---
title: "Broadband slower than advertised? How to check | Kilobat"
url: "https://kilobat.app/broadband/slower-than-advertised"
description: "A speed test measures what one device achieved at one moment. An advertised speed, an expected speed and a contractual minimum can mean different things."
---

Kilobat broadband guide

# Broadband slower than advertised? How to check

A speed test measures what one device achieved at one moment. An advertised speed, an expected speed and a contractual minimum can mean different things.

## Synthetic speed comparison

Invented example: three wired download tests over three days. The advertised plan speed is a reference, not a contractual minimum.

| Observation | Speed |
|---|---|
| Advertised plan | 200 |
| 1 | 48 |
| 2 | 52 |
| 3 | 50 |

Example only. Server, background load and monitoring coverage are unknown; this does not prove a breach.

## What to check

Find the exact plan wording and repeat tests on the same device and server at different times. Record whether you used Wi-Fi or Ethernet and whether a VPN or other downloads were active. A wired test can help isolate the local wireless connection.

## What to do next

Share dates, results and the plan wording with your provider. Ask it to investigate and explain its test method. A low result alone does not establish a breach.

## Official source

[Ofcom: broadband and Wi-Fi help](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/service-quality/broadband-wifi-help)

Sources checked 3 November 2026. Rules, contracts and complaint routes can change. Check official guidance for your circumstances.

## Get help with your report

Send us a reviewed Kilobat support report. We can help you understand the measurements, choose a next test and prepare a message for your provider.

[Learn about report review →](https://kilobat.app/network-report-review)

[Slower than advertised](https://kilobat.app/broadband/slower-than-advertised) · [Wi-Fi and Ethernet](https://kilobat.app/broadband/wifi-vs-ethernet) · [Packet loss and latency](https://kilobat.app/broadband/packet-loss) · [Complaint letter](https://kilobat.app/broadband/complaint-letter) · [Rights updates](https://kilobat.app/broadband/rights-updates)