The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and to a program that ensure connection between devices connected to transmission paths of various transmission speeds. A media IM client #1 logs in to a media IM server 14 and executes a speed measurement process with a measurement server 200 to determine its uplink speed and downlink speed. A media IM client #2 at the other communication party also logs in to the media IM server 14 and executes a speed measurement process with the measurement server 200 to determine its uplink speed and downlink speed. The media IM clients #1 and #2 exchange the determined speeds via the media IM server 14, setting a set speed, and communicate with each other at the set speed. The present invention is applicable to a personal computer, a network-enabled CE device, and a commercial application server on the Internet.