I am on the Mediacom 5Mbits connection and here is a speed test I just ran:
:::.. Download Stats ..:::
Connection is:: 4655 Kbps about 4.7 Mbps (tested with 2992 kB)
Download Speed is:: 568 kB/s
Tested From:: http://www.testmy.net/
Test Time:: Sat Mar 19 07:29:11 CST 2005
Bottom Line:: 83X faster than 56K 1MB download in 1.8 sec
Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 109.87 % faster than the average for host (mchsi.com)
Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-V2I6UZYXW
Not sure why you say they are shitty as I just moved to Alabama from EL Paso, TX and the Roadrunner out there sucked. Mediacom here in North Alabama is fast as hell and the service I get from them is outstanding. Must depend on where you are and who you are dealing with...