It's a common occurrence these days: you sign up for a specific level of service with your local internet service provider (ISP) and expect to get the speeds advertised. But most of the time, you don't.

On Monday, the Wall Street Journal published a report that takes that hassle from individual anecdote to evidence, with a lengthy test of internet speeds across the country: for most ISPs, the result wasn't pretty. 

According to the Wall Street Journal's extensive survey from Ookla -- better known as Speedtest.net to the frustrated internet speed-conscious out there -- which "compiled data from tens of millions of speed tests as well as surveys of 646,404 Speedtest users," most internet service providers' real service just doesn't match up. "Indeed," says the report, "the vast majority of the 800 cities ... experience median Internet speeds that are slower than what their providers advertise."

Out of the 800 U.S. cities and 27 ISPs the study took a look at, only seven reached or exceeded the internet speeds advertised, on average. That means 20 ISPs were not up to snuff, with some major offenders on the list (take a look at WSJ's report for an incredibly detailed listing, city-by-city, of actual speeds versus advertised speeds).

The worst offenders? Clear Wireless, a Sprint-owned 4G wireless company for home internet devices, maxed out at an average of 41 percent below the advertised speed. Next were Windstream Communications (another wireless-emphasizing broadband company) and Cable One, which provides broadband in 19 states. Verizon and AT&T Internet Services (DSL) were the two major internet providers also at the bottom of the slow list. Time Warner Cable and Comcast -- two of the biggest cable internet providers who have proposed a merger -- were on the negative side, but just barely.

The most consistent company was cable company Cox Communications (also named recently by Netflix as one of the top average ISPs for its streaming service), and at the top of the list, Midcontinent Communications, serving Minnesota and the Dakotas, which delivered average speeds at least 8 percent or faster than promised. Perhaps Midcontinent will want to adjust its marketing strategy and stop selling itself short.

Caveats

More than half a million people surveyed and tens of millions of speed tests make up a pretty large sample size for a study, but there are some major caveats to consider that may poke some holes in the study's veracity, or at least be a cause for a little grain of salt.

When Do You Test?

I don't know about most people, but I usually run a speed test when my internet seems to be running -- you guessed it -- slower than advertised.

Equipment Issues

A lot of the time, the slow speeds are due to a modem that needs to be reset. In addition, running a Flash-based site like Speedtest.net can also be taxing to older computers that can't run the software effectively. Slow, old, or improperly configured WiFi routers can mess up an otherwise good connection, too.

Server Selection Issues

Speedtest.net will automatically choose a server to connect to for its test, if you don't choose one yourself, but sometimes the site's software will astonishingly choose a server that's farther away or simply slower than one you could pick yourself.

Data Caps

Whether this is fair or not is for a different discussion, but your ISP may have a monthly data cap. If you exceed that cap (perhaps by torrenting too much), the company will throttle your connection: As advertised. That fact may be in the fine print, but it's there.

Seek The Expert Help Of Telecom Agents 

You can seek expert help from telecom agents if you want to replace or upgrade your internet and other telecommunication services for personal or business use. These professionals are similar to insurance and real estate agents, helping clients find the best plan or investment, except that telecom agents handle internet and other telecommunication accounts.

Telecom agents can help consumers find internet service providers to meet their needs, negotiate fair pricing, and help ensure proper service installation. The carriers pay these agents, meaning that consumers don't have to pay them for their services. This arrangement also allows agents to be more truthful regarding internet speeds, as they aren't paid per sale.

Ensure you compare the options that reputable telecom agents offer. They're usually available to call or chat online. Visit your prospective carrier's website and request to talk to a telecom agent. Moreover, a good telecom agent should prioritize your needs over the carrier's profit. So, don't hesitate to ask questions and get expert advice once you talk with a telecom agent. 

Conclusion 

If you suspect your internet service provider is lying about your data speed, it's time to apply the tips above. Don't continue paying for data services you don't get. With the help of testing solutions and professionals, you can determine your internet speed and help you make a more intelligent decision when choosing or upgrading your internet plan.

How does your ISP stack up to its own hype? How does it stack up to the other ISPs in the study? Let us know in the comments!