What sort of throughput do you get internationally?

As part of my Sling box installation I have been troubleshooting my internet speed. I cannot get past about 180Kbps throughput from my provider here in NZ back to my box in the USA.

I have been using this web-site http://www.numion.com/YourSpeed/ to check my speed.

I just got off the phone from a heated discussion with my internet provider. I am supposed to get 2500Kbps. I get that sort of throughput if they direct me to 'their' websites (i.e. http://www.jetstreamgames.co.nz/speed/ ). However, any real web-sites (or sling box) only gets me about 180Kbps.

Am expecting too much or do does the ISP have something set up wrong?

As you travel around the world what sort of 'realistic' throughput do you get on DSL 2500Kbps lines?

Let me start the list:
NZ Xtra service realistic throughput 180kbps