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The BT Broadband Speed Test (or Performance Tester) will help you to diagnose the cause of speed problems. Generally we'll only ask you to use it if a problem is reported with your broadband speed.
1. Before you begin
Before running any tests, you should:
- Install Java, otherwise the Speedtester won't work - download a copy here
- Close all other browser windows on your computer
- Shut down any programs that connect to the Internet
- Switch off any other computers, consoles or devices that connect to your router
If you're new to Plusnet (or broadband), please wait until your service has been active for 10 days before following the instructions on this page. During this time your speed can change so the test results may not be entirely accurate.
- Read Tips for getting the best broadband speed to find out how to get the best out of your broadband service
- Read more about what happens during the first 10 days of service in our Broadband speed - the basics guide
2. Running a Speed test
The steps you'll need to follow depend on the type of broadband service you get from us.
- Click here if you're on one of our ADSL broadband products (speeds up to 20Mb)
- Click here if you're on Plusnet Fibre
- Click here if you're on our Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) trial
Testing your ADSL broadband service (speeds up to 20Mb)
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Open a web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox) and go to www.speedtester.bt.com
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Select Yes as shown below and click ADSL and Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) Speed Test
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Fill in your telephone number and click Go (leave the Service ID blank)
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A box will appear to confirm the telephone number you've entered. Make sure it's correct and click OK
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After a few minutes, you'll see the test results.
Testing your Plusnet Fibre service
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Open a web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox) and go to www.speedtester.bt.com
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Select Yes as shown below and click ADSL and Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) Speed Test
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Fill in your telephone number and click Go (leave the Service ID blank)
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A box will appear to confirm the telephone number you've entered. Make sure it's correct and click OK
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After a few minutes, you'll see the test results
Testing your Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) broadband service
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Open a web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox) and go to www.speedtester.bt.com
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Select Yes as shown below and click Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) Speed Test
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Fill in your Postcode and click Go (leave the Service ID and Building Number blank)
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A box will appear to confirm the postcode you've entered. Make sure it's correct and click OK
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Find your address on the list and click it
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A box will appear to confirm the address you selected. Make sure it's correct and click OK
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Select Port1 and click Continue
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A box will appear to confirm the port you've chosen. Make sure it's Port1 and click OK.
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After a few minutes, you'll see the test results.
3. Reporting speed faults
If the results indicate a problem and you want to report it, we'll need you to run at least three separate tests over the course of a day
At least three speed tests should be completed before reporting a problem, one of these tests should be completed between midnight - 4pm, to determine whether slow speeds are the result of contention or other factors. Make sure you note the results of each test.
What to do:
- Before reporting a problem, there are a few things you should check, see our Broadband speed faults guide if you haven't already
- If you still think you've got a speed problem, report it using the Broadband Troubleshooter
Page last updated 23rd May 2011
