There are many variables that affect your download speed.

The rate your provider quotes is the "maximum" download speed they can provide given that all the variables are working in your favor.

These variables include things like:

• The download speed and allowance as set by your provider. Some people confuse the connection speed with the download speed. They are not the same and the actual download speed is usually considerably less.
• The capabilities of your computers operating system
• The available free space on your hard drive and your computers memory capacity
• The number of users utilizing your provider at the time you wish to download
• The overall load on the www at the time you are downloading
• The "path" your provider uses to connect to our and others sites. This could be a fast or slow path, depending on the price they are prepared to pay.
• We have large capacity servers that provide our members with the best download experience possible after the variables above are taken into account.

We hope this answers you question and provides you with a good understanding of the things that can influence your downloading.