Paying for a high-speed Internet connection but, swear you're getting the "watered down" version of the speed you're supposed to have? Calls to your friendly ISP result in being blasted with techno-jargon and acronyms and sent on your merry way?

Well, I have news for you: You're not crazy and you may be right.

Don't get me wrong, most Internet Service Providers run reputable businesses and pride themselves in offering top-notch service to their clients. However, since you're the small business-owner, it's up to you to make sure that you're getting your money's worth.

There are a host of Internet sites that will help you check the speed of your Internet connection. Please keep in mind: a) that some of the tests that these web sites run will not work behind proxy servers or firewalls, b) bandwidth may be higher or lower depending on Internet congestion, c) the tests do not reflect actual server reliability and speed but, rather the speed of the actual Internet connection.

Here are a few reliable test sites:

2 Wire’s Bandwidth Meter
http://www.2wire.com/index.html

This test measures your download speed only. Click on “Test Your Broadband Speed” and the pop-up window will show you your download speed.

CNET’s Bandwidth Meter
http://webservices.cnet.com/bandwidth/

This test measures your download speed only. Input your information and click “Go”. The screen will refresh and show your download speed in red and compare it to other known speeds, based on type of Internet access service.

DSL Reports’ Public Broadband Speed Test
http://speedtest.dslreports.com

This web site tests both your upload and download speeds. Click on “Test speed using our server at Megapath, CA, USA” or “Test speed using our server at LinkLine, Los Angeles, CA, USA”. This web site also has a speed test result archive, so that you can view test speeds from other people in your area.

It is important that you conduct the test several times over the course of the next week or so and take screen captures of the results. Also, be sure to test at the same time of day, as speeds may vary throughout the course of the day.

Ok, this new-found information is great but, what do you do with it?

If you don’t know what your Internet connection speed is supposed to be, call your provider and ask. You don’t have to tell them that you are running a test, just ask them what speed you are supposed to be getting based on your contract – be sure to ask for both the upload and download speeds. Write these numbers down.

Now, continue with your testing for about a week, remembering to keep screen captures of all the result pages. Read the contract that you signed with your provider, especially the section dealing with access speeds and guarantees.

If your test results differ greatly from the information that your provider has given you, call them. And, based on your findings and your contract terms, make a complaint to both the technical support and billing departments. Don’t let your provider convince you otherwise. They should either offer you a discount or bump you up to the next access level – for free – to get you up to the speed that you are supposed to get based on your contract. The whole point of your testing is to make sure that you are getting what you pay for. Don’t settle for less. Don’t be a victim!

Lena L. West is the Founder & CEO of xynoMedia Development , a technology-consulting firm that specializes in helping companies make strategic decisions about the use and implementation of technology solutions. She can be reached at: LWest@xynoMedia.com