Slow Internet Speeds
If your internet feels slower than expected, there are a few simple checks you can do before contacting us. Many speed problems are caused by Wi-Fi, device behaviour, or local usage rather than a fault with the broadband service itself.
Follow the steps below in order.
1. Check if the Issue Is Wi-Fi or the Broadband Connection
Why this matters
Wi-Fi speeds are affected by distance, walls, and interference. A wired test shows the true speed reaching your property.
What to do:
- Connect a computer or laptop directly to your router using an Ethernet cable
- Pause any streaming, downloads, or cloud backups on all devices
- Run a speed test at: http://vfast.speedtestcustom.com/
What this tells you:
- Good wired speed but slow Wi-Fi = Wi-Fi issue
- Slow wired speed = the broadband connection may need investigation
2. Restart Your Router
Restarting clears temporary faults and allows the router to reselect the clearest Wi-Fi channel.
How to restart:
- Turn the router off at the power
- Wait 30 seconds
- Turn it back on and wait 2–3 minutes
Important:
Do not press the reset button unless advised by Vfast. Resetting removes your settings.
3. Check How Many Devices Are Using the Internet
Some activities use large amounts of bandwidth, including:
- Video streaming (TVs, tablets, phones)
- Game console updates
- Cloud backups
- Smart cameras uploading footage
What to try:
- Disconnect devices you are not using
- Pause large downloads or updates
- Test speeds again with fewer devices connected
4. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection
If slow speeds only happen on Wi-Fi:
Try:
- Testing closer to the router
- Avoiding walls and floors when testing
- Making sure the router is not inside a cupboard or behind a TV
If you see two Wi-Fi names (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz):
- 5 GHz – faster but shorter range
- 2.4 GHz – slower but longer range
Test both and compare results.
5. Check the Device You Are Testing On
Sometimes the device is the limiting factor.
Things to check:
- Close unused apps and browser tabs
- Restart the device
- Disable VPNs or security software temporarily to test
- Make sure the device software is up to date
Older devices may not support higher Wi-Fi speeds even on fast connections.
6. Check for Data Allowances (If Applicable)
Some services have monthly data limits, including:
- Some Fast Broadband (WiMAX) packages
- Some Holiday Park Broadband packages
If the allowance is exceeded, speeds are temporarily reduced.
What to do:
- Log in to my.vfast.co.uk
- Check your usage
- Purchase extra data or upgrade your package if needed
All other services are unlimited.
7. Consider Your Broadband Type
Different broadband technologies behave differently:
- Ultrafast (FTTP): usually stable wired speeds
- Superfast (FTTC): affected by line length and quality
- WiMAX / Holiday Park: affected by signal and shared usage
If speeds are consistently low on a wired test, we may need to investigate.
8. Run a Final Speed Test Before Contacting Us
Before reporting the issue, please:
- Use a wired connection if possible
- Run a speed test
- Save or copy the result link
- Note the time and frequency of the problem
This helps us diagnose the issue faster.
Need Help?
If slow speeds continue after completing all the steps above, contact the Service Desk.
See:
They will check your connection and guide you through any further testing.
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