Slow Broadband Is Usually Fixable
Before calling your broadband provider and spending 40 minutes on hold, it's worth running through these checks yourself. The most common causes of slow broadband are on your side of the connection — not the provider's network — which means they're often fixable without an engineer visit.
1. Test Your Actual Speed First
Go to fast.com or speedtest.net and run a speed test while connected via ethernet (a cable direct into the router, not Wi-Fi). This tells you the actual speed arriving at your router. Compare it to the speed on your broadband contract — if you're getting close to what you're paying for, the problem is your home network, not the broadband itself.
2. Restart Your Router
Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in. Leave it 2 minutes to fully reconnect. This clears the router's memory and re-establishes a fresh connection to your provider's network. It sounds basic but fixes a surprising number of slow speed issues.
3. Check Router Placement
Your broadband router should ideally be as central as possible, elevated, and away from thick walls, metal objects and other electronics. A router tucked behind the TV in a corner of the house will always perform worse than one placed centrally at chest height.
4. Check for Interference on Your Phone Line
If you're on ADSL or VDSL (standard broadband, not full-fibre), make sure every phone socket in your house has a microfilter installed. A single socket without a microfilter can slow your entire broadband connection significantly. If you're on full-fibre (FTTP), this doesn't apply.
5. Check What's Using Your Connection
Someone streaming 4K video, downloading games or running a video call in the background will slow everything else down. Check what devices are connected to your router (usually visible in the router's app or web interface) and disconnect anything you don't recognise.
6. Consider Your Broadband Package
If you've been with your provider for several years, there's a good chance newer, faster packages are available at the same or lower price — particularly if full-fibre has been rolled out in your area since you signed up. It's worth checking what's available at your address.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my broadband suddenly slow?
Sudden slowdowns are often caused by router memory issues (restart it), increased usage in your household, a problem with your provider's network, or a device using bandwidth in the background. Run a speed test at fast.com first to check the actual speed arriving at your router.
Why is my broadband slow in the evenings?
Evening slowdowns between 6-10pm are usually caused by network congestion — more users in your area online at the same time. This is a provider-side issue. If it's consistently bad, it's worth raising with your provider.
Does a new router improve broadband speed?
Yes, if your current router is old. Routers supplied by broadband providers are often basic models. A better quality router can improve Wi-Fi range, handle more devices, and deliver speeds closer to what your line is capable of.
How do I test my broadband speed?
Go to fast.com or speedtest.net and run a test while connected via ethernet cable directly to your router (not Wi-Fi) for the most accurate result. Compare it to the speed listed on your broadband contract.
Do I need to upgrade to full-fibre broadband?
For most households, VDSL delivering 30-80Mbps is adequate. Full-fibre becomes worth considering if multiple people work from home simultaneously, you regularly upload large files, or you experience consistent evening slowdowns.