Netflix has come up with an amazingly simple way to see if you are really getting internet speeds promised by your provider.
Many people pay a premium for supposedly faster internet but notice little difference over the standard package. If that sounds familiar, you will probably want to make use of Netflix’ new tool, writes Napier Lopex for The Next Web.
Simple interface tells you exactly what you want to know
There are plenty of speed testers out there, but many contain lots of ads and other distractions. Now Netflix has launched Fast.com, which is probably the most simple speed tester online.
It’s minimal design means that the site loads in mere seconds, probably because it contains zero adverts. Instead of measuring lots of different variables which can confuse you, it only shows the internet service provider’s (ISP) download speed.
The site takes a few seconds to measure your download speed before displaying its results in large type. The frequently asked questions sections reveals that the minimal design was implemented consciously.
Netflix crusade against slow internet continues
“Fast.com is a simple-to-use way for consumers to estimate what speed their ISP is providing. It is not a network engineer’s analysis and diagnostic suite,” it reads.
However you do have the option to compare your results with Speedtest.net, another site which measures upload speeds, latency and other factors. It’s certainly interesting to do so, and a nice move from Netflix given that the two companies have no business ties.
You may be wondering why Netflix is interested in releasing such a tool. In fact it is part of the online video streaming company’s campaign against slow ISP speeds. As a streaming company Netflix requires fast download speeds in order for customers to use its services without technical problems.
If you do experience a bad connection while watching Netflix, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a link appear inviting you to use Fast.com. Netflix makes its stand on slow ISPs clear in the FAQ section.
“If results from fast.com and other speed tests often show less speed than you have paid for, you can ask your ISP about the results,” the company writes.
It might be time for ISPs to check that they are providing the internet speeds that customers have paid for!
