There are several common reasons why you might experience slow home internet speeds. To get your internet running smoothly with fewer disruptions, here are 10 recommended ways to increase your internet speed.
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What is my internet speed?
Your actual internet speed may be slower than the expected speed that is promised on your internet plan. Use our free internet speed test tool to determine your internet’s actual speed.
The results will include:
- Download speed: The speed at which your connection can retrieve information from the internet (e.g. loading websites)
- Upload speed: The speed at which your connection can send information to the internet (e.g. sending messages or posting on social media)
- Ping: Otherwise known as latency, this is the response time of your connection and should be as low as possible
These results can give you an idea if your internet is actually slow or if there is another issue that may be affecting your connection.
Internet plans for faster speeds
If you’re after an internet plan with more kick, there are some great options on offer. NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans are a good place to look if you’re after a faster, widely available type of NBN, whereas NBN 12 and NBN 25 typically lag behind.
NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans can theoretically reach maximum speeds of 50 megabits per second (Mbps) and 100Mbps respectively. Alternatively, there’s NBN plans now that can reach 250Mbps and even 1000Mbps that you can sign up for, but you’ll need to be on an eligible NBN connection type.
The following table shows a selection of sponsored unlimited data Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), and Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners..
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $63.90) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$63.90 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $65) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$65 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $69) Typical evening speed of 98Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$69 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
Unlimited Home Standard (NBN 50) Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited Home Fast (NBN 100) Plans
The table below shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
10 ways to increase your internet speed
If your internet is slower than it should be, there are several things you can do. Here are 10 ways to try to speed up your internet connection.
1. Restart your modem
Turning your modem off and on again allows the modem to clear out any glitches and can fix any connection issues that were slowing down your internet
Alternatively, turn your modem off at the power point and wait a few minutes before turning it back on.
2. Move your modem to a clear, raised location
The location of your modem greatly affects the strength of its signal. For the best performance, place the modem high up in an open area with minimal obstructions. Avoid putting it on the floor. If you live in a multi-story home, it’s ideal to place the modem on the second floor, away from concrete or brick walls. Dense objects around your modem can weaken the signal.
3. Remove extra devices
Routers, gateways, and mesh systems can support many devices, depending on the model, but they can’t handle all of them simultaneously. Typically, they can manage up to 12 devices at a time. Stream count is crucial because it determines how many devices a router can communicate with at any moment.
To increase your internet speed, disconnect any devices that aren’t essential. Only keep necessary devices connected to your network to avoid unnecessary slowdowns.
4. Use a WiFi extender or booster
If you notice that your internet connection is stronger in some parts of your house versus others, a WiFi extender or booster may be an option. Boosters work by extending your WiFi range so that you can access the same speeds in every room of your house.
5. Move the modem to the centre of your home
Placing your modem in a central location helps WiFi signals reach more areas of your home. Avoid placing your modem in a closet, in the kitchen (where other electronic devices can interfere), in a corner, on a windowsill, or in the basement. The main goal is to keep your primary devices as close to the modem as possible.
6. Use an ethernet cable
A wired connection is always more reliable than a wireless one, although it limits your mobility and convenience. Ethernet cables can be helpful for devices that need fast and stable internet, like desktop computers or gaming systems.
7. Change your WiFi channel
Switching your modem from a 2.4 GHz channel to a 5 GHz channel can boost your internet speed, providing more bandwidth and reducing interference. The 2.4 GHz frequency offers 14 overlapping channels, while the 5GHz frequency offers 24 non-overlapping channels. If your modem only supports 2.4 GHz, choose channels one, six, or 11 for the best performance.
8. Upgrade your modem
There can be many reasons why your modem is on its last legs: dust buildup, wear and tear over time, or just general deterioration can lead to the device slowing down. There may be an issue with the cords and connection lines, meaning a closer investigation into the ports and lines in your home may be worthwhile.
Check that your modem is running the most up-to-date software and firmware, as that may be adding to your slow internet speeds.
9. Consider upgrading your internet speed and plan
If the internet speed included in your plan isn’t meeting your household’s needs, it may be time to consider an upgrade to a higher speed tier.
10. Upgrade your NBN connection type
A government initiative, called the Technology Choice Program, allows customers to upgrade their NBN connection for a fee.
This program aims to provide Australians with the fastest access possible to the NBN program. A FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) connection is the most reliable NBN connection to date. Getting a quote is free, so it might be something to consider if you’re not happy with your NBN.
You can also check to see if your home is eligible for a free NBN fibre upgrade as part of its ongoing upgrade rollout.
Compare NBN 50 plans
If you’re looking to switch NBN plans or providers, the following table shows a selection of comparable published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Read More: What are the fastest internet plans in Australia?
What is a good download speed?
Before you jump in to fixing your internet speed, it is important to first consider what a good download internet speed is. Internet providers list their typical evening speeds for each NBN speed tier and these may vary between providers.
However, the ACCC has determined that the Australian average evening speeds* for the three most popular NBN speed tiers are:
- NBN 25: 25.5Mbps
- NBN 50: 49.4Mbps
- NBN 100: 98.1Mbps
Last updated June 2024
*Refers to average speeds recorded between 7pm and 11pm across Australia.
If your broadband plan is reaching these speeds when you conduct a speed test, then you have an ideal internet connection. If not, it may be worthwhile contacting your internet provider, or looking for a plan with a faster average speed.
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