Are you getting the best out of your broadband?

I had a huge reaction to my recent column on ‘simple ways to save some cash!’ Many readers contacted me about broadband in particular, given that you can save £500 a year or more by switching your broadband and TV package to another supplier.

But let’s be honest. For most of us, it’s a mystery how broadband actually works. So I asked Saveen Rajan, from industry experts BroadbandUK to help me explain the key things you need to know. From how broadband speed is measured to why your neighbour has a better service than you.

How is speed measured?

Use a speed checker if your pet is frustrated by the slowness with which amusing human memes appear on screen (Picture: Adobe)

Broadband speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). This shows you how many ‘bits’ of data are being transferred or used each second. Each megabit measures how much data you transfer. The more megabits per second, the faster things like downloading, streaming and uploading data occurs.

What speed do I actually need?

As a general rule, around 10 Mbps is enough for browsing and sending emails. 25 Mbps should cover HD streaming. Families, gamers or anyone will need 50 Mbps or more. However, if you’ve got four people in your family, each with a smartphone, TV streaming, a couple of laptops and a gaming system, you’ll need a lot more.

What’s my minimum guaranteed speed and what are my rights if I don’t get it?

When you agree to a broadband contract, the supplier will be quick to tell you about the ‘fastest’ speed that you might get. The ‘average’ is what you’re most likely to get consistently. However, look for the ‘minimum’ guaranteed speed, as this is how you tell if the firm isn’t meeting its obligations under your contract.

Broadband companies must give you a minimum guaranteed speed when you sign up. If your speeds keep falling below that minimum and they can’t fix it, you have the right to leave your contract without penalty.

How do I test my broadband speed?

There are loads of free broadband speed checkers that you can use to get an idea of the speed you’re getting. Regulator Ofcom has a number of tips and recommendations too.

A good way to test your speed is to connect your computer directly to your router with an ethernet cable (not Wi-Fi), turn off other devices, and run speed tests at different times of day. You can measure this using free speed checkers online (take screen shots!)

If you’re looking for a new supplier, bear in mind that some broadband comparison sites show advertised speeds based on national averages. That doesn’t mean that’s the speed you’ll get.

What quick fixes at home can boost my speeds?

Place your router in the open, away from walls, metal objects and appliances like microwaves that can interfere with the signal. For the fastest connection, use a cable to link things like your TV, games console or computer straight to the router. Limit the number of devices online at once too. If you have a larger home, Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems can help reach dead spots.

Why does my neighbour have a better broadband service?

Broadband can arrive through different types of connection: full fibre, part-fibre with copper, cable or even 4G/5G mobile. Full fibre is the fastest and most reliable. Part-fibre with copper slows down the further it travels from the local exchange.

Homes further away from the exchange get much slower speeds than those nearby. Cable connections can offer very high speeds where available. Mobile connections can be quick but are less consistent. And if you’re in a block of flats with one copper connection, you could get terrible service if you’re at the end of the cable.

If you’re moving home, then ask your estate agent if they have a property-specific broadband speed checker. That’s because virtually all online checkers only give the average speed per postcode – not by individual property. So make sure you know what connection and speeds you’ll get at your new property.

Martyn James is a leading consumer rights campaigner, TV and radio broadcaster and journalist. For more from him at this link