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Experiencing slow broadband? Let’s help you get back up to speed

We know how frustrating it can be when your broadband slows down, but don’t worry, we’re here to help you get things running smoothly again. Openreach builds and maintains the network, while your service provider manages your connection. They’re the best place to start if you’re wondering why your broadband is slow or not performing as expected.

This page will guide you through a few simple checks and quick fixes to speed things up.

Broadband self-help

If Openreach hasn’t recently carried out a repair

Start by contacting your service provider. They can:

Run checks on your line speed and equipment.
Guide you through steps like restarting your router or checking your wiring.
Help you test your speed at the master socket.

If your provider finds that the fault is within the Openreach network, they’ll raise a repair request with us and we’ll work with them to resolve the issue.

If Openreach has recently carried out a repair

Still noticing slow speeds after an engineer visit? Go back to your provider and let them know. They’ll:

Check the engineer’s notes from the repair visit
Run further diagnostics.
Raise a follow-up repair with us if needed

Sometimes broadband speeds take a little time to stabilise after a repair or upgrade. Your provider can confirm what’s normal and what’s not.

What affects broadband speed?

It’s not always a fault - speed can be influenced by:

The type of broadband technology available in your area (for example, copper vs Full Fibre).
The distance from your property to the nearest exchange or cabinet.
Internal wiring or equipment in your home.
Wi-Fi signal strength if you’re connecting wirelessly. Make sure your router isn’t blocked by furniture or walls and consider using a Wi-Fi booster if the signal is weak in parts of your home.

Your provider can help work out whether it’s a network issue, equipment issue, or expected performance based on your package.

What should I do now?

Contact your service provider. They manage your order or repair and can:

Check the status of your appointment and find out what happens next
Rebook if necessary
Confirm your contact details are correct so you receive updates – check your messages and junk folders in case you've missed anything

Frequently asked questions

Can I report slow speeds directly to Openreach?

You’ll need to contact your broadband provider, as they manage your service and package.
My speed isn’t what I expected, why is it slower?

Speeds can sometimes dip during busy periods, especially in the evening when more people are online. This is known as network congestion and is common on shared broadband networks. Your provider can confirm if this is expected for your connection and advise whether upgrading your package or switching to Full Fibre could help improve performance.
Will switching to Full Fibre improve my speed?

Yes. Full Fibre is faster and more reliable than copper connections. Check availability using our Full Fibre checker.