Broadband Speed Test

The Broadband Expert Speed test is designed to give the most accurate results available. The speed test is best suited to UK broadband users though it will work for broadband connections in other counties. The speed check reports on the actual internet speed for uploads and downloads available through your internet connection. The speed check will work for any type of connection including ADSL, cable and mobile broadband. To test your broadband speed:

Close any other applications you have open (as these will affect your internet speed)

1. Enter details of your current package
2. Run the speed test
3. The results will show your actual speed compared to the speed your provider quotes
4. The results who two types of broadband speed explained below:

Broadband download speed: The speed you broadband can download information from the internet, this is important for downloading music, video, email attachments and other files

Broadband upload speed test: The speed that your broadband connection sends information back to the internet and is important for online gaming and internet phone calls.

Slow internet connection?

There are a number of possible reasons that could explain why your internet connection is not as fast as it could be. To see how to speed up your internet connection read our guide to getting faster broadband.

Distance from your phone exchange will affect ADSL broadband (most types of broadband are ADSL other than Virgin Cable broadband).  The further you are from the Contention ratio: This is the number of people sharing the broadband connection. A contention ratio of 50:1 would mean that if you were online you could be sharing your connection with up to a maximum 49 other people. The lower the contention ratio the faster your broadband connection is likely to be, so a contention ratio of 20:1 is better than a contention ratio of 50:1.

Bandwidth Throttling: This is a controversial measure used by some broadband providers where broadband speed is intentionally reduced for very heavy broadband users who download large amounts of data. Virgin Media have been guilty of bandwidth throttling though this has been reduced recently.

For a quick fix to slow internet speed try Onspeed, a nifty piece of software that compresses data your computer downloads from the internet speeding up broadband connections by up to 5X and dialup internet by up to 10X.

How can I increase my internet speed?

There are many reasons for slow internet; we list the most common problems and the best solutions. For a quick fix to slow internet speeds try subscribing to Onspeed, a clever bit of kit that can speed a broadband connection up 5 fold and a dial-up connection up to 10 fold.

If you are unsure of your internet speed, use our speed tester to see what speed your connection is running at.

Browser: This is a common reason for a slow connection and a relatively easy one to fix. Internet explorer is the most common internet browser and some of the older versions don’t download web pages in the most efficient way. If you are on Internet Explorer version 6 or lower than upgrade to version 7.  Alternatively try one of the other web browsers such as Firefox or Opera.

If you have upgraded from dial-up to broadband your computer may not realise this and may still be trying to dial up every time you go online. If you browser is Internet Explorer to fix this: go to ‘tools’, select ‘Internet Options’ and then pick Connections and make sure that ‘Never dial a connection’ is selected then click ‘apply’ and then ‘OK’.

Don’t share your internet connection: If you have a wireless broadband connection you should ensure it is password protected. If it’s not neighbours could connect to your broadband. This not only slows down your internet speed but is also a security risk.

Routers: you may be able to adjust your router to increase your connection speed, check the manual or speak to the router manufacturers to do this as it differs from one make of router to another. If you have a cheap router or one that has been provided free with your broadband connection upgrading to a better router could increase speed and have other benefits including a higher level of security features. Routers can be ordered online from retailers like PC World, Comet or Dixons.

Position your Wireless router in the right place: If you have wireless broadband try and position your router away from walls, above ground level and away from metal objects.

Remove unwanted applications: Applications like messenger, real player, VoIP (internet call applications like Skype), BBC iplayer and many more use bandwidth. If you don’s use these applications remove them or make sure they don’t automatically run when you turn your computer on. In addition to speeding up your broadband connection by freeing up bandwidth this could speed up your computer.

Call your internet provider: and if they can’t help speed up your connection it may be time to switch provider

Onspeed: Onspeed is one of the easiest ways to boost your internet speed and is usually much cheaper than upgrading to a faster broadband package. Onspeed is a yearly subscription service that compresses data allowing your broadband connection to increase up to 5 times and dial up connection up to 10 times. More information on Onspeed can be found at the Onspeed website.
Switch Provider: Use our post code checker to find alternative broadband suppliers in you area.