Fix your slow broadband

Enjoyment of all the internet has to offer rests on a reliable internet connection, with appropriate speed. While some rural areas have yet to build the infrastructure to support faster speeds, there are simple steps you can take to get the most out of your connection.

At peak usage times?

It's not uncommon to notice a reduction in download speed during peak times, often between 5pm and 9pm. Broadband providers may limit speeds during this time, in order to provide fair speeds to their customers.

However, at these times, you should continue to have full use of popular internet services, and should complain to your provider if you are unable to use the internet properly.

A sudden drop in speed?

If you're connection has suddenly become slow, it's most likely a configuration problem with your service provider. Call their helpline, and they'll run through some basic checks, but it's really down to them to find and fix the issue.

During this process they may ask you to change the micro-filter, and reset your router. They may also send an engineer to check that your phone line speed is acceptable.

If with BT, run their online speed check. Just enter your phone number, and run the five-minute test. This will show your line speed, ideally over 6000Kbps or so, and your IP profile - this is the speed that BT has set your line to, which may be reduced at peak usage times.

Consistently slow speeds?

Talk to your service provider about the expected speeds for your area, and compare your connection. If you appear to be receiving a slower connection than you should, this may be due to your home wiring.

Old cables, and other devices such as fax machines, all contribute to noise and interference on your phone line. Ask your service provider to test your line speed, which will suggest whether your broadband speed would increase if cables were rewired.

Last updated on 20 July 2010, at 19:31.