This topic

Broadband speeds

Dave741 — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:33:41 GMT

I've recently re-contracted my broadband service with BT for Fibre 2. The set-up has not changed but the broadband speeds quoted are lower than I was on previously. Originally 19-21 download 2-3 upload with a guarantee of 17mb. The new contract is 16-17 download 2-3 upload with a guarantee of 14mb. When I contacted them they said this can happen and they can't do anything about it. I'm actually getting over 23mb download but perplexed by the lower rating as nothing has changed. Does anyone have any idea why this should be the case ?

Re: Broadband speeds

licquorice — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:49:06 GMT

It's academic, you get whatever your line is capable of. They are just estimates.

Re: Broadband speeds

WSH — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:18:43 GMT

I concluded long ago that the “guarantee” is yet another modern marketing snake-oil con job.

For FTTC the monitored speed changes with many things, like how many people are using the line etc. It can even change with the weather. The “guarantee” is continually reassessed and then reset.

A "guarantee" based on a continually shifting standard is meaningless and should be treated as such.

Re: Broadband speeds

Dave741 — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:08:14 GMT

Thanks for your reply. I understand it may vary but didn't expect it to vary significantly on the same set-up I've had for years. Lowering the speed and guarantee means they are effectively reducing their commitment to maintaining a higher speed network. Still that's where we are at the moment I guess, until we get fibre to the home.

Re: Broadband speeds

Dave741 — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:11:10 GMT

Thanks for your reply. I get that but lowering the speed and guarantee means they are effectively reducing their commitment to maintaining a higher speed network.

Re: Broadband speeds

licquorice — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:34:24 GMT

No it doesn't.