MSE News
Average broadband speeds increase by a fifth in a year
Average broadband speeds have jumped nearly 20% in the last year, according to new research by Ofcom.
The communications regulator has found that the average download speed people receive has passed the 50Mb mark – rising by 18% in the last year to 54.2Mb. The speed is also more than double the 22.8Mb that was the norm in 2014.
Upload speeds, which determine how quickly you can share data such as music and videos online, have also increased – up 15% to 7.2Mb. In 2014, the average was 2.9Mb.
The fastest speeds recorded by Ofcom during its research were from Virgin Media's Vivid 350 cable package. BT's 300Mb full-fibre package was second fastest and top for average peak-time upload speeds.
Use our Broadband Unbundled tool to get the best deal for you.
Broadband too slow? Here are your rights
Major broadband providers such as BT, Sky and Virgin Media have signed up to a code of practice which requires them to offer the following to customers who took out their deal on or after 1 March 2019:
- "More realistic" speed estimates ahead of sign-up. They have to tell you what speed you'll get at peak times (8pm-10pm) before you commit, so you'll know what to expect when more people are online and speeds slow.
- A minimum guaranteed speed before you buy. They have to provide one whether you ask for it or not.
- The right to walk away penalty-free if speeds are still below the guaranteed minimum after 30 days. If speeds drop below the guaranteed minimum for three consecutive days and your provider can't fix the problem within 30 days, you can ditch your contract without being charged (and this also now applies to cable providers).
- The right to quit your TV contract too if broadband's slow and you got both at the same time. If you took out your broadband and TV at the same time, and as part of a bundle from the same provider, you will now be able to walk away from the entire contract.
See our Broadband slow? You've now more rights MSE News story for full info.
Check your broadband speed
You can do a two-minute broadband speed test to check how quick your current service is.
Broadband Choices' broadband speed tester* is tried and tested, and MSE forumites love Ookla's Speedtest.net. Others to try are those from uSwitch and MoneySupermarket*. Try a couple to get a range of results and perform tests at different times to get an idea of how speeds fluctuate.
Ofcom also has a 'boost your broadband' checker which tells you what speeds are available in your area. The tool also allows you to see what speed of broadband you'll need for what you use it for – eg, if you're a casual web browser, or someone who wants to stream HD videos.
MSE weekly email
FREE weekly MoneySaving email
For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes simply sign up today – it's spam-free!
Join the MSE Forum discussion
Related Articles
-
E.on Next becomes first big name supplier to launch fixed deal available to all costing less than the Energy Price Cap – should you switch?
8 September 2023![]()
E.on Next has become the first big name energy supplier to launch a fixed tariff costing below the Price Cap that's available to both new and existing customers. -
Government announces £1 billion investment in energy efficient home improvements – but do you qualify for them?
8 September 2023![]()
Over 400,000 more homes could get access to energy efficiency improvements, such as loft or wall insulation. -
Octopus Tracker energy tariff reopens – could it save you £100s on your energy bills?
29 August 2023![]()
The Octopus Tracker tariff is not right for everyone, but if you're willing to regularly keep track of daily price changes, it could mean big savings. -
Energy bills to fall as new Price Cap is announced – what you need to know
25 August 2023![]( "1503237197")
Energy regulator Ofgem has this morning announced the new Energy Price Cap, with prices set to fall from October. Despite the drop, energy bills will still likely be more expensive than last winter.
19 September 2023
-
Martin: Car insurance up 41%
Home not far behind. Lock in now to save
-
Cheapest ever iPhone 14 deal
As iPhone 15's launched
-
12 ways to cut your food bill
Deals, tricks & tips
-
FREE National Trust day pass
For a family – normally £30ish
-
TWO new bank bribes launch
Get up to £210 FREE
-
With E.on? Beat the Price Cap
With its new fixed-term tariff
-
243 spring bulbs £15 delivered
7,500 bundles available
-
Read the full email
For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes simply sign up today – it's spam-free!
-
'Unfair' standing charges need to go: MPs back Martin's and MSE's calls for energy bill overhaul
23 September 2023![]()
Energy standing charges unfairly penalise households on lower incomes and those looking to cut their usage, a cross-party group of MPs have said in a new report published today. -
Martin Lewis: Urgent warning for savers as base rate held at 5.25%
22 September 2023![]( "1764282989")
You should open a fixed savings rate NOW in case rates are cut, MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis has warned. -
Martin Lewis: Are you an E.on customer? Here's an easy way to cut what you pay for energy
21 September 2023![]( "333005096")
E.on Next's 'Pledge' tariff could be an easy way to cut your bills over the next year, according to MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis. -
NatWest and RBS to close at least 134 branches in 2023/24 – here's the full list, plus alternatives
21 September 2023![]()
The NatWest Group will shut at least 143 of its bank branches throughout 2023 and 2024 following its latest announcement. -
Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds to close 35 more branches in 2023/24 – here's the full list, plus alternatives
21 September 2023![]()
Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds, which are all part of the Lloyds Banking Group, have announced they'll close at least 35 more branches between them over the next 12 months.
-
Martin Lewis: Is it time to ban unnecessary Christmas presents?
11 September 2023![]()
Update September 2017: It’s eight years since I first braved this subject, expecting a snowstorm of protest. Instead, year after year more join in, like Julia who recently tweeted me, “@MartinSLewis, finally took your advice and told my family I can’t afford Christmas presents. What a weight off my mind. Thank you.” One year even the Archbishop of... -
Martin Lewis: Five things all new English university starters should know
4 September 2023![]()
The 2023 academic year is about to start, and it'll see the biggest shake-up to student finance in England for a decade. The changes are both subtle and massive. On the surface they look like a tweak, in practice they will increase the eventual cost of going to university by over 50% for many typical graduates.
Clever ways to calculate your finances
