why do my downloads peak at 250kb/s when my internet provider claims im receiving 2mb.?

2 megabits/second, that's what they claim. Not 2 megabytes/second.

1 byte = 8 bits

2 megabits/second = 2/8 megabytes/second = 0.25 megabytes/s = 0.25 * 1024 kilobytes/second = 256 kilobytes/second.

So there's nothing wrong with your connection. Actually, it's working perfectly if you get 250 kilobytes/second.

I think your a bit confused. You appear to be mixing Megabytes and Megabits.

Internet speeds and usage are measured in Kilo, Mega or Giga "bits" not "bytes"

and there are 8 bits to a byte.

Have you done a proper speed test to find out what your actually getting?

http://www.speedtest.net/

Also ADSL broadband is greatly affected by many things, including the time you are downloading.

Why are you baffled? Average download speed for a 2MB connection is 220 kbps whereas it is 780 kbps for an 8MB connection.

Connection speed and actual download speed are two different things

Your connection is 2 mega bits, but the download speed is reported as kilo bytes. It's completely normal. I have a 1 meg connection and my max download speed is around 110kbps.

You are confusing bits and bytes. 250 kbps (kilo bits per second) is 2mb (megabytes)

providers LIE and exaggerate. also who ever is uploading the information says how fast you get it....if they are only uploading at 250kb you can only hope to get 250kb...

download speed is governed by the server/website you are downloading from NOT by your speed which is YOUR maximum speed