Generally, internet speed-checks measure your real-time network connection to your local server by simulating downloads and uploads using your current broadband connection. For online gaming and you really need 20-25Mbps, which will also enable you to stream Ultra HD, and those are the kinds of speeds that only fibre broadband deals can provide. Most photo and video uploads, as well as standard-definition streaming, can be done at around 5Mbps, but you probably need 10Mbps to be comfortable, and to use applications like Skype or HD video streaming without any issues. Practically speaking, you need to have 2Mb to use websites comfortably. Some people have super-slow speeds that aren’t much different from dial-up – which is a bit scary when you consider that broadband internet has been the predominant standard for over 10 years now. If you're not getting the connection you were promised, you can head to our broadband comparison page to find a new plan, or simply use the comparison chart below: How fast should my speed be, and what do I need? So go and check your broadband speed now. But if it's falling short of the minimum promised speed, then you can potentially exit your contract penalty-free. If your speed check trials show that the speed you're getting is slow, but within the promised range, then there isn't much you can do other than complain. Still, when you signed up for your latest broadband contract, your provider should have given you a range of speeds that it will supply. Not they have to submit their 'average' speed, which is the speed that more than 50% of their users enjoy between 8pm and 10pm in the evening. That's all changed now though, thanks to an intervention from the Advertising Standards Authority.
Internet providers such at BT broadband, Virgin Media and Sky used to try and cover themselves by saying that your broadband speed will be 'up to xxMb'. What if my broadband speed test reveals slower speeds than I'd expected?