- Don't settle for slow speeds
- Test your current Internet speed
- Upgrade to a faster plan
When you're online, the last thing you need is a spotty connection or sluggish download speeds. While it's tempting to blame your Internet plan or the NBN, there are easy steps you can take to boost your Internet speed without much hassle.
What is my Internet speed?
A good place to start is to compare your actual Internet speed with the expected speed outlined in your plan. You can easily do this using a free Internet speed test tool, which provides results within seconds. These results typically include:
- Download speed: how quickly your connection can retrieve data from the Internet (e.g., loading web pages)
- Upload speed: the speed at which your connection can send data to the Internet (e.g., sending messages or posting on social media)
- Ping: also known as latency, indicating the response time of your connection (lower is better)
By analysing these results, you can determine if your Internet is slow or if there are other factors affecting your connection.
Do I have a good download speed?
Before diving into troubleshooting your Internet speed, it's essential to understand what constitutes a good download speed.
Typical evening speeds are averages recorded from 7 pm to 11 pm across Australia. If your broadband plan consistently delivers the speeds you’re paying for or higher during a speed test, you likely have a solid Internet connection. However, if your speeds fall short, it's advisable to contact your ISP to address the issue.
Internet providers publish typical evening speeds for each NBN speed tier, and these figures may vary between providers. They serve as a useful indicator of the average peak-hour speed you can expect from each plan.
How to improve your Internet speed
If you suspect that your Internet is slower than it should be, there are several steps you can take to potentially improve its speed.
These range from simple fixes to more significant changes in your connection or Internet service provider. Here are six methods to try:
Restart your modem
Power cycling your modem can clear out glitches that may be causing connection issues. Turn off the modem, wait a minute, and then turn it back on to see if this resolves the problem.
Remove obstructions
Ensure that your modem is not blocked by large objects, as this can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Clearing the area around the modem can improve the connection to your devices.
Use a Wi-Fi extender or booster
If you notice variations in Internet quality across different areas of your home, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or booster to extend the range of your Wi-Fi signal for consistent speeds throughout your house.
Upgrade your modem
An outdated or malfunctioning modem can cause slow Internet speeds. Consider upgrading to a newer model or ensuring that your current modem's software and firmware are up to date.
Upgrade your Internet plan
If your current plan does not meet your speed requirements, consider upgrading to a higher-speed plan that better suits your needs.
Upgrade your NBN connection type
If available, consider switching to a faster NBN speed tier, such as NBN 100, NBN 250, or NBN 1000, to improve your Internet speed. Keep in mind that faster NBN plans can be more expensive, but it may provide the speed you need for your household.
By exploring these options, you can potentially improve your Internet speed and enhance your online experience.
What is the fastest NBN technology?
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) is widely regarded as the fastest NBN type in Australia. It involves a direct fibre-optic cable connection to your property, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure like copper wiring, which can slow down the connection.
Following FTTP, Fibre to the Building (FTTB), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connections offer the next best speeds and increased reliability.
Unfortunately, households don't have the option to choose their NBN connection type, as it is determined by the National Broadband Network, making it a matter of luck based on your location.
Internet plans for faster speeds
If you're looking for a high-speed Internet plan, there are several appealing options to consider. NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans offer faster and more widely available NBN connections, while NBN 12 and NBN 25 tend to offer slower speeds.
NBN 50 plans can reach speeds of up to 50Mbps, while NBN 100 plans can reach speeds of up to 100Mbps. Additionally, there are now NBN plans offering speeds of 250Mbps and even 1000Mbps, although eligibility depends on your NBN connection type.
Contact Compare Broadband
To get connected to a faster plan, contact the team at Compare Broadband. We’ll help you to sift through the noise and connect to a plan that makes sense for your needs and usage.
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