In short
To run a BT Business Broadband speed test, use the test in the BT Business app or My Account if you have a Smart Hub 2 or Smart Hub, or the BT Wholesale speed tester with other hubs. Test over a cable with nothing else running, after 10 days, and compare the result with the minimum guaranteed speed in your order confirmation.
Get a quote for BT Business Broadband
Tell us roughly how many users or sites you have and we will reply by email with options and a quote.
Before you test
Three quick checks save a lot of wasted effort:
- Is the line more than 10 days old? BT calls the first 10 days the stabilisation period. Speeds fluctuate while the equipment finds the best stable speed for the line, so BT says a test in that window will not give a true result.
- Do you know your figures? Find the estimated speed range and the minimum guaranteed download speed in the order confirmation BT sent you. Without them, a test result has nothing to be compared with.
- Which hub do you have? BT's help describes its app and My Account tests for the Smart Hub 2 and Smart Hub. With any other hub, your own router or a firewall, BT points you to a different tester. BT's help shows how to identify your hub.
It also pays to keep a simple log from the start: the date and time of each test, whether it was wired or over Wi-Fi, which device you used, and the download and upload results. If you later need to report a speed problem, a few days of consistent, wired results at different times of day make the conversation with BT much quicker than a single screenshot, and they show whether the problem is the line or the network inside the building.
Testing with a Smart Hub 2 or Smart Hub: the app or My Account
BT builds a broadband speed test into its own tools for customers with a Smart Hub 2 or Smart Hub. BT's help describes two routes.
In the BT Business app:
- Download the BT Business app, register and log in.
- At the bottom of the home screen, select More.
- Select Broadband speed test and follow the instructions. BT says the test can take up to three minutes.
In My Account:
- Sign in to My Account.
- Under Manage your services, select Hubs, wi-fi & 4G Assure.
- Choose the broadband line you want to test, then select Test broadband speed in the broadband status panel.
For the most accurate result, BT advises that the hub should be showing a blue light and that other devices should not be in use while the test runs. If you are not sure what your hub's lights mean, BT's help has a guide for each hub.
Testing with other hubs or your own router
If you do not have a Smart Hub 2 or Smart Hub, for example because you have a different hub, use your own router or run a firewall, BT points you to the BT Wholesale speed tester. BT's steps are:
- Connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable.
- Make sure nobody else is using the network while the test runs.
- Close all your applications so only one browser window is open.
- Open the BT Wholesale speed tester in that window and work through its on-screen checklist.
- Confirm you have completed the steps and start the test. The result appears after a few minutes, with comments on the test.
BT makes the point that broadband speed varies, so any result is a snapshot of the speed at that moment. On BT Ultra Broadband, the Cisco Meraki dashboard also shows device, application, usage and security statistics; speed faults on Ultra are still reported to BT.
Is BT Business Broadband the right fit for you?
We will check it against your systems and requirements and recommend the right option.
How to get a fair result
Most "my broadband is slow" tests are really measuring something else. To measure the line, not the office:
- Use a cable. Plug a laptop into the hub with an Ethernet cable. A Wi-Fi test measures your Wi-Fi as much as your broadband, and is limited by the device's own wireless capability.
- Stop everything else. Pause cloud backups, large downloads, video calls and software updates. On a busy office line, ask people to pause for three minutes, or test before or after hours as well as during them.
- Test at different times. BT's estimates are based on the 12:00 to 14:00 business peak. Test then, and at a quiet time, over several days. One slow result proves little; a pattern does.
- Use a capable device. BT notes that older computers can run slower, and that VPNs and network servers can reduce the speed seen on a computer. Disconnect from any VPN while testing.
- Leave the hub switched on. BT advises against switching the hub off and on repeatedly, because the line can then look unstable and a lower speed may be set.
- On copper lines, check the socket. BT recommends plugging the hub into the main socket rather than an extension, with filters fitted correctly where needed.
Reading the result
Compare a wired test, run fairly, with the figures in your order confirmation:
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Wired speed within the estimated range | The line is performing as BT estimated | If people still say it is slow, look at Wi-Fi and devices |
| Wired speed above the minimum but below the range, at peak only | Normal variation at busy times | Retest off-peak; if it persists all day, raise it with BT |
| Wired speed below the minimum guaranteed speed for at least 3 successive days | A possible speed fault | Report it to BT; see the minimum speed guarantee steps |
| Wired speed fine, Wi-Fi speed poor | A coverage or interference issue, not a line fault | Move the hub, use cables, or add Complete Wi-Fi Plus |
| Download fine, uploads slow | Upload is the smaller figure on broadband lines | Check the upload range; consider a higher Full Fibre tier |
Remember that the guarantee covers download speed on the access line. BT notes that the minimum upload speed is not guaranteed under the Ofcom code. See BT's minimum speed guarantee for the full right-to-exit steps.
Not sure which option fits? Ask us
Tell us what you need and we will recommend the right option for your organisation, with a quote.
If the line is fine but Wi-Fi is slow
BT's help suggests some simple fixes for Wi-Fi before you spend anything:
- Place the hub well: near where the internet is used most, central to the premises, out in the open rather than in a cupboard, on the floor or behind a screen, away from windows, and away from electrical equipment and metal.
- Reduce crowding: turn off devices that are not in use, and keep the hub's Smart Wireless setting on so it moves devices to wireless channels with less interference.
- Use cables for fixed kit: desktops, printers and meeting room equipment work better wired, which also frees up Wi-Fi for laptops and phones.
If coverage is still patchy, Complete Wi-Fi Plus adds Wi-Fi discs that work with Smart Hub 3, and BT's Complete Wi-Fi Plus Guarantee covers the main building at your site. On BT Ultra Broadband, Wi-Fi comes from up to three Cisco Meraki access points instead; see business Wi-Fi on BT Business Broadband.
What to do next
If a fair, wired test shows you are below your minimum guaranteed speed after the stabilisation period, report it to BT. BT says you can do this through its broadband speed checker or by reporting a fault online, and our support guide explains how BT handles faults and care levels.
If your line meets its figures but is simply not enough for your business, that is a choice of tier or technology rather than a fault. Read what broadband speed your business needs, see whether BT Business Full Fibre has reached your address, or compare upgrade options.
We can check which faster tiers are available at your address and what BT would guarantee on each. Contact us to find out.
Why buy BT Business Broadband from Forever Communications
Forever Communications is part of Forever Group and an Authorised Supplier for BT. We supply BT Business Broadband to businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations, and we help with each step from first enquiry to go-live.
- The right connection for your address: we check whether your premises can get Full Fibre or another access type, and explain what that means for speed; see checking availability
- A plan that fits how you work: we help you compare BT Business Broadband plans, including BT Business Ultra, and decide which add-ons such as Hybrid Backup or a static IP are worth having
- A clear quote: charges, minimum term and what is included set out in writing; see what affects the price
- Installation planned with you: we explain what happens before and on the day; see BT Business Broadband installation
- Connected services in one conversation: phones with BT Cloud Voice, Wi-Fi and security, or a BTnet leased line when broadband is no longer enough
BT Business Broadband is a business service. Speeds, features, service levels and availability are BT's and are confirmed at order.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test my BT business broadband speed?
With a Smart Hub 2 or Smart Hub, use the speed test in the BT Business app (More, then Broadband speed test) or in My Account under Hubs, wi-fi & 4G Assure. With other hubs or equipment, BT points you to the BT Wholesale speed tester. Test over a cable.
Why does my speed test show a lower speed than I pay for?
Headline speeds are 'up to' figures; compare with the estimated range and minimum guaranteed speed in your order confirmation instead. Wi-Fi, older devices, VPNs, other users and busy times also lower results.
Should I test broadband speed over Wi-Fi or a cable?
Over a cable. A wired test measures the broadband line. A Wi-Fi test also measures your Wi-Fi coverage and the device's wireless capability, so it can make a healthy line look slow.
How long after installation should I test my speed?
Wait until the 10-day stabilisation period is over. BT says speeds fluctuate during those first 10 days while the line settles, so earlier tests do not give a true result.
What should I do if my speed is below the minimum guarantee?
If wired tests show speeds below the minimum guaranteed figure for at least 3 successive days, report it to BT. If BT cannot fix a fault on its side within 30 calendar days, you may have the right to exit without penalty.
Still have a question about BT Business Broadband?
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