So I get to Sheppard AFB, TX. I expect crappy internet and yah, they have DSL here. My download speeds are better than what I had at Maxwell AFB, Hellabama, but they still suck compared to the 8meg I had in Utah.

So after taking literally HOURS to download the latest DF patch, I enter the game...and have 170 - 190 ping!? That's better than what I had in Utah (230 - 300 ping). Can anyone explain why this is? It's strange that I'd have horrible DL speed but I can actually (at least it seems so far) play an online game....

DL servers are still strained since they've opened and let people buy more accounts last couple days...hence the poor DL speeds.

I'm not too terribly far from you and I ping 150-175 pretty consistently.

Remember, bandwidth is like a water pipe. If there is no water (Data Stream) to fill the pipe, then it does not matter how big it is. The sources are strained, hence the lack of water.

it's a series of tubes, its not somethign you just something on, it's not a big truck!