Many people have recently complained about broadband speeds, but could it be that our expectations are too high? When people realize the cost of implementing new systems, slower speeds may suddenly become acceptable.

There has been an array of research conducted to compare the costs of installing the new fibre optic cables capable of providing the broadband speeds everyone wants and the cost of it all. It might cost up to £10 billion to dig up all the roads necessary and lay down all the fibre optic cables required. There is an alternative option which involves taking the cables to the local exchanges which costs a mere £5 billion.

The problem customers are having are based around their broadband speeds and as we use the internet even more for activities such as watching films and television, we need speeds to be as quick as possible. Programmes such as the BBC iPlayer and channel 4's On Demand, allow customers to catch up on their favourite programmes online but require fast speeds to get the most out of them.

Whether customers are happy with their speed or not, it is something that they might have to put up with for the moment as the government and experts decide whether it would be money well spent. Some customers may not be receiving the fastest speeds available to them so the broadband speed test is a good thing for them to take which allows customers to see the speeds they should be receiving in their area.

If the plan to increase speeds came to fruition and the money was spent, we would almost certainly pick up the bill, so is it worth it? Some people will be in favour and some will be against but it will be interesting to see what happens. For the moment though, customers can compare broadband deals from the leading providers to ensure they get the best possible deal available.