Unlike DSL lines that vary with distance from the exchange/cabinet, VM cable connections always provide the connection speed you buy (actually just a little over in the case of download speeds). However, actual data throughput will vary depending on how many subscribers there are in your immediate area and how they use it.
A lot of areas are over-subscribed and suffer from poor data speeds at peak times. Other areas suffer one or two 'bad' users who insist on downloading the internet all day, every day, and unfortunately VM appear unwilling to tackle this because they prefer to market their connections as 'unlimited'.
Your 'area' can be as small as a block/street/postcode, so realistically the only way to know how good your connection is going to be is to try it - they do offer a money back guarantee.
You might be lucky (like me) and have very good throughput, or you might be unlucky (like my daughter) and have big issues at peak times.
Edited by Daemon66 (Tue 15-Oct-13 09:50:44)