A Complete Guide to Broadband Speed

But what exactly is broadband speed, and why does it matter?

In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about internet speed, including how your broadband speeds are measured and how they affect your online experience.

How is internet speed measured?

The internet is a network of servers, and we access it through a constant exchange of data between our devices and these online servers. This allows us to send and receive information and load web pages. How quickly this exchange is able to take place is what we measure and refer to as ‘internet speed’.

Testing your internet speed is simple. You can use an online broadband speed checker tool to measure your connection's download and upload speeds, providing a snapshot of your network's performance. For the most accurate results, it's best to test at different times of the day and consider using an Ethernet cable to connect your device directly to the router.

Learn more about measuring your internet speed with our handy guide.

What are Mbps?

Mbps stands for 'megabits per second,' a standard and most commonly used unit used to measure internet speed. It reflects the rate at which data is downloaded or uploaded over your internet connection. 

For example, a connection speed of 25 Mbps means you can download 25 megabits of data per second. Faster speeds are crucial for activities like streaming high-definition video, online gaming, and video conferencing, so this is an important number to consider when choosing your new broadband package.

Most modern broadband services offer speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to over 100 Mbps, depending on the plan. Our services start at an average of 35 Mbps, with our Full-Fibre 900 (FTTP) providing up to 944 Mbps.

Kb versus Mb versus Gb — speed metrics explained

When shopping for broadband, it's vital to understand the different units of measurement you'll likely come across. 

What’s a ‘bit’?
Knowing what a 'bit' is is essential to setting the scene. Bits are the smallest unit of computer information, usually consisting of very simple web functions — such as 'on or off', 'up or down', and 'yes or no'. With this in mind, let's cover the three most common units of measurement when it comes to internet speed, which are:

• Kb (Kilobits): 1 Kb is equal to 1,000 bits. This unit was initially used to measure internet speed. These days, it's rarely used as it’s quite a small measurement that has become outdated for modern internet usage.

• Mb (Megabits): 1 Mb equals 1,000 Kb or 1,000,000 bits. This is the standard unit for measuring current-day internet speed, so you'll likely encounter it when you're looking for a new broadband provider.

• Gb (Gigabits): 1 Gb equals 1,000 Mb or 1,000,000 Kb. While this unit is less often used for measuring internet speed, Gigabit speeds are gradually becoming more common — with advancements in fibre-optic technology, such as Full-Fibre broadband, offering speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

These units can be pretty confusing on their own. So, to put it into perspective:

• Is a Kb bigger than an Mb? No – 1 Mb is 1,000 times bigger than 1 Kb.

• What's bigger, an Mb or a Gb? 1 Gb is 1,000 times bigger than 1 Mb.

• How many Kb are in a Gb? There are 1,000,000 Kb in 1 Gb.

Understanding these metrics can help you choose the best internet plan, ensuring you receive an appropriate speed for your needs.

Why is internet speed important?

Having fast internet is now vital for most aspects of modern life. For example:  

• Work — If you work from home, you’ll know that a stable internet connection is essential for handling video calls and downloading large files quickly.

• Entertainment — Streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ require higher speeds to deliver high-definition (HD) and 4K content without buffering. This is especially important if there are lots of people in your household streaming simultaneously and competing for bandwidth.

• Gaming – Anyone who is familiar with online gaming will know that reliable internet is essential to avoid costing the team some valuable points during a match. Having access to a fast Wi-Fi connection reduces lag, ensuring smoother gameplay and quicker response times — which are all too important in the competitive gaming space, where milliseconds make a big difference. Additionally, faster download speeds mean that game updates are much quicker, so you spend less time waiting and more time playing.
  
  Having reliable broadband service can significantly improve your online experience. This provides the speed and stability you need to go about your day without being interrupted by patchy internet connectivity. Investing in whole-home Wi-Fi can also help you avoid pesky dead zones, creating seamless connectivity from corner to corner.

Can I complain to my provider about broadband speeds?

There are numerous reasons for slow speeds, from loose router cables to network congestion caused by having too many devices connected. If your Wi-Fi speeds have suddenly dropped, it could also result from an outage in your area. 

If you’re struggling with your connection, see our guide to understand why your internet is so slow and learn more about how you can troubleshoot connectivity issues yourself.

Most internet providers aim to deliver reliable speeds that match those listed in your plan. If your speeds are frequently below the promised rate, you might be eligible for a discount or upgrade. You should check your provider's policy on minimum speeds, then contact your provider's customer service team to find a resolution.

The process of logging a complaint typically involves three simple steps, which are:

• Check your internet speed - Using our speed checker tool, keep a record of your internet speed results over several days or weeks to demonstrate that this is a recurring issue and not a one-time problem.

• Log into the UW app - Open the UW app and go to the ‘Services’ page. Select ‘Broadband’, where you’ll be able to find our troubleshooting guide to help you try and fix the issue from home.

• Contact our team - If you’ve tried troubleshooting the problem and it hasn’t worked, there may be a problem with your line, and a technician may need to visit. Contact us so that we can find the best solution for you.

Get connected with UW

Understanding how broadband speeds work is essential when choosing the best service for your home or workplace. UW offers comprehensive broadband solutions, whether you need fast speeds for entertainment, work, or simply staying connected.

Explore our broadband, Full Fibre, and whole home Wi-Fi packages today to find the best plan for you.