[Discuss] Shaw regular average speed vs. Telus?

[Scott Petersen]

> I realize there was a long discussion about this some 8 months ago on
> this list but it all got a bit hard to follow.
>
> I am currently using Uniserve ADSL (using Telus lines of course) and
> when downloading a distro I have been averaging about 165 KB/s. I am now
> able to get Shaw High-Speed for the same price as the ADSL. I am
> considering the change and I just wonder what folks here in Victoria are
> experiencing as average speeds for their downloads from Shaw. I realize
> no speed is guaranteed with cable but just ball park averages would be
> good enough for me so I can make a decision to change over or not.
> thanks in advance...

A couple of years ago when I was still living in Gordon Head, Telus had a
free two month trial of their service (1.5mbps). I had Shaw at the time
(this was before extreme was available) so I figured, what the hey and
signed up. Threw a new NIC in my firewall and attached it to the ADSL box.
Then I did back to back comparisons at various times of the day and week
for the next two months.

On average Shaw was faster. The only time that Telus was faster was
occasionally between about 7 and 9 pm. Even then, I was getting about 120
KB/s to 150 for Telus. At all other times of the day Shaw was faster and
by up to three times (450 KB/s). Though usually it was in the 250 KB/s
range. Remember, this was with regular Shaw service at the time. Shaw's
download speed has gone up for their regular service and their extreme
package is even faster. I now live in New Westminster and I regularly see
1000 KB/s download with extreme. I think the best that Telus offers is 6
mbps (approx 550-600 KB/s) for the same price point.

On another note, I have received great service from Shaw when they do
installs or something is broken. My experience with Telus for my phone is
not as good. Not really bad but I would choose Shaw between the two.

Cheers
Scott Petersen