Shaw internet customer Ron Kitamura didn't know what an internet speed test was until a friend suggested he run one.

"Ten years we've had this internet, and we've never known about this speed test," he said.

When Ron did the test on his own, he was disappointed. It turns out his Shaw Extreme wasn't as extremely fast as it should have been.

"[I'm paying for] Extreme, which is supposed to be 15 megabits per second. I'm getting 1.2 according to their equipment, which is in the Light range," he said.

A Shaw technician came to his house and installed new equipment and the speed improved. But it still hasn't reached the advertised 15 Mb/s.

And during evening hours, Ron says his download speed still drops to a fraction of what he is paying for. He's documented it on his calendar noting the nights he's only getting one or two Mb/s.

Ron tested his computer during the middle of the day when his neighbourhood network isn't busy, and the speeds were faster, but still not 15 Mb/s.

Using a Shaw speed test you can find on the Shaw website, it came out at under 12 Mb/s. An independent speed test from speakeasy.net had it a little lower, at just over 10 Mb/s.

CTV News contacted Shaw to ask why Ron isn't getting what he's paying for, but the company did not respond to repeated calls and questions.

Ron says Shaw offered one month of free internet service as compensation.

He said no. He says Shaw then offered half off for the past nine months -- $225 in total.

Ron is still not satisfied.

"Apparently, if you don't complain, nothing gets done," he said.

He's filing a complaint with the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services.

The CCTS can investigate if you don't get satisfaction with your internet, phone or cable provider.

Everyone should check their internet speed periodically regardless of your internet provider.

And if you are not getting what you are paying for, contact them and keep a record. Also, stay up to date on the latest offerings and technologies. Many companies, including Shaw, offer free equipment upgrades if you know to ask for them.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen