Broadband Guide

Broadband Speed Test FAQs

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What might affect my speed test?

Any programs running on your computer can affect you broadband speed, so the following should be temporarily disabled:

• Instant messenger or other chat software
• Email checking software
• Other open windows
• Internet digital radio
• Mp3 or movie downloading software (iTunes, Napster, etc)
• MS Windows updates downloading in the background.

Our speed test is done from a European server. If you are in a different continent, your connection must travel further. The speed test will be more accurate for UK users, as your ISP and our server are UK-based, making the average response time shorter.

Please note: If you have an internet connection of 24Mbps or more then the results of your speed test may be inaccurate. We are currently working on a new speed tester that will improve accuracy for these super fast services.

How does the speed tester work?

Our speed tester sends a small file and times how long your connection takes to download it. The size of the file will vary according to the speed your connection is supposed to be running at.

How accurate is the speed test?

Our speed test is as accurate as possible, and provides a good indication of the speed of your connection. However, you must bear in mind that:

• Other applications will consume bandwidth if they are left on while the speed test is carried out
• Someone else might be using your wireless network (see our article about wireless security).

Note that speeds will vary according to the speed you tell us you should have. We only download a small file so that we can get a quick indication.

Even if you shut down all the programs and windows that might be running, there will still be a slowdown of around ten percent when your system performs a function. This is used up in window refreshes, internet lag, server ping etc. So, for example, a line that is supposed to run at 512 Kbps will have a download speed of around 450 Kbps.

How long will the speed test take?

About 30 seconds.

Why do you need to know my current speed and ISP?

We need your ISP for our own records, so that we can get an idea of who is delivering on their promises and who isn’t. We will then publish our findings, naming and shaming those companies whose customers are paying for a service they’re not getting.

We need your connection speed for two reasons: to make the speed test more accurate, and to check the promised speed against the actual speed as part of our campaign for ISP honesty.

Why do you want to collect my name and e-mail address?

This is not compulsory, but helps us to target newsletters and useful information. For instance, we write great consumer guides on subjects like ‘protecting your wireless network’ and ‘the hidden costs of broadband’. We also provide our users with exclusive broadband deals and cash back offers.

How can I improve my internet connection speed?

The simplest and most effective way of speeding up your system is to close any unused icons in the ‘quick tray’ at the bottom right of your screen. These applications (eg Quicktime, Media Player, iTunes, Messenger etc) frequently check for online updates and can slow you down while they’re doing this.

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Or read our article on Boosting Your Broadband Speed