BT is to upgrade the broadband speed of BT broadband customers for free. Currently BT customers on “up to” 8Mb deals will see their “up to” speed increased to 20Mb for those who are in enabled areas where ADSL2+ technology is installed.
Currently this will mean that around 10 million UK homes and business will benefit, this is around 40% of the population when the initial 549 exchanges that are ADSL2+ enabled are put to the higher broadband speeds. It is hoped that by March 2010 that around 55% of the UK population will be on the new faster 20Mb broadband speeds.
We also reported last week (Free iPlate for BT Broadband customers) about the “BT Broadband Accelerator”, also known as the iPlate, that BT are now offering to BT Broadband customers for free (just the cost of postage to pay – £1.20) that has shown that over 50% broadband speed increases can be achieved by fitting the device.
You can test to see what the maximum broadband speed you are likely to be able to receive is by entering your post code or telephone number on the checker on BT’s website available here.
You can also check what broadband speed you are receiving with our free broadband speed test.
BT upgrading thier broadband to 20mb isn’t what it seems. I have checked my service, with the BT postcode checker, and my current BT 8mb Broadband will go from a 4.8mb service to a reported 7mb service. Now tell me if I’m missing something but 7mb is about a third of the speed BT are advertising…
So, the upgrade doesn’t work!
Comment by A BT Customer — August 24, 2009 @ 11:51 am
The devil is in the detail, as with most broadband it is advertised in “Up To” speeds.
These “Up To” broadband speeds are the theoretical maximum that are achievable and are only achievable in optimum conditions such as if you pretty much live next door to your telephone exchange.
The upgrade has worked in so far as you will see a speed increase although you are not seeing the 20Mb that you hoped to see.
The advertised broadband speeds people see and the actual speeds they receive have been a constant topic of debate and confusion for years unfortunately and it is not just BT.
Have you looked at requesting a free iPlate to see if this will offer you a speed increase too ( http://www.broadbandwatchdog.co.uk/story/2009/08/06/free-iplate-for-bt-broadband-customers/ )
Comment by Mark — August 25, 2009 @ 10:37 am
DIY Works just removal the bell wire, there’s a good reference at:
broadband-speedup.blogspot.com
Comment by Edward — September 28, 2009 @ 11:04 pm
BT Info speed to increase is because they are worried people will leave to Vrgin Media. will be for one once my BT Contract is up.
When cable was installed BT was offered a deal to place there cables in the system the refused to nvest and now paying the consequences
Comment by Southpole — October 11, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
I’ve been with AOL for about fifteeen years but connectivity and speed has been dire for the last six months.
BT did voice line test and past it ok. AOL helpline has done what they can, so am giving up and considering moving to cable.
Doing a BT maximum speed check for my telephone number I find it’s only 512k, which may be the cause of my problem. Strange how the speed of all my neighbours is 3mb.
Comment by Ken Ping — October 21, 2009 @ 11:50 am