Overview
You’ve probably noticed that the speed of your internet varies at different times of day, or depending on the website you’re visiting. Add to that the roll-out of the fibre and things get complicated.
Here is a summary of the speeds you can expect from your Provider from Broadband service, as well as common factors that can affect broadband performance across the board.
How do we measure broadband speed?
Broadband speed is measured in Megabits per second (Mbps).
This is a different measurement from the size of your files, which is measured in bytes – generally ‘megabytes’ (MB) or ‘gigabytes’ (GB).
1 bit = 8 bytes, so it will take 8 seconds to download a 100MB file if your download speed is 100Mbps.
Fibre speeds explained
We will deliver the minimum typical busy period speed set out in the table above for each applicable speed tier. This means that we promise a minimum during the peak period (7-11pm), but we expect most customers will experience better speeds than that most of the time, particularly during off peak periods (i.e. hours outside of 7-11pm).
You will also start to see that all internet service providers will be using consistent language, so you can more easily compare services and plans.
What else do I need to know?
We understand that broadband speed is an important issue for many customers. If you’re experiencing slower broadband speeds, there are a range of factors we’ve listed below which might explain why.
1. Fibre technology
You’ve probably heard that different premises are getting access to different types of Fibre technologies. Here at Nextelle, we offer the following Fibre technologies:
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
- Fibre to the Basement (FTTB)
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
Your maximum attainable line speed is dependent on the type of Fibre technology connected to your home. Your maximum attainable line speed will be the same across plans and across providers. Remember, this is a different measurement to the minimum typical busy period speed – which is the minimum speed we commit to.
Your Fibre service can never go faster than your maximum attainable line speed – even if you switch broadband providers or upgrade to a higher Fibre speed. It may be the case that your service will not even reach the maximum attainable line speed – and we will contact you if this is the case.
Generally, the maximum attainable line speed of technologies using copper (FTTN, FTTB and HFC) may be affected by the length and quality of the copper line connecting your home to the network.
FTTN and FTTB services may also be affected if there is an Fibre co-existence period in your area. Co-existence occurs when both copper and fibre infrastructure is being used simultaneously in the same area, slowing speeds until the Fibre roll-out in that area is completed.
We can’t test your maximum attainable line speed until your Broadband service has been activated. For FTTN and FTTBcustomers, we will contact you to confirm your actual speeds and eligibility for a speed upgrade following activation.
Modem
The settings and positioning of your modem at home can impact its performance. Try not to put your modem next to other electrical devices, as electrical or radio interference can slow broadband speed.
Devices
Your bandwidth (or the amount of data your service is capable of transferring at any one time) is shared amongst your devices. If you have several devices all connected to the internet simultaneously, this could use up the available bandwidth and slow your broadband speed.
Additionally, the condition of your device(s), and the presence of any malware/viruses, can also slow down your internet connection. Newer modems tend to perform better than older modems because technology is improving all the time.
Wiring
Fibre Technologies like FTTN and FTTB partly rely on copper lines as the final leg of your internet connection. If the copper wiring or cabling in your home has a fault or is poorly configured, this could have an impact on your broadband speed.
