Like many young families with kids, our garage is full of toys. Be it bicycles, scooters, wagons or skates, you name it, we've probably got some version of it (granted, it won't be in perfect condition, but we've likely got it). On any given evening it's not uncommon to find my daughters riding up and down our driveway on one of those toys. It's also not uncommon for me to call after them, reminding them not to go too fast. Of course, they always reply with a look that asks "how fast is too fast?" Huh. Good question.

As I've learned from my kids, defining "fast" isn't as easy as it would seem. Working for an internet provider, I've found the same to be true in the office. We often get customers coming in the door asking how fast our internet connection is, but they can't necessarily wrap their heads around what those speeds really are, or even how fast a connection they truly need.

When it comes to the internet, determining speed can be difficult in part because of the way it is measured. Speeds are defined by the number of bits (or bytes) of information that can be transferred per second. Information can be retrieved, or downloaded, from cyberspace; or it can be uploaded, or sent. This combination of speeds is usually referenced as a set of numbers, and in the order of download speed to upload speed. For example, 3M /1M indicates that your computer will download information at a rate of 3 megabits per second, and upload at one megabyte per second.

Without a basis of comparison, however, "3M download" can be a meaningless measurement. We often hear customers asking if 3M is slow, fast, or an average speed. Following is a general guideline of what speeds are best for which types of duties:

1M or less: a typical 5 MB attachment can take up to 40 seconds to download at this speed. This speed is sufficient for general internet browsing, or sending e-mail and photos.

2M to3M: The same 5MB attachment will only take up to 20 seconds to download. This speed is sufficient for online games, and downloading songs and movies. It will also suffice for working at home.

4M and higher: The same 5MB attachment takes just 10 seconds or less at this speed. This is ideal for home office use, as well as streaming videos and online games.

In case you aren't sure just how fast your current internet service is, it's always possible to call your local provider to inquire. There are also speed tests available on the internet. Googling "internet speed tests" unveils a plethora of sites available to test your internet speed to confirm you're getting what you're paying for, as far as internet service is concerned.

At a time when the demand for a faster internet connection continues to grow, those in rural areas can rest assured they won't be left behind. For rural consumers who've been pining for something a bit quicker, ETC is proud to announce that work has begun on our federal-grant initiative to expand wireless broadband accessibility across a seven-county region throughout Southeastern Indiana. This project has a three-year timeline, so while patience is a virtue now with regard to the project's completion, patience waiting for your internet connection will eventually be a thing of the past when all is said and done.

While the tortoise's mantra may be "slow and steady wins the race", this theory doesn't hold much water when it comes to the internet. Web surfers are all about speed, so be sure to check with your local provider to find out what's available when it comes to your internet or what's on the horizon, especially for rural Southeastern Indiana.