Why Have I Got Slow Speeds with Sky Broadband?
Is your Sky broadband acting up and failing to deliver the expected speeds? Sky Broadband slow speeds can happen for many reasons, but the good news is that they can often be solved quickly. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to identify where the problem lies and how you can remedy it.
Are Your Slow Speeds on Wireless or Hardwired Devices or Both?
The first and most crucial step is to determine whether you're facing a 'wireless' problem or a network problem. This initial step will set the stage for further troubleshooting.
Suppose you're encountering slow speeds on your wireless devices. In that case, we recommend running a speed test on a device connected directly to your router. While this may be inconvenient for some, as we primarily use wireless connections, it's an essential step. By doing so, we can pinpoint where the issue lies.
If you're explicitly experiencing slow speeds on your wireless devices, head straight to our dedicated section on troubleshooting slow speeds on wirelessly connected devices. However, if you're encountering issues with your wired devices, navigate to the section on troubleshooting slow speeds on wired devices.
Troubleshooting Slow Speeds on Wired Devices
Slow speeds on wired devices can only be caused by a handful of reasons. Often to resolve your issue, you will need the assistance of Sky.
Understand Your Estimated Speeds
Now, let's talk about the speeds you're receiving. It's important to understand that the speeds can vary significantly from one property to another. It's not the answer you may have hoped for, but it's an essential consideration. Additionally, the type of broadband you have plays a vital role. For instance, ADSL broadband offers lower speeds and a less reliable connection than fibre or full-fibre connections.
To get a clearer picture, you can use BT's DSL checker (https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/AddressHome). This tool provides estimated speeds for each broadband technology available at your property. Suppose you find that your speeds fall within the estimated range. In that case, achieving higher results might be challenging due to the limitations of the physical infrastructure that provides your connectivity. However, there is one avenue you can explore: checking if you can switch to a different broadband technology. For example, switching to fibre can almost always guarantee faster speeds if you currently have an ADSL connection, but fibre is available in your area.
What to do if you're not receiving your estimated speeds
If you find yourself in this scenario, there's likely an issue with your router or the broadband line coming into your property. Let's tackle it step by step. Firstly, take a moment to double-check that the Ethernet cable connecting your device to the router is properly connected and undamaged. A simple oversight here can sometimes cause unexpected speed issues. Next, try power cycling your router. To do so, unplug your router and modem (if they're separate), wait for about 30 seconds, and reconnect them. This quick reset often helps resolve connectivity issues.
Suppose you've followed these steps and you're still experiencing slow speeds with your Sky Broadband connection. In that case, it's time to contact Sky Broadband's dedicated support team. Their knowledgeable advisors are well-equipped to provide you with more advanced troubleshooting steps. They can conduct various tests on your router and broadband line to identify the root cause of the problem. Based on their assessment, they may arrange for an engineer to visit your location and inspect the broadband line or provide you with a replacement router if necessary.
Troubleshooting Slow Speeds on Wirelessly Connected Devices
Many reasons can cause slow wireless speeds; we'll review some of the most common faults below.
Are You Experiencing Slow Speeds on All Wireless Devices?
Sometimes, your device might be at fault rather than your Sky broadband connection. A super easy test would be to perform a speed test on one or more devices.
Are You Experiencing Slow Speeds In All Rooms?
Did you know the distance between you and your router can significantly impact your wireless connection? The further you move away, the weaker the signal becomes, leading to a less reliable connection and slower speeds. Sometimes, even specific walls within your property can obstruct your wireless signal.
Start by conducting speed tests throughout your property to identify areas with weaker signal strength. This will help you pinpoint if the issue is isolated to specific areas. Once you've identified these trouble spots, the best solution often involves utilising 'Wireless Repeaters.' These handy devices amplify and extend your wireless connection, ensuring a stronger and more consistent signal throughout your home.
Can Your Router Keep Up With Your Broadband Connection?
When you sign up for broadband with Sky, they provide a high-performance router to optimise your internet connection. However, in some cases, your current router may not deliver the required performance. If that's the situation you find yourself in, it might be time for a change.
Before considering a router swap, you can try a few things. Start by power cycling your router, a simple yet effective step. Just unplug it for 30 seconds, then reconnect it. This can often resolve common connectivity issues and give your router a fresh start. Another option is to adjust some of your router's wireless settings, such as the frequency and band you're connected to. These tweaks can sometimes enhance your overall wireless performance.
If you're uncertain about making these adjustments yourself, don't worry. You can always reach out to Sky Broadband's dedicated support team. Their experienced advisors are ready to assist you with various troubleshooting steps tailored to your situation. They'll guide you through the process and ensure you maximise your broadband experience.
Reaching Out To Sky's Support Team
When it comes to dealing with Sky broadband slow speeds, there are steps we can take on our own. However, it's important to recognise that the best course of action is often to tap into the expertise of Sky's excellent support team. They are equipped with the know-how and tools to guide you through a range of troubleshooting steps, allowing you to identify the root cause of the problem and find the most effective solutions.
Remember, Sky Broadband Offer a Speed Guarantee and WiFi Guarantee
As a Sky broadband fibre customer, you can enjoy the peace of mind of a guaranteed minimum download speed. When you signed up with Sky, they provided your minimum guaranteed download speed. If you're unsure what was promised, don't hesitate to ask Sky for clarification.
If your speed drops below the guaranteed level for three consecutive days within a 30-day period, Sky has you covered. You can claim money back or even exit your contract free of charge.
But that's not all. As a Sky broadband fibre customer, you also benefit from Sky's Wall-to-Wall WiFi guarantee. This means you can expect a minimum WiFi speed of 3Mb/s in every room of your home. In the rare event that this minimum isn't met, Sky has your back. They will credit you with one month's broadband subscription.
Rest assured that Sky stands behind the quality of its routers and services. They confidently offer these guarantees, knowing they can deliver on their promises. So, if you're experiencing slow speeds with your Sky broadband, take comfort that Sky will go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction and provide the service you deserve.