Understanding Broadband Speeds

The aim of this article is to highlight what we mean by 'broadband speeds', how they are measured, what can affect your broadband speeds and how you can improve them.

What do we mean by 'Broadband speeds'?

When talking about broadband speeds we are referring to how quickly you can get information from the Internet to your computer. This is known as your download speed. How quickly you can send information from your computer to the Internet is known as your upload speed. We measure broadband speeds in Mbps (Megabits per second) sometimes referred to as "Meg" e.g. 2Mbps or 2Meg.

How to estimate your broadband download speed

You can estimate the maximum broadband download speeds at your home or business premises by using our Broadband Speed Checker. Enter your phone number and the Broadband Speed Check will show you an estimate of your maximum download speed (or how quickly you can download information from the Internet).

This estimate is generated using telephone line data from previous broadband service installations where we have established what broadband speeds the telephone line is capable of supporting.

What can affect broadband speeds?

Although you'll get a maximum download speed for your broadband service from it will be dependent on a range of factors, and subject to survey and availability. Broadband speeds can be affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the following:

• The length of your telephone line to your local BT Telephone exchange
• The quality of the internal telephone wiring in your home or business
• The age of your computer or broadband router
• If you're connected to the broadband router directly or via wireless
• Number of applications or programmes you are running on your computer
• The speed of the Web site you're downloading information from
• The number of people trying to download the same information as you from the same Web site
• Weather conditions
• Seasonal decorations e.g. Christmas tree lights

For more information on slow speeds visit our Troubleshooting Slow Speeds article

How can you improve your broadband speeds?

Sometimes making the smallest of changes can make a significant improvement on your broadband speeds. If you would like to increase your broadband speed you could try the following:

• If your computer or broadband router is old then upgrading them may improve your performance.
• If connecting wirelessly to your broadband router:
• try plugging directly into your broadband router to see if there's any improvement, if there is then you could try moving the location of your router
• make sure that your wireless connection is secure. If other people are using your connection then it will definitely slow your own broadband speed down.

Want to find out more?

For further information on how we can help you find the right broadband service please call 0845 058 9000 (or alternatively 01706 902000) or fill in the enquiry form.