If you’re wondering why your business broadband speed is crushingly slow, you are not alone. Poor internet speeds have serious consequences for business. From communicating with suppliers to managing your online presence, your connection speed shapes how effectively your business performs and grows.
What broadband speed is considered slow?
Understanding your internet speed helps you maintain smooth operations. While many factors can slow your internet, pinpointing the exact cause often challenges even experienced users. Generally speaking, download speeds below 25Mbps create noticeable problems – though this will depend on the number of devices using the connection at one time, and what they will be doing. A good rule of thumb is: up to ten simultaneous users typically work well with 100 Mbps connections. Email and light browsing are obviously less intensive then downloading of large files or video calls or streaming. At slower speeds, you’ll struggle to connect multiple devices, share files, or maintain stable video calls. Your internet connection works through various components and technologies that must sync perfectly to keep you online, and we’ll go into some of these below.
Test your UK business broadband speed instantly (upload, download, ping, jitter)
By using the tool above, you can easily see your internet download speeds at a glance. It’s worth considering if your Wifi network (router, devices, extenders and their physical arrangement) can be optimised with the current business broadband contract you have, or whether it’s worth switching to a new business broadband contract and getting a better download and upload speed at the source. In most cases, the easiest fix is simply to change or upgrade your contract, and in many cases you can save money whilst doing so.
Download speed and upload speed
Your connection provides two distinct speeds – downloading for receiving files like documents and images, and uploading for sending them.
Optimising your Wifi network
WiFi performance changes based on your environment. Where you place your router affects your connection quality. The signal weakens as you move away from your router, while walls, floors, and other physical barriers interfere with transmission. Keep your router away from obstacles, minimise surrounding clutter, and avoid placing it behind doors or thick walls. Electronic devices and network congestion from multiple users can also degrade your connection quality.
Your hardware influences your internet speed. Traditional broadband contract-provided hardware (i.e. the router you get for free with your contract) loses effectiveness over distance, causing slower speeds and connection dropouts. Older routers often fail to manage multiple connected devices and data transfers effectively. Budget-friendly routers typically use slower CPUs and less memory, which limits their performance. Newer custom routers (i.e. ones you buy separately from the one your broadband provider) are usually far more powerful, with larger, dedicated CPUs and large antenna arrays.
Many businesses ask about WiFi boosting apps, but no legitimate application can actually enhance your WiFi signal. However, you can improve your connection by moving devices closer to your router, switching providers, resetting your connection, or managing user access during peak times. Small businesses with up to ten simultaneous users typically work well with 100 Mbps connections.
Wired Ethernet and broadband speed
For maximum performance, consider switching to a wired connection. While it might seem outdated, Ethernet cables transfer data faster than WiFi because they don’t need to encrypt information like wireless connections do. This direct connection often provides the most reliable solution for businesses requiring consistent, high-speed internet access.
Software downloads and broadband speed
Keep an eye on your software usage too – some programs and apps demand more bandwidth than you might expect – a good example being Adobe Creative Suite – if you have a number of Adobe Creative Suite programs downloaded to your machine, like After Effects or Photoshop, each software update can be gigabytes in size, and will trigger downloads automatically. Close unnecessary background applications and only run resource-heavy programs when needed.
Do I have a bandwidth cap?
Your provider might limit your data through bandwidth caps, restricting your upload and download capacity. This affects businesses operating online around the clock. If your current business broadband contract includes bandwidth caps, you should absolute move to a contract with no caps or restrictions. You will want unlimited data with your business broadband contract so you never need to worry about limitations on data or speed.
VPNs and broadband speed
VPNs encrypt connections between your devices and servers, hiding your IP address and strengthening security. However, VPN speeds can drop during peak usage periods due to traffic congestion through relay servers. Network slowdowns also occur when too many devices connect at once, creating bottlenecks that reduce your broadband speed.
Broadband speed and connection type (ADSL, Fibre, Cable, Leased lines)
The UK offers several internet connection types, all following a similar pattern. A cable runs from your local BT Telephone Exchange to a Cabinet before connecting directly to your business, either underground or through overhead systems. The main differences lie in the cable types used. Modern fiber-optic cables have largely replaced copper ones, offering greater capacity and better performance over longer distances.
ADSL broadband
ADSL represents the oldest and slowest UK connection type. The basic ADSL1 uses copper lines throughout, delivering maximum downloads of 8Mbps. Its upgraded version, ADSL2+, uses the same copper infrastructure but enhanced technology pushes speeds up to 24Mbps, though distance affects performance.
Fibre-optic broadband
Fibre-optic internet has become the UK’s most popular choice. This technology incorporates fibre cables somewhere between your provider and your business location. These cables withstand harsh weather better than traditional options, reducing service interruptions.
Cable broadband
Cable broadband connects your business to a local fiber cabinet using coaxial cables instead of copper phone lines. This delivers faster speeds than traditional connections. Virgin Media and select local providers offer this service, sometimes called Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial Connections.
Leased line broadband
Leased lines work differently from standard broadband by providing your business with its own dedicated connection. Unlike sharing bandwidth with nearby users, you rent an exclusive line that delivers consistent speeds and improved efficiency. This private network maintains high service levels without interruptions, making it ideal for large offices, frequent VoIP users, heavy data transfers, or businesses running high-traffic websites.
Do malware and viruses affect broadband speed?
Malware and viruses often consume high bandwidth, dragging down your internet speed. Strong antivirus software protects your network from hackers and prevents malicious programs from stealing resources. Your connection might also slow down when your business needs outgrow your current plan. Contact your provider to review your package and check if you need more bandwidth to support your operations.
Switch broadband supplier
In so many cases, the easiest, and often cheapest option is simply to switch business broadband provider and contract, providing you with much faster upload and download speeds, SLAs for service guarantees (like uptime and speeds), and often a cheaper monthly cost. Don’t worry about the admin hassle of switching providers, in many cases the new supplier will handle the hassle of the switchover process.