Many users run a speed test without realising outside factors can heavily affect the results.
Testing Over Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is convenient, but it introduces interference, signal loss, and congestion. Walls, furniture, and distance from the router can reduce speeds significantly.
Background Downloads
Software updates, streaming services, cloud syncing, or gaming downloads running in the background consume bandwidth and affect test accuracy.
Peak Hour Congestion
Internet speeds can fluctuate during busy evening periods when more households are online. This is especially common between 7 pm and 11 pm.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), broadband speeds can vary during busy evening periods when more households are online.
Older Hardware
Outdated routers or incompatible equipment may not support higher speed tiers. In some cases, the issue is hardware rather than the internet plan itself.
You can learn more about compatible hardware and setup options on Yomojo's nbn® modem page.