss is common.
- ADSL/VDSL: Entirely copper-based. Here, distance is critical: the farther you are from the central office, the slower the connection. Losses of up to 50% or more can occur.
The role of the network path
When you visit a website, data packets travel through multiple routers, servers, and providers. Each „hop” adds a few milliseconds of latency, and weak links (e.g., an overloaded international connection) can become bottlenecks. This is why it's important that the measurement server be located in Hungary if possible — the speedtest365.hu Hungarian servers ensure exactly this.
Summary
The difference between the advertised and actual internet speed actual speed does not necessarily mean the provider is cheating you. „Up to … Mbps” is a theoretical maximum influenced by many factors: the technology used, network load, the quality of your own devices, and the type of connection (WiFi vs. cable).
The most important step you can take: measure your own connection multiple times, at different times of day, and use a reliable measurement tool. If the measured speed consistently falls below the minimum value guaranteed in your contract, you have the right to file a complaint — and you may even terminate the contract.
Don't settle for the numbers you see on posters. Find out what you're actually getting — and if you're not satisfied, switch providers or plans.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my speed measured over WiFi lower than over cable?
WiFi is a shared medium where other devices, interference, and distance also affect speed. It can be up to 50% lower than a wired connection.
What should I do if my speed drops drastically during peak hours?
During peak hours (6-10 PM), network congestion is a natural phenomenon. However, if your speed falls below the minimum specified in your contract, document it and notify your provider.
Do providers manipulate measurement results?
Some providers may optimize traffic on their own test pages, so it's advisable to use an independent measurement tool like speedtest365.hu.
What is a realistic expected speed for an „up to 500 Mbps” plan?
Under average conditions, 250-400 Mbps, and ideally 450-480 Mbps. If the measured speed is consistently below 200 Mbps, it's worth checking the network.
Last updated: July 2026