How to Check Your Internet Speed in the UK

Actual Internet speeds may vary from the advertised connection speed.

Internet speed is usually specified by your Internet service provider, or ISP. For example, if you ordered a 6 Mbps Internet connection line, which is a typical DSL speed, then your maximum speed will be 6 Mbps. However, many factors can affect your Internet connection speed, and it is usually never going to be the exact speed that you ordered. Checking the exact connection speed of your Internet connection can be done via the Internet on Speedtest.net. This process works for anyone with a computer, no matter where they live in the world.

Instructions

1. Open a web browser, type in Speedtest.net and press "Enter."

2. Wait for the map on the main page of the Speedtest website to find the location of your computer. Once the map shows your location, a turquoise button that says "Begin Test" will appear above the map. Click the "Begin Test" button to launch the Internet connection speed test.

3. Two different speeds should appear after the test: One speed is the download speed, and the other is the upload speed. Another window will pop up, giving you the average download times of three different files---an MP3 file, video clip, and movie---with your connection speed.

References

• SpeedTest: The Global Broadband SpeedTest