Netflix releases their own Internet speed testing tool

Default avatar.
May 19, 2016
Netflix releases their own Internet speed testing tool.
Internet speed is a subject that is near and dear to our hearts. It matters because we build websites, and we want every user to have the best experience possible. It also matters because we work hard, and we deserve to marathon those episodes Dawn of the Croods, darnit! So why is this thing still buffering? Netflix, as one of the primary sources of video content on the Internet, has been engaged in protracted battles with telecom providers, who sometimes have different ideas about the definitions of words like “Internet”, “speed”, and “quality service”. Well, it takes all sorts, right? The problem is that many telecom customers aren't getting the sorts of speeds they were promised, and they often don't have that many options. Netflix wants to deliver their content as fast as possible, as we all do, so they’ve created their very own Internet speed testing tool, so users can see what their actual Internet speed is. It’s located at the very appropriately-named fast.com. Now, it’s not super feature-packed. It only measures download speed, which is obviously the most important factor for Netflix, and indeed for most of us. The most important feature, however, is that it’s not in any way ad-supported or affiliated with any telecom provider. Netflix believes that any connection or dependence on advertising could affect the quality of the results. This is, perhaps, a bit cynical, but I can hardly blame them. It’s no secret that companies like Comcast and Time-Warner have been trying to limit the access that competitors have to their own customers. It’s also no secret that speed testers provided by the telecoms themselves are known to be inaccurate. Put in that context, it looks like this tool isn’t just a handy little gadget for ISP customers. It’s a calculated move designed to put pressure on telecom companies. On a personal level, I applaud their intent. In the bigger picture, however, the actual impact of this move remains to be seen. Mind you, this move only works if users aren’t getting the speeds they’re paying for. I found out that I’m getting 11-12 Mbps more than I’m paying for, so I’m feeling pretty happy about this whole thing. Go test your own Internet speed on fast.com. Photo courtesy of Flickr user vavva_92.

Ezequiel Bruni

Ezequiel Bruni is a web/UX designer, blogger, and aspiring photographer living in Mexico. When he’s not up to his finely-chiselled ears in wire-frames and front-end code, or ranting about the same, he indulges in beer, pizza, fantasy novels, and stand-up comedy.

Read Next

10+ Best Resources & Tools for Web Designers (2024 update)

Is searching for the best web design tools to suit your needs akin to having a recurring bad dream? Does each…

3 Essential Design Trends, April 2024

Ready to jump into some amazing new design ideas for Spring? Our roundup has everything from UX to color trends…

How to Plan Your First Successful Website

Planning a new website can be exciting and — if you’re anything like me — a little daunting. Whether you’re an…

15 Best New Fonts, March 2024

Welcome to March’s edition of our roundup of the best new fonts for designers. This month’s compilation includes…

LimeWire Developer APIs Herald a New Era of AI Integration

Generative AI is a fascinating technology. Far from the design killer some people feared, it is an empowering and…

20 Best New Websites, March 2024

Welcome to our pick of sites for March. This month’s collection tends towards the simple and clean, which goes to show…

Exciting New Tools for Designers, March 2024

The fast-paced world of design never stops turning, and staying ahead of the curve is essential for creatives. As…

Web Tech Trends to Watch in 2024 and Beyond

It hardly seems possible given the radical transformations we’ve seen over the last few decades, but the web design…

6 Best AI Productivity Apps in 2024

There’s no escaping it: if you want to be successful, you need to be productive. The more you work, the more you…

3 Essential Design Trends, February 2024

From atypical typefaces to neutral colors to unusual user patterns, there are plenty of new website design trends to…

Surviving the Leap from College to Real-World Design

So, you’ve finished college and are ready to showcase your design skills to the world. This is a pivotal moment that…

20 Mind-Bending Illusions That Will Make You Question Reality

Mind-bending videos. Divisive Images. Eye-straining visuals. This list of optical illusions has it all. Join us as we…