A speed test gives you a snapshot of how fast your broadband is at the moment you run it. It's one of the most useful things you can do before reporting a slow connection.
How to run a good speed test
For the most accurate reading, run the test on a device that's connected to the router with a network cable, not over Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi adds its own bottleneck, so it can make your broadband look slower than it actually is.
Use a reputable speed test like https://speedtest.net/
Close any apps or browser tabs that might be using bandwidth in the background, including streaming, downloads, and cloud backups. Run the test two or three times and take an average, as a single test can be skewed by a momentary blip.
What the numbers mean
Download speed: how fast data comes to you. This is what affects streaming, browsing, and downloads. Measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
Upload speed: how fast data goes from you. This matters for video calls, uploading files, and gaming.
Ping (or latency): how long it takes for a signal to travel between your device and the test server, measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower is better. Anything under 30ms is excellent for everyday use.
Jitter: the variation in ping over time. Lower is better, especially for calls and gaming.
Comparing to your package
Your ScottishFibre package will list a typical speed you can expect. If your wired speed test is well below that, and a router restart hasn't helped, it's worth reporting a fault.
Still need help? If your speeds are consistently lower than expected, please report a fault by calling us at 0800 054 8330 or emailing [email protected] and include screenshots of your speed test results if you can.