Improving slow internet speeds

Are you experiencing slow or degraded internet speeds? We have some solutions that may help improve your download or upload speeds.

Step 1 – Try a Direct Ethernet Connection

Connect a computer directly to the router via a network (ethernet) cable. If you do not have an ethernet port on your laptop, you will need a USB adaptor.

Doing this first will quickly rule out possible WiFi related issues. Wireless connections can impact speed and create dropouts. Once you’re directly connected, next we’re going to run a speed test.

Step 2 – Run a Speed Test

Not all speed test sites are created equal. We have our own Aussie Broadband speed test. The advantage to using our speed test site is that your results are saved to your account automatically and we can use those results to raise a fault to nbn®.

Click here to start running a speed test. You can switch back to WiFi and compare the results.

If your speeds have improved, the cause may likely be your WiFi signal not being strong enough for your needs, or radio interference. Learn more about improving Wifi in our guide here. If you don’t see an improvement yet, continue reading.

Step 3 – Monitor Speed Test Results

Is the problem intermittent? Does it only occur at certain times of the day or during specific weather conditions? These clues may be important given should you have a Fibre to the Node connection. Observe your speeds over the next 24-48 hours by running the test again and noting any times where the results are significantly better or worse than usual.

Step 4 – Location, Location, Location

During testing, we need to ensure that your router is isolated at the primary point. Temporarily remove any extra devices, cables, switches, splitters, or other networking equipment that is plugged in to your modem/router. Additionally, temporarily disable WiFi or unplug any standby devices from the power (such as game consoles and computers).

Try to relocate the WiFi router, if possible. Some devices that emit radio waves (like kitchen appliances) can cause interference to the quality of the internet you receive via WiFi.

After unplugging and disconnecting devices, test again! If there is a noticeable improvement, reconnect one device at a time before re-testing to see if any of those devices are interrupting the connection.

If you’re using devices that plug in to the router or a point in the wall, it’s best to have a licenced cabler inspect the quality of these connections inside the house. Sometimes, it may simply be a case of a damaged or frayed cable.

Fibre to the Node and Fibre to the Curb customers can benefit most with an evaluation from a professional – customers report an improvement of 30Mbps or more with the removal of additional phone lines and points, which can also cause interference.

Step 5 – Try New (or Different) Hardware

We only want you to arrive at this step if all other options have been exhausted. Explore your options for testing or acquiring a new modem/router. Before committing to a new purchase without knowing for sure it will fix the problem, you can phone a friend for help – you’d be surprised how many people have spare modems to share!

Ruling out hardware issues is a sure-fire way to get one step closer to the solution. If the issue is still persisting, then it’s time to call us so that we may raise a fault to nbn® or OptiComm.

Raising a Speed Fault

This can be a lengthy process, depending on what’s causing the issues. If your speed is above 25Mbps download and 5Mbps upload, nbn® may consider that acceptable and reject your request.

However, if your reported speeds fail to meet minimum standards, they will send out a technician to investigate, and the technician will report back to us about the cause. This can be a faulty router, a corroded copper line, a pit filled with water, or quite simply, the line is too far away from the nearest node or distribution point.

My speeds still suck, it’s game over!

No, it’s not! We will strongly advocate on your behalf to ensure your issue is thoroughly investigated. If there are no faults on the line, then your case should be escalated for further consideration. This means that they may consider a ‘micro-node’ or another form of broadband service such as Fibre.

Note: nbn® does take issues regarding long line length (to the node) very seriously and are working to resolve it. However, these faults take considerable time – should you go down this path with us, we’ll update you through the whole process.