Consider not downloading if the rate becomes too slow, as it is probably an indication of network overload and thus there is an increased likelihood of packets needing to be retransmitted, so causing a further increase in bandwidth consumption. By ceasing to download in situations where downloading is intolerably slow you will help spread consumption of bandwidth. Note that your Web browser may allow you to have multiple windows open, so you may be able to put your Web browser in the background and get on with something else-but this conserves your time, not bandwidth. It appears that small files generally download speedily but that large files show variability in the rate of downloading. This is because of the 'packet' approach to downloading.
Files go down the line in chunks.
With queuing, parts of files can go down different routes before being reassembled. Experiment to determine most favourable access times Be aware of the factors that contribute to better or worse access. Better access may be achieved by accessing a country's sites when its people are asleep, but not always so. Note also the limitation of cables between Australia and USA which also carry traffic to and from Australia and Europe, and the limits that they impose. Experiment to find out what times work best.