Frequently Asked Questions
The list of questions is not exhaustive and is meant as a guide only. If you have other questions please refer to the Department website found on this link.
How fast should my Internet connection be?
The speed of your broadband service is determined by calculating the time it takes to download and upload predefined data files. To obtain a PASSED result both your download and upload speeds need to be at least 60 per cent of the peak nominal speeds of your broadband service plan. The table below displays a list of nominal data speeds of the most common broadband service plans offered by Providers registered under the Australian Broadband Guarantee and the speeds required to PASS the test:
Data Speed (kbps) | Pass Mark 60% (kbps) |
| 4000 | 2400 |
| 3000 | 1800 |
| 2024 | 1228.8 |
| 2000 | 1200 |
| 1500 | 900 |
| 1024 | 614.4 |
| 768 | 460.8 |
| 512 | 307.2 |
| 256 | 153.6 |
| 128 | 76.8 |
Apple Mac Users
If you are having problems running the test, please check that you have the latest version of Java on your Apple Mac computer; click on this link (Apple Java Link) to check for any updates available for your computer's operating system. If you still experience problems, please contact the Department on freecall 1800 883 488 weekdays between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm (AEST) for further assistance.
Please note that any files required for any updates may take some time to download.
What may cause my data speed to slow?
There are a number of factors which can affect data speeds. The most common causes for slow or irregular data speeds include:
- Network traffic congestion
- Internet traffic congestion
- The upload speed of the websites you visit
- The quality and performance of the equipment you are using, such as modems or internet devices
- Having a shaped service plan (i.e. your data speed can be restricted by your Provider after you have exceeded your monthly usage quota)
- Certain internet performance limitations associated with your internet access technology (ADSL, satellite or wireless)
If you are using a wireline technology such as ADSL, data speed may be affected by:
- The distance of your telephone line to the local telephone exchange
- The quality of your telephone line
- The number of joints in your telephone line
- Other applications connected to your telephone line (such as home alarm, fax, etc)
If you are using wireless or satellite technology, factors that can affect your data speed include:
- Signal strength transmitted by your Provider
- Distance from your home base station
- Interference to your signal strength from weather conditions or physical objects
- Signals emitted by objects used around your home such as cordless phones, TV sets, air conditioners and microwaves
- Latency in the case of satellites i.e. the time is takes for data signals to travel from your home to the satellite and back to your Provider's base station
Also be sure you're not sending or receiving emails, or downloading documents or web pages while the test is running because this can contribute to slow data speed.
The upload test won't start?
Sometimes the upload component of the test may not start. This mainly occurs when you have firewall or anti-spyware software installed. It is suggested that you temporarily disable these applications while conducting the test.
Please remember to enable your firewall straight away after conducting the data speed test.
How often should I run the test?
- If you receive a FAILED result on your first test, run the test a second time after an hour
- If you receive a second FAILED result, run the test a third time after 24 hours
- If you receive a third FAILED result, you may contact the Department on freecall 1800 883 488 weekdays 8:30 am to 5:00 pm AEST for assistance in obtaining a copy of your test results. You may repeat this testing process one week later, after receiving your initial test results, to obtain a more comprehensive indication of your data speed
- If you continue to receive a FAILED result, please contact your Provider for assistance