Internet service providers are promising they will spend more money to ensure higher speeds for customers using the National Broadband Network, but it remains unclear how much difference that will actually make.

Users of the high-speed network have become increasingly vocal about congestion problems, especially during evening periods when thousands of people are watching streaming services like Netflix. That problem can occur even if customers are paying extra for one of the faster speed tiers the NBN provides.

NBN Co's Bill Morrow says CVC prices are going down to allow providers to purchase more. Credit:Adam Hollingworth

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has ordered providers to start promoting more realistic speeds in their advertising, specifying evening peak speeds rather than quoting the theoretical maximum speed, which is hardly ever achieved.

Many factors can influence the speed of individual connections, and some are the responsibility of customers, including the placement of their Wi-Fi routers and the condition of wiring within their home. However, one factor which providers can control is the amount of Connectivity Virtual Circuit (CVC) they buy. In simple terms, the bulk network capacity they purchase and then share amongst all their customers.