First, potential upload speed is (nearly?) always a low fraction of potential upload speed - my ISP offers 100 mbs down/6 mbs up.
Second, what are paying for that makes you think you are not getting a good speed.
Third have you tested the maximum speed of your connection using something like http://www.speedtest.net/ (only click on the 'Begin Test' button.
Fourth, remember your speeds are only as good as the speeds at the other end.
But it can be frustrating… 🙂