Internet Speed Capped at Plan Limit | Generated by AI
Question: Why does my home internet speed seem capped under 100 Mb/s?
Answer:
Your speed test results show a download speed of 89.93 Mbps and upload of 58.08 Mbps, which is very close to (but slightly below) 100 Mbps download. This suggests your connection is likely limited to a 100 Mbps plan (or similar, such as 100M/60M), as these speeds align closely with the advertised rates for entry-level fiber or broadband plans in Taiwan.
Main Reasons for the Cap
-
Subscribed Plan Limit — The most common reason speeds don’t exceed ~100 Mbps is that your current broadband plan with HiNet (Chunghwa Telecom) is a 100 Mbps (or lower-tier) package. HiNet offers a range of plans, including 100M/40M, 100M/100M, and higher tiers like 300M, 500M, or 1G/600M. If you’re on the basic 100 Mbps plan, the provider caps the speed at that level, and real-world tests often show slightly less due to overhead.
-
Local Area Performance — In smaller cities or towns like Douliu (Yunlin County), median fixed broadband speeds are around 90 Mbps, lower than urban areas (e.g., Taipei often exceeds 200-300 Mbps). Fiber coverage and higher-speed plans may not be as widely available or upgraded in all locations yet.
-
Testing Method — You ran the test via a web browser, which can limit speeds compared to a dedicated app or wired connection. Browsers may not fully utilize the connection, especially if over Wi-Fi or with background processes. For accurate results, use a wired Ethernet connection and the official Speedtest app.
Other Possible Factors (Less Likely Here)
- Hardware limitations (e.g., old Ethernet cable/port negotiating at 100 Mbps) usually cause exactly 100 Mbps link speed, not ~90 Mbps throughput.
- Network congestion or high jitter (as seen in your responsiveness results) can reduce effective speeds, but your main download/upload figures point more to a plan cap.
To confirm and potentially get faster speeds:
- Check your current plan details via the HiNet customer portal or by calling their support (0800-080-123).
- If higher speeds (e.g., 300M+) are available in your building/address, you can upgrade—many users report getting 500+ Mbps after switching tiers.
Your current speeds are still solid for general use (streaming, browsing, etc.), but upgrading the plan should break the ~100 Mbps barrier if desired.
References:
- Chunghwa Telecom Broadband Plans Overview
- Speedtest Performance in Douliu
- Taiwan Fixed Broadband Reports (Ookla)