Confused over Broadband speed!

Hi
I'm getting mixed information from my IP, for a change!, concerning the speed at which my Broadband connection is running.
If you could I would like someone to tell me if what I'm being told sounds legitimate.
I have just changed over to an 8MB connection on a business rate with a contention ratio of 20/1, the average speeds I'm realising is 3.5MB down stream and 0.7MB up stream. The BT line test predicts that my line can handle 6.5MB.
So I need to know if the speeds I'm getting are good or bad?
IP, Edge Telecom
Many thanks
HUNTERDF2

You are getting approximately half the absolute maximum downstream and about the maximum upstream. Downstream rates are not guarenteed and can vary.

What speed are you syncing at? What are your line stats, downstream attenuation and noise margin?