How are broadband speeds measured?

There are four ways to measure the speed of your broadband.

Headline speed

This is the speed that we advertise. It’s often called 'up-to' speed because it describes the maximum speed you can get from your connection. By finding out your headline speed, we can make sure you get the right broadband package.

Sync or connection speed

This is the best speed you can get from your home. It's also known as 'access line' speed. And it tells you how fast data can pass between your O2 wireless box and your local BT exchange.

Actual throughput speed

This is the speed that matters most. It's the actual speed you get from your connection. It's also known as 'download speed', and it varies from minute to minute depending on factors like:

• how many people are using our network

• whether you have a Wi-Fi or a wired connection

• the number of people using the same website or server as you

• the capacity of the server you’re connecting to

Average throughput speed

This is an average of actual throughput speed for each of our broadband packages.

How can I improve my speed?

You can’t change things like headline speed or sync speed. But you can tweak your setup.

1. Plug your router into a filter that's connected straight to your home's master phone socket.
2. Don't use extension cables. They're bad for your broadband.
3. Put a filter on any other phones connected to extension sockets.

If your connection is much slower than your estimate , there could be a fault on your line .