Why Your Internet Speed Isn't What You Paid For

You've paid for 67 Mbps superfast fibre, but your speed test shows only 40 Mbps. Frustrating, isn't it? Before you ring customer services, it's worth understanding why this happens and whether it's actually a problem.

The difference between advertised and actual speed is completely normal. Providers advertise "up to" speeds because your actual speed depends on many factors beyond their control. It's similar to how a car's fuel consumption varies based on driving conditions.

Several things affect your real-world speed:

• Distance from the exchange—the further you are, the slower your connection, especially on ADSL
• Network congestion—speeds drop during peak hours (evenings and weekends) when many people are online
• Wi-Fi signal strength—wireless connections are slower than ethernet cables; walls and interference weaken the signal further
• Your equipment—older routers may not support faster speeds
• Background usage—streaming, downloads, or cloud backups on other devices slow everything down

To troubleshoot, first run a proper speed test. Visit Speedtest.net or use your provider's speed checker. Connect directly to your router with an ethernet cable for the most accurate result. Test at different times of day to see if congestion is the issue.

If you're consistently getting less than 80% of your advertised speed, you may have a genuine problem. Check your contract—it should specify a minimum guaranteed speed. If you're below that, contact your provider.

Before calling, try these simple fixes:

• Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds
• Move your router to a more central location
• Close unnecessary applications and browser tabs
• Check for loose cable connections
• Update your router's firmware if available

If nothing works and you're significantly below your guaranteed speed, your provider must investigate. They may find a fault on the line or suggest moving your router. Persistent problems entitle you to compensation or a contract exit.

Remember: a small difference between advertised and actual speed is expected and normal. Only pursue it if you're substantially below what you're paying for.