If your broadband continues to stutter there could be a very simple reason why. BT has plenty of advice for its customers about how to improve download speeds and there’s one very simple thing we all need to check.
Like all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) BT says that the position of the router is key but if you have placed this device on a window ledge then it could be time to move it.
The broadband supplier says that windows are not Wi-Fi’s best friend as the signal can often beam right through the glass and out into the open rather than get reflected back into a room and around the home.
“Move your hub away from the window – your hub broadcasts wi-fi in all directions and half of your signal will go outside, rather than your home,” BT explained on its website.
Along with windows, the company also says that it’s a bad idea to put the hub behind your TV or near metal objects as they can reflect and disperse the signal and make things slower.
Of course, it’s not just about the router as there are other hidden reasons why speeds may not be up to scratch.
BT says that using old gadgets can make it appear that your broadband is actually running more slowly than you think.
Many ageing smartphones or laptops simply can’t keep pace with today’s demands and buying something new could instantly see you getting better downloads.
“If your wi-fi isn’t as fast as you expected, it might have nothing to do with your connection, but could be due to the age and power of your device," said BT.
"Typically the newer it is, the faster the wireless speed it will support. For example, a smartphone from 2013 can handle around half the wi-fi speeds of a modern phone.”
The next thing to check is how many people are using your connection and what they are doing with it.
Broadband is just like a motorway, the more people that are on it, the slower it gets. This means if you have two children both downloading PS5 games, and your partner is streaming Netflix in 4K you won’t get the same speeds as when everyone is out of the house.
“Your speed is also affected by what your broadband is being used for," BT explained. "For instance, streaming services like Netflix or YouTube, online gaming and video conferencing use more of your broadband speed than checking Facebook, or sending an email.
“And since your connection is shared at home, the number of devices using your broadband at the same time can have an impact on how fast or slow it feels.”
If you feel like it’s a constant battle to get online it could be time to think about upgrading the package to something faster. A standard 32Mbps connection is fine for emails and surfing the web but start downloading big files, 4K movies and games and 100Mbps could be the minimum you need.
Finally, if your router is still struggling, it could be time to try that old trick of switching things off and on again.
“Turning your hub on and off can solve many minor issues with your broadband," BT continued.
"Press the Power button on the back of the hub, wait around 10 seconds, and turn it on again. After a few minutes the hub lights should turn blue, which indicates your hub is working. Restarting your devices will also help you get the best connection.”
