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My broadband is slow, what can I do?

A step-by-step guide to identifying and fixing common causes of slow broadband.

Slow broadband is one of the most common things our customers get in touch about, and the good news is that most slowdowns can be fixed in a few minutes without needing to call us.

Before doing anything else, run a speed test (see our separate guide on this) so you have a clear before-and-after picture. Try testing on a device connected directly to the router with a network cable, as this gives you the most accurate reading of your actual line speed.

If the wired speed is close to what your package promises but Wi-Fi feels slow, the issue is most likely your Wi-Fi rather than your broadband. Common causes include:

  • Distance from the router, or thick walls and floors between you and it

  • Other devices using up bandwidth in the background, for example streaming, downloads, or cloud backups

  • Interference from microwaves, baby monitors, or neighbouring Wi-Fi networks

  • An older device that can't take advantage of faster Wi-Fi standards

If the wired speed is also slow, try restarting your router (see our guide). If that doesn't help, check our network status page at https://status.scottishfibre.com/ to see if there's a known issue in your area.

Still need help? If you've tried the steps above and your broadband is still slow, please give us a call on 0800 054 8330 or email [email protected] to allow us to investigate.

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