What Kind Of Things Might Be Slowing My Broadband Connection?

Assuming your computer settings are optimised – and everything else being equal – the connection speeds possible are subject to an array of variables.

Bear in mind that the 'headline speed' quoted by broadband providers is theoretical, which explains why they always qualify their access speeds with the words, "up to". In reality, what is achievable depends on a number of factors including the length of your physical line from the exchange, which may not necessarily be related to your geographic proximity, line noise and conditions.

Check your broadband provider's support pages for advice on optimising your connection and check that you are following it to the letter. Try testing your broadband connection with a speed checker but do this regularly over, say, the course of a month. Test at different times and days of the week, then take the average as being pretty close to the actual speed. If your connection speed is regularly well below expectation, contact your broadband provider and ask them to check your connection.