Using the BT Broadband Speed Test

If your broadband seems to be running slowly, you can use the BT Broadband Speed Test to help find the cause of the problem.

1. Preparing for a Broadband Speed Test

Before running a Broadband Speed Test

• Close all other browser windows
• Shut down any programs that connect to the Internet
• Switch off any other computers that connect to your network

Make sure Java is installed on your computer, otherwise the Speedtester won't work.

If you don't have Java installed, you can download a copy here.

2. Running a Speed test

1. In your web browser, go to http://speedtester.bt.com to load the BT Speedtester.

   

2. Tick Yes as shown in the screenshot below and enter your broadband telephone number in the box underneath. Click the Go button.

   

3. A box will appear to confirm the telephone number you've entered. Make sure it's correct and click OK.

   

4. If you're asked for Additional Validation:

   • User Name: Enter the first part of your broadband username (before the @)
   • Domain Name: Enter the last part of your broadband username (the part after the @)

   If your broadband username was #adsl_realm, you'd fill it in like this:

   

5. The results of the connection check will be shown.

3. Reporting speed faults

If the results indicate a problem and you want to report it, we'll need you to run at least three separate tests over the course of a day

At least three speed tests should be completed before reporting a problem, one of these tests should be completed between midnight - 4pm, to determine whether slow speeds are the result of contention or other factors. Make sure you note the results of each test.

What to do:

1. Before reporting a problem, there are a few things you should check, see our Broadband Speed Faults Guide if you haven't already
2. If you still think you've got a speed problem, you should report it using the Broadband Fault Checker

This page last updated 16th October 2009