How relevant is the data transfer rate in choosing an ISP?

How relevant is the data transfer rate in choosing an ISP?

Ali Nasri (Computer Specialist, Mac 911 Inc.) gives expert video advice on: How do I choose the best Internet Service Provider ISP for my needs?; Does my cable company provide Internet service? and more...

The data transfer rate is really important because ISPs can make claims that you can have a certain download speed and they may sell that speed to you. But depending on where you are you may not be abe to realize those speeds. Those are theoretical speeds. Especially if you are using DSL, how close you are to the central office will make an impact on the speed that you can actually receive. So, to know what your actual data transfer speeds will be is very important.