Why are my downloads SO slow?

[shortbushero]

I used to get speeds that exceeded 2 mb/s and now when i download steam games it fluctuates from 0 kb/s to 2.1 mb/s in an oscillating pattern. What is wrong with my internet? games that should take less than an hour to install now take 3. please help

 

[shortbushero]

can someone please help?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

You've asked a question that's the equivalent of "How high is up?". Detail is everything here:

Examples:
Who is your provider?
Cable or DSL?
Does this vary with time of day?
From where (specifically) are you downloading?

You get the idea...