Netflix: Internet Service Providers' Streaming Video Speeds

As more and more people turn to the internet to provide entertainment, the performance of your ISP (Internet Service Provider) becomes more and more important.  This is particularly true if you stream movies and TV shows via an internet provider like Netflix, Hulu or if you are using one of the digital video services/devices like Apple TV, Boxee, Netflix Player by Roku or more. 

Nexflix published a report this week indicating the performance of the main Internet Service Providers in North America.  How would they know this - you may ask - is that Netflix monitors the performance of their streaming signal, if it falls below a threshold it provides you with a

For those who are Netflix subscribers using Instant View, you've likely seen it... where the message comes on-screen 'we are adjusting your playback for optimum performance'.

Netflix published their findings so that we can see how our ISP is stacking up (and maybe decide it's time to search for a new provider if you're not happy with your current provider).

You can click on the chart below to view the full-sized chart - or check out the list below for Netflix's ISP providers in order of speed performance. Not surprising to some, but interesting to note that the top of the list is populated by those ISP's providing cable service while the telephone companies (DSL) appear in the bottom half of the list.

Netflix Ranking of Internet Service Providers' Performance for Streaming Video (January 2011)

1. Charter
2. Comcast
3. Time Warner
4. Cox
5. Suddenlink
6. Cablevision
7. Cable One
8. Verizon
9. AT&T
10. BellSouth
11. Embarq
12. Windstream
13. Qwest
14. Century Tel
15. Frontier
16. Clearwire

You can read the full Netflix report on the NetFlix Tech Blog

 

Comments

[agerlarly]

Hi guys! I am new here. I hope we will enjoy that time :) I love to use that and i hope you too! :)

[Alberta high speed internet]

Streaming entertainment is more convenient than juggling Blu-ray and DVD discs, but it demands a fast pipe to your internet service provider, or ISP. For instance, Netflix recommends download speeds of at least 3Mbps for the best video quality, while Apple suggests 8Mbps for streaming 1080p content from iTunes.

[Cotton Bags]

This post is well written and informative. I don't comment often, but it doesn't cost me anything to say it when it’s true. Cheers.

[Chet Davis]

Good question Jen - I use a site/service called Speed Test - I wrote a post with the details which you'll find today on the home page of
http://www.yourtechnologytutor.net. Hope that helps - and let me know if you have any further questions.

[Jen McCleve]

How would you suggest finding out the speed of your internet service? Is there a website you would suggest using, or a method of collecting that data?

[Chet Davis]

But can I stream Netflix videos using Hughesnet or any other satellite internet provider?

Yes, theoretically you could use any internet service provider as long as their delivery to your home was fast enough. Netflix recommends a minimum speed of 500kbps (0.5MB).

Before committing to any particular service I would be certain to understand the providers service agreement, termination policy, any penalties, etc.

I personally would also not sign-up unless I had a contact who was using the same service and could personally confirm success, but that's my preference.

[DSL Internet vs Satellite Internet]

I know that there's a big difference between DSL internet and satellite internet. But can I stream Netflix videos using Hughesnet or any other satellite internet provider?