Using the BT Broadband Speed Test

If you experience slow broadband speeds it may be the result of a network fault . BT provide a Broadband Speed Test website to help identify the cause of slow speeds.

Can you use the Broadband Speed Test?

You can only use the Broadband Speed Test if your broadband network provider is BT.
If you're not sure use the Broadband Fault Checker to begin your testing, if you haven't already. This will confirm if you can use the BT Broadband Speed Test website.

Important: Before using the Broadband Speed Test please make sure you are not using your connection for any applications such as file sharing (peer-to-peer), or software downloads etc.

Speed testing is easy!

Step 1 - Visit the BT Performance Testing Website
Go to http://www.speedtester.bt.com. You will see the following page:

Step 2 - Enter your broadband connection telephone number
Enter the telephone number that your service is provided on and click Go. This must be the number you are connected on.

Step 3 - Enter your broadband connection login name
If requested, enter your full broadband connection login name - this includes the login realm and the '@' symbol. E.g. username@plusdsl.net

Step 4 - Testing
The test will perform a number of checks on your connection and you will see a screen similar to this

Step 5 - Results
The results of the connection check will be shown. If your connection has been upgraded to 'Up to 8Mb' speeds, then you will see a screen to the one below - including your BRAS setting and IP throughput (speed achieved). If you haven't been upgraded, you'll just see your speed

Broadband is not always available at the maximum possible speed. The list below shows what speeds are acceptable for each product. If your average speed over three or more tests falls below these levels then BT will investigate your broadband fault.

Acceptable Speeds
Broadband Product Speed	Acceptable Average Speed
256kb	50kbps or higher
512kb	100kbps or higher
1Mb	200kbps or higher
2Mb or higher	400kbps or higher

Reporting speed faults
Please note: the Broadband Performance Tester is provided as a guide and is not a definitive indicator of your service speed. BT need at least three speed tests be completed before they will investigate a reported problem. At least one of these tests should be completed during the off peak hours of midnight - 4pm, to determine whether slow speeds are the result of contention or other factors.

What to do:

1. Before reporting a fault you should check a few things. Our Broadband Speed Faults Guide explains what these are.


2. If you still think you've got a speed fault, you should report it using the Broadband Fault Checker.
   

Please note: when reporting a fault make sure you tell us your speed test results. This information will help our support team to quickly deal with your problem.