Where there is a continuous or regular significant difference between the actual speeds of the Internet access service and the speeds specified by the ISP in the contract.
There are speed tests (either from third parties or from operators) to measure the ISPs’ actual speeds. Examples are:
You will find several others on the Internet.
Once you have selected one, it is in your interest to obtain as accurate as possible evidence of the inadequate speed.
The following conditions have a positive effect on the accuracy of the measurements:
The BIPT emphasises that even with all these tips in mind, there are still the limitations of the measuring device itself. For example, to measure a speed of 1 Gbps, the laptop must have a network card capable of achieving a speed of 1 Gbps. With more modern and/or expensive laptops, this is often possible already, but with older and/or cheaper models this may not be the case.
Do not assume that you will get the speeds the operators advertise in their advertisements.
Fixed Internet service providers (ISPs) have to mention the minimum, maximum and generally available speeds in their contracts and on their websites as well.
A BIPT Decision defines how these values have to be interpreted concretely, taking into account the set-up of networks in Belgium:
The actual speeds shall be between the minimum and maximum speeds and preferably as close as possible to the generally available speed.
PLEASE NOTE THAT:
Be older than 65:
In that case two additional conditions have to be met:
Have a disability of at least 66%: be recognised as a person disabled or unable to work for more than 66% by an administrative or court ruling, be recognised by the FPS Social Security as a person disabled for more than 66% or as a person whose self-reliance is diminished by at least 9 points, or be recognised by the sickness insurance agency to be invalid for more than 66%.
In that case three additional conditions have to be met:
Receive a guaranteed minimum income pursuant to the Act of 26 May 2002 on the right to social integration.
Suffer from at least 70 dB hearing loss in the best ear or live together with a child or grandchild that suffers from at least 70 dB hearing loss in the best ear.
Having undergone a laryngectomy or live together with a child or grandchild that has undergone a laryngectomy.
Be a military person who has been blinded in war.
Per household only one social discount/social Internet offer can be used.
As long as you benefit from the social discount on your telecom bill, your family member is not eligible for the social Internet offer.
So check, before changing, if the social internet offer corresponds to the needs of your household.
You may be eligible for the social Internet offer.
You do not meet the granting conditions or the social Internet offer does not appeal to you? Go to besttariff.be, the government’s telecom tariff comparison tool, and find the telecom tariff plan that does meet your needs, which may be cheaper for you. All telecom tariff plans available on the market are listed there, ranging from inexpensive to more expensive.
No, even if your personal situation has not changed in any other aspect, it becomes impossible after 1 March 2024 to get a social discount on your new tariff plan, if the subscription which the social discount applies to is cancelled to switch to another tariff plan - whether the operator is the same or not.
If you meet the conditions to be granted the social Internet offer, you can apply for it to a provider.