How long should a C-D forum page take to load 20-50 kpbs (CD, server)

[freemkt]

My so-called "broadband" service usually runs in the range of 20 kbps to 50 kbps and often takes a long time to load a typical C-D forum page.

So I'm wondering how long SHOULD it take to load these pages in this speed range?

Also, it frequently disconnects and very frequently stays connected without transmitting ANY data for 5-15 minutes at a time. Why are internet connections so flaky?

[thecoalman]

50 kbps is dial up speeds, sure that is right?

A quick check shows this page and the linked files is about 190KB (112KB from cache), that's about 25 to 30 seconds on the initial page load and probably 10 to 15 seconds on subsequent page loads. Of course you only have one post here so that time will expand as the page does especially if there is images. Also keep in mind a lot of those files will be cached for other pages like the header image so when you go to view a different page here on CD they'll have cached files too.

On broadband which at minimum is usually going to be in the 6000kbps it's the server that is usually the slow part of the equation.

Why are internet connections so flaky?

I would suggest it the company you're dealing with. I'm on Comcast and one thing I cannot complain about is the service. It's rarely out, perhaps a few times a year and even then only for a very short time. If I didn't spend so much time on the internet I'd probably never even notice.

[NJBest]

I have Comcast and feel the same way. It's certainly slower than FIOS but not slow enough to motivate me to switch. If I watched more TV, I'd switch in a second -- Comcast TV is among the worst.

Back on topic:

City-Data loads almost instantly. When downloading files I'll get anywhere from 5000kbps to 18000kbps depending on time of day and server.

OP, what kind of broadband do you have? It's possible that you could have a bad line or just a low powered signal. Have you discussed this with your ISP?