How to Check (and Improve) Your nbn™ Speed
Because slow internet is so last decade.
Sometimes your internet feels like it’s stuck in slow motion—and when that happens, the first step is figuring out where the holdup is. Running a proper speed test gives us the data we need to help you troubleshoot like a pro.
Here’s how to test your connection, improve your speeds, and know when it might be time for a modem upgrade or a plan refresh.
📊 Check your Speed
To get an accurate picture of your internet performance, head to: 👉 www.speedtest.net
Once you're there:
Connect your device via Ethernet (not Wi-Fi—for accuracy!)
Click “GO” to run the test
Check your speed. If you think it should be faster, then:
Copy the result URL or Result ID and email it to us at customerhelp@bendigotelco.com.au The result ID or URL is essential when sending results to our support team. Without it, we can’t escalate your case. 😢
🔌 Note: Wi-Fi speed results can’t be used for troubleshooting as they’re often influenced by signal strength, interference, and device limitations.
Need help plugging in with an Ethernet cable? Just give us a shout—we’re happy to help you get set up.
📈 What’s a “Good” Speed?
It depends on your plan and usage. Here's a quick cheat sheet.
📝 A few helpful notes:
If you’re on FTTN, your speeds might not reach the upper limits of higher-tier plans due to the copper connection.
Evening speeds (between 7–11 pm) are when most people are online—so that’s what we base our typical speeds on.
Every plan comes with unlimited data, so you’re free to stream, scroll, download and binge to your heart’s content.
Want help choosing the right speed for your home, or thinking about a plan upgrade? Just reach out—we’re here to help.
🛠️ What Can Affect Your Speed?
Even with the best plan, speeds can dip due to a few sneaky culprits. Here’s what might be slowing things down:
💻 Hardware
Your router might not be up to the job. Older models or basic units can struggle with higher-speed plans.
🌐 Network Links
Sometimes it's not you, it's the internet. Things like international routing, backhaul congestion, or peak-hour demand can impact your speeds—especially during 7–11 PM.
👨👩👧👦 Too Many Devices
If everyone’s online at once (streaming, gaming, scrolling, syncing), you're splitting that bandwidth pie into lots of tiny slices.
💽 Background Software
Updates, syncs, and apps running behind the scenes can hog your data without you even realising it.
🏠 Connection Type Matters Too
Here’s how your NBN technology might affect speeds:
FTTP (Fibre to the Premises): 💪 Typically the most reliable. You’re only limited by external factors like device load and router performance.
FTTN (Fibre to the Node): 🔌 Copper cables mean your distance from the node affects speed. Weather and line quality can also impact performance.
FTTB (Fibre to the Building): 📦 Similar to FTTN, but your building’s internal wiring plays a big role. Age and quality of those copper lines matter.
FTTC (Fibre to the Curb): ⚡ A short copper run from the curb to your home means better consistency—but it still has copper’s limits.
Fixed Wireless & Satellite: 📡 Weather, antenna alignment, and tower congestion can affect stability and speed—especially in rural areas.
⚡ Quick Fixes to Try Right Now
Restart your modem/router – Turn it off for 60 seconds, then switch it back on.
Reposition your router – Place it centrally, elevated, and away from walls or metal objects.
Disconnect devices not in use – Especially smart TVs, tablets, or anything syncing in the background.
Close unused apps – Background cloud backups, game updates, and streaming apps eat bandwidth.
Upgrade your plan – If your household is growing or your habits have changed, your internet should keep up.
🧠 Can a New Modem Help?
Sometimes, yes! Especially if:
✅ Your current modem is outdated
✅ You’ve upgraded to a higher-speed plan
✅ You’re seeing great speeds on Ethernet, but not on Wi-Fi
✅ Your modem doesn’t support your NBN technology type
When a new modem won’t help:
❌ Your plan is already maxed out (e.g., NBN 25/50)
❌ You’re limited by the copper line quality (FTTN)
❌ There’s a network issue or outage
🛒 Need a New Modem?
We stock modems that are NBN-ready and tailored to your connection type and plan.
🔘 Click here to send a modem request. We’ll get your order started and make sure you're set up with the right gear.
🧑💻 Not sure what else to do?
Run that speed test, grab your result ID, and send it through to our team. We’ll take it from there. 💪
You can also reach out to us by:
Calling us on 1300 228 123 from Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 5:30PM
Chatting with us via our website chat bot (down there, on the bottom right!)
Emailing us at customerhelp@bendigotelco.com.au