Anyone who pays for broadband should perform regular, independent speed tests on their connection. Numerous Web sites, like the technology news site CNET.com, list free bandwidth test sites. Speakeasy.net offers the easiest to use.  I like the site testmy.net, which actually stores your test results for reference. A documented archive of poor speed scores might prove useful if you end up in a battle with your provider and must ask for a refund.

But even if you don’t find yourself in a fight, taking a speed test is the only way to know if you are getting what you paid for. If the speeds are regularly disappointing, and far below what you’ve been promised, you should complain.