Additionally, the test simultaneously requests multiple files to download at Fast Slots once. A small initial file is downloaded in order to gauge an approximate speed of the connection. Most broadband deals include a free Wi‑Fi router, though you may pay a small delivery or activation fee.
When you move onto a new broadband deal, providers who have opted into the voluntary code of practice have to give you an estimated speed during peak times. It refers to how many ‘megabits’ of data can be transferred to or from your device every second. Call your internet service provider (ISP) as a first step to see what it can do. Running regular speed checks can also give you a clearer idea of the times of day when your broadband is performing at its best and worst.
Broadband speed test: Which? expert advice
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- The Uswitch Broadband Speed Test is a free service that tells you your current internet speed in seconds.
- This enables the speed test to scale and accurately measure all types of connection, from slow ADSL to very fast fibre-optic connections.
- Running regular speed checks can also give you a clearer idea of the times of day when your broadband is performing at its best and worst.
- The results also only show the speeds you’re getting on the device you’re using for the test.
- A small initial file is downloaded in order to gauge an approximate speed of the connection.
- And it’s in this part of the journey that your speed can be affected.
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Checking in advance avoids nasty surprises—especially for full‑fibre or new‑build providers that aren’t yet everywhere. If you’re unhappy with your current broadband provider, consider one of our top-rated providers instead. Enter your postcode below to see deals in your area, or check our pick of the best broadband deals.
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You can also use the results to compare your broadband speed with other broadband deals available in your area. The Uswitch Broadband Speed Test is a free service that tells you your current internet speed in seconds. This causes the user’s bandwidth to be saturated, providing an accurate picture of their upload speed capacity.
What is download speed?
With plenty of providers to choose from, the choice can be overwhelming.
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Although the code of practice is voluntary, a number of major providers – including BT, Sky, Plusnet, Vodafone and Virgin Media — have signed up. This is because as the phrase ‘to the premises’ suggests, FTTP broadband uses fibre-optic cables for the whole journey to your home. And it’s in this part of the journey that your speed can be affected. Fibre-optic broadband services are less affected by your home’s location. Or to be more specific, your speed is affected by how far you live from your nearest telephone exchange. This is the fastest type of broadband available, with a nationwide coverage of roughly 72%.
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If nothing seems to be wrong with your device, contact your current broadband provider for advice. When you see an internet speed of 40Mbps, that means about 5MB (one-eighth of that) will be transferred each second. The results also only show the speeds you’re getting on the device you’re using for the test.
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Why should I test my internet?
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- If nothing seems to be wrong with your device, contact your current broadband provider for advice.
- Call your internet service provider (ISP) as a first step to see what it can do.
- Download speeds are usually of more interest, as most tasks require you to download information, for example searching online for information.
- If your speed drops below this, your provider must improve it within a month.
- If your provider isn’t meeting your minimum speed guarantee, you can complain to it directly.
- This causes the user’s bandwidth to be saturated, providing an accurate picture of their upload speed capacity.
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If your speed drops below this, your provider must improve it within a month. This enables the speed test to scale and accurately measure all types of connection, from slow ADSL to very fast fibre-optic connections. Running a Wi-Fi speed test will give you a much clearer idea of your bandwidth and connection limitations.
- This is the fastest type of broadband available, with a nationwide coverage of roughly 72%.
- Running a Wi-Fi speed test will give you a much clearer idea of your bandwidth and connection limitations.
- If fibre’s available at your postcode, it’s often the smarter choice.
- Additionally, the test simultaneously requests multiple files to download at once.
- With plenty of providers to choose from, the choice can be overwhelming.
- It refers to how many ‘megabits’ of data can be transferred to or from your device every second.
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What you can do if your broadband speeds are slow
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So it’s important to make sure your internet won’t hold you back during the workday. If your provider isn’t meeting your minimum speed guarantee, you can complain to it directly. If fibre’s available at your postcode, it’s often the smarter choice.