Category: Speed · Last updated 5 Oct 2026
Why your internet speed may be slower than expected
Common reasons your internet is slower than expected, how to tell whether it's your plan, your Wi-Fi or the network, and how to fix it.
Slow internet almost always has one of a handful of causes, and most of them are inside your home.
Wi-Fi, not the connection
The speed you pay for is delivered to the modem. What reaches your device depends on distance, walls and interference. Test with a cabled device before assuming the service is at fault.
Evening congestion
Between 7pm and 11pm far more people in your area are online. This is why plans are advertised with a typical evening speed.
Other devices
A single cloud backup or console update can saturate a connection. Check what else is running before testing.
Your technology type
FTTN and FTTC services depend partly on the copper between your home and the node, so the achievable speed varies by premises.
If speeds dropped suddenly rather than gradually, check for a known fault or maintenance event in your area first. If there's nothing reported, try power cycling your modem and any nbn equipment: turn them off at the wall, wait 30 seconds, then turn the nbn equipment back on first, followed by your modem. Allow a few minutes for everything to reconnect before testing again.
Related Articles
- SpeedHow to run an accurate internet speed testHow to run a speed test that reflects your real nbn connection, including using a cable, closing other apps and testing at different times of day.
- SpeedUnderstanding internet speed tiers and what they meanWhat each nbn speed tier means in practice, how typical evening speeds work and which tier suits your household or business.
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