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Households using Netflix and YouTube could benefit if they 'disconnect'

BT has tips that could help boost broadband speeds and stop buffering

[Smart, wall-mounted TV offers sleek design, wireless connectivity, voice control, & access to streaming services for immersive home entertainment.]

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A phone call could cut your broadband bill(Image: Wang Yukun via Getty Images)

Many people assume slow broadband is always down to a network fault, but that isnt necessarily the case. Your router, WiFi set-up, home wiring - and even the time of day - can all affect speeds.

Usage patterns also matter: if several people are streaming, gaming or downloading at once, performance can dip, particularly at peak times. With that in mind, BT Broadband has urged customers - and anyone experiencing slow speeds - to try a few simple checks and tweaks that could resolve the problem.

Disconnect

While broadband experts suggest testing your connection to rule out any network issues first, they also recommend checking how your broadband is being used at home. This is because heavy usage across multiple devices can noticeably impact speeds.

BT explains: "Your broadband speed is shared between all connected devices. If 4 devices are online at the same time, each one will get roughly a quarter of the available speed.

"Activities like streaming live TV, YouTube or Netflix, and online gaming use more bandwidth. If someone in your household is doing this, it can affect speeds for everyone else."

To boost speeds quickly, it suggests: "If you've connected devices you no longer use, disconnecting them can help."

How can I boost my broadband speed?

[phone]

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Newer phones, tablets and laptops can handle much faster wireless speeds(Image: Tim Robberts via Getty Images)

Other ways BT recommends you can boost your broadband speed include:

• If your WiFi feels slow, the device youre using might be the problem. Newer phones, tablets and laptops can handle much faster wireless speeds - for example, a smartphone from 2013 may only manage around half the WiFi speed of a modern model.
• A sluggish computer can make broadband seem worse than it is. That can be down to too many programs running at once, not enough memory, browser addons, or lots of apps set to start automatically.
• BT suggests placing your hub as close as possible to where you use the internet most. It says walls, doors and even furniture can weaken the WiFi signal and reduce speeds.
• It can help to restart your devices now and again. Try turning WiFi off or switching to aeroplane mode for a few seconds - then turning it back on to refresh the connection.
• BT advises keeping your hub switched on and connected at all times. It says this helps deliver the fastest, most stable service and ensures the hub stays up to date. The company warns that switching the hub off regularly can make the line appear unstable, which may lead to speeds being reduced to keep the connection reliable.
• Viruses and malware can slow down your devices and your broadband.
• BT says it invests heavily in its network so customers can get fast speeds, even at busy times. But it adds that, like rush-hour traffic, performance can still vary with the number of people online. It notes that during peak times - usually between 8pm and 10pm - some people may see slightly slower speeds.

I am not happy with my broadband speed. Should I switch providers?

["Istanbul, Turkey - December 4, 2011: Youtube Homepage Close-up on LCD Screen, Chrome Web Browser. YouTube is a largest and most visited video-sharing website, has founded in February 14, 2005."]

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If your favourite shows on Netflix or YouTube keep buffering, you may need to carry out some of these checks(Image: Getty)

Its always good to shop around to see what deals are available and choose the right package for you. If youre midcontract, you may have to pay an exit fee for leaving early, but if your signal is very poor and you and your provider have tried everything, it may be time to switch.

But before you do anything, don't forget to haggle. Money Saving Expert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, encourages people to try this to save money.

It suggests that if youre fed up with price rises or your bill is set to jump when a promo deal ends, one of the simplest ways to save cash is to haggle. Most people already have a provider, so companies are keen to keep existing customers.

In short, it urges broadband customers, no matter which company they are with, to call and ask for a better deal. Say youve seen cheaper offers elsewhere. If that doesnt work, say youre thinking of leaving - youll often be passed to a retention team with access to better discounts.

Use the phrases that pay, MSE says

You may find the first offer is only a small discount. If youre not happy with the price, try phrases such as:

• 'I've worked out my budget, and my absolute max is [insert amount here] a month...'
• '[BT/Sky/Virgin Media] can do it for less...'
• 'I need to think about it...'
• 'I think my other half/housemate/horse will go bonkers if I agree to pay that...'
• 'It's still a lot of money...'
• 'Is that the very best you can do?'

For tips and tricks on how to haggle, visit the MSE blog here.

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