Netflix Launches An Internet Speedtest Site Called ‘Fast’

Netflix is giving you a new way to test your internet speed, with the new website Fast. Accessible on mobile or broadband, anywhere in the world, the service is ad-free and available to everyone — Netflix user or not.

“We all want a faster, better Internet, yet Internet speeds vary greatly and can be affected by other users on your network or congestion with your Internet service provider,” Netflix said in a statement. “When you’re experiencing streaming issues, Fast allows you to check the download speeds you’re getting from your Internet service provider.”

Fast uses Netflix’s servers and works in a similar way to speedtest.net, so expect similar results.

“This consumer speed test is different than our Netflix ISP Speed Index,” Netflix says. “Fast measures your personal Internet connection at any given time. The speed index measures average monthly speeds of actual Netflix streams during prime time hours.”

With recent introduction of data controls Netflix announced, there may be a pattern forming here. Could this service be spawn from negative customer feedback that was really due to poor internet speeds? Or is it simply an act of goodwill and am I over thinking this because I’ve had two coffees already?

What do you guys think? Is this just a gesture of goodwill, promotion for Netflix, or a way to negate complaints that are really down to the customer’s internet speed? Let us know in the comments below!


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