Broadband speed test
A broadband speed test allows you to test the connection speed of your internet and measure download and upload speeds that you currently receive from your broadband provider. This is ideal as you can check you are getting what you are paying for, as promised in your deal’s contract.
There are several broadband speed tests available online. Many internet service providers have their own versions on their websites for potential customers to use to check the general speed within their postcode locality. It's free to do and very quick so there’s no reason not to try it.
then £13 a month
- Up to 16Mbps download speeds
- 10GB monthly usage
- Basic online security
- Free calls a year
- Up to 16Mbps download speeds
- 10GB monthly usage
- Wireless BT Home Hub (worth £89.99)
then £20 a month
- Up to 16Mbps download speeds
- Unlimited monthly usage
- Advanced security
Your broadband speed depends on a number of factors. These include the quality of your broadband provider’s service, the distance from your local telephone exchange, how many other people are using broadband within your area as well as the quality of your network and computer hardware. A decent broadband speed test will also help you to identify the cause of a slow broadband connection.
A broadband speed test should be reliable and accurate as well as being easy to understand and use. Look out for any reporting facilities which allow you to compare the results against others testing your broadband provider.
A good idea is to try running the test several times throughout the day as the speed result may vary due to the level of traffic. For example, it may be slower in the evenings when everyone has come home from work and school and have logged onto the Internet.
If your connection is slow throughout the whole day then its likely that there is a persistent problem with it. There are various possible reasons for this. Perhaps the distance from the telephone exchange is quite far or there may some underlying problems with your broadband provider’s network. If you are having problems, then contact your broadband provider to discuss it with them.
If your broadband is slow at certain times during the day, for example early evening (5 pm to 8 pm) then this could mean that the broadband within your area is oversubscribed and too many people are logging on at the same time. Or maybe your broadband providers have capacity problems in its central infrastructure. Take a look at other speed test results for your provider to see if there is a pattern occurring or if you result tends to stick out. Work out if they generally slow down at various times in the day as this should give you a clearer indication of the route of the problem.
There are various ways to solve a slow broadband connection. Firstly, discuss it with your provider as they may be able to provider options for you. If you don’t think you are getting anywhere with them then you can try and switch providers, although be aware that this may not solve the problem. You can also try a different type of broadband such as switching from ADSL to cable if it is available in your area, or perhaps try mobile broadband.