Telstra Internet Speed Test


Telstra Internet Speed Test

Telstra has been one of the most reliable broadband providers in Australia for decades. It’s perhaps the biggest telco company in the country, so it’s no wonder why it has a large selection of NBN plans to suit all budgets and needs.

With extensive national coverage and a broad range of home broadband and mobile plans, Telstra’s internet speeds are consistent and as advertised. However, there may be times when lines go down or unforeseen circumstances affect your internet speeds.

If you want to know how fast your Telstra NBN connection is, and you want to make sure you’re getting the speed-tier you’re paying for, you can run a quick and easy Telstra speed test yourself. It only takes a few seconds to run an internet speed test, and shows you exactly what your Telstra Broadband connection is capable of.

What’s in This Guide?

How to Run a Telstra Speed Test

There are several ways to test your internet speed, but by far the most popular is the simple and reliable test that’s run by Ookla: Speedtest! You’ll find it just below, and it’s easy to get started. That said, it’s worth keeping a couple things in mind before you start your Telstra internet speed test.

For the most accurate speed reading, you’ll want to be testing from a computer web browser, not a phone or tablet. Make sure your computer is connected to your modem using an ethernet cable (most modems come with one in the box). Stop any downloads and uploads on your network, including video streaming and online gaming.

When you’re ready, click on the speed test widget below and follow these steps:

  • Click the big round GO button 
  • Wait for the progress bar to move all the way to the left, then back to the right
  • Make a note of the results for the download speed and the upload speed
  • If the results seem low, click on the server name to change it, then click “AGAIN”

The name below the button is the internet speed Telstra test server that the speed test will connect with to see how fast it can send data back and forth. The closest one to you is selected automatically, though you can click on the name to change it to a nearby server if you want to double-check the results of your speed tests.

How to Interpret Your Telstra Speed Test Results

When you click GO, the test runs in real time before showing you the results of your Telstra internet speed test. You’ll see your internet connection’s download and upload speeds, as well as the ping, and jitter, with the all-important speed results being measured in Mbps (megabits per second).

That’s the same speed measurement that’s used by Telstra NBN for their broadband plan speeds, as well as their average peak download speeds as advertised with Telstra’s NBN broadband plans. For example, NBN 50 means a maximum download speed of 50 Mbps. For an NBN 50 connection, you can usually expect to see a best result of around 46 Mbps. This is because some of that speed is used by the connection to keep things running smoothly.

Here are a few things to remember once you’ve run a Telstra speed test:

  • The download speed should be as close to the maximum of the NBN broadband plan as possible.
  • The higher the number, the faster you can download everything from images on websites to gigantic video game updates. Also, you’ll have a much smoother experience when streaming TV, videos, and films, especially if multiple people in the household are doing so at the same time.
  • The upload speed is always much slower than the download speed with NBN broadband. That’s by design, since we generally download a lot more than we upload.
  • If you share videos to YouTube, store your photos and files with a cloud service, make lots of Skype and Zoom calls, or even stream video games, the upload speed is going to matter.
  • If you’re planning on needing high upload speeds, we recommend you pick a Telstra NBN plan that has at least 20 Mbps in upload speeds. That means it’s best to go for NBN 50 or above.
  • If you use a lot of WiFi-enabled devices at home, keep in mind that their internet speeds will depend on several factors, such as how far away from the modem they are, how fast their maximum WiFi speed is, and how much congestion there is in the area.
  • You should always test using an ethernet-connected computer to get an accurate result.

Telstra customers can see the personalised breakdown of their internet quality and performance by going to the My Telstra app.

Why Should You Run an Internet Speed Test?

During the ADSL days, broadband customers didn’t really have any control over their actual connection speed and broadband providers held all the cards. Now, people are paying more attention to their internet speeds and how they affect their personal and professional day-to-day lives. Running an internet speed test can hold your provider accountable for their slow speeds.

Nowadays, people are all about productivity, efficiency, and maximising their time. As such, broadband speed matters more than ever. To ensure your connection speed is acceptable to your preferences and expectations, it makes sense to confirm your internet speed by doing a speed test. You can get started with the Telstra internet speed test above.

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How Fast is the Telstra Internet Speed?

In Australia, you’ve got a choice of five NBN speed tiers with Telstra. Each speed tier plan offers unlimited data, as well as the possibilities for bundles and extras that you can add to your package. They range from the slower but cheaper NBN 25 plans all the way to the Ultrafast NBN 1000 plans.

The entry-level unlimited speed tier plan runs at NBN 25, with enough speed for light internet connection usage and HD streaming. The next most expensive unlimited data plans have moderate to good typical evening speeds, but they’re only available to those with an appropriately fast NBN connection in their area. 

Upwards of the NBN 100 plans, you’ll need the right connection. For those who fit the bill, you can upgrade to even faster NBN speeds by paying a little more on your monthly Telstra bill. Download speeds on the faster plans can range from 250 Mbps all the way up to 700 Mbps and above.

Once you’ve signed up to one of these Telstra plans, you can perform the Telstra internet speed test to confirm that your speeds are as expected, and that it’s worth your monthly plan fee. You can find out more about the various Telstra NBN plans and their speeds in our Telstra Broadband review.

Below are the different NBN speed tiers that Telstra currently offers:

NBN SpeedDescription
NBN 25The Standard Evening Speed is ideal for smaller households with basic internet requirements, such as internet browsing, moderate online streaming in SD, and online gaming. Average speeds (7-11pm) for NBN 25 are 25 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload.
NBN 50The Standard Plus Evening Speed is for busier households as it can accommodate more browsing, video streaming in HD on 2 devices at once, and responsive gaming. Typical speeds (7-11pm) are 50 Mbps download and 17 Mbps upload.
NBN 100Prior to the arrival of the latest speed add-ons (Superfast and Ultrafast), NBN 100 was the fastest speed tier in Australia. Typical speeds (7-11pm) are 100 Mbps download and also 17 Mbps upload. It’s fit for big households and can even accommodate 4K streaming.
NBN 250Only available to FTTP and most HFC customers, the Superfast NBN has typical download speeds of 250 Mbps, which means it’s great for larger households who need to use the internet to browse, video-call, play online games, stream in HD and Ultra HD, download, and upload files, all at the same time.
NBN 1000Aptly called the Ultrafast, it’s currently the fastest speed tier offered in Australia. While this speed plan might be too much for those who have no need for something this lightning fast, the advent of streaming, gaming, and the arrival of 8K technology, however, make the NBN 1000 add-on plan an appealing option for many. Telstra is one of the providers in Australia that offers the Ultrafast plan, alongside Aussie Broadband and MyRepublic.

Fastest Telstra NBN Plans

Choosing the right broadband plan hinges on important factors like speed, inclusions, and, of course, the price. Telstra as an NBN provider has solid internet plans that are made even better with the potential bundles. Other services, like landlines with unlimited calls, WiFi modems (free if you stay with Telstra for 24 months), and streaming services can be added to your plan.

These bundles clearly indicate that Telstra knows its customers. Telstra’s cheapest NBN broadband plans are affordable and reliable, while their more expensive plans provide exceptional connectivity and bandwidth. All their plans are month-to-month with no lock-in contracts. If you decide to leave within 24 months, you just need to pay off the WiFi modem.

Telstra NBN plans are ideal for people of all demographics, whether you’re after cheap student internet or great deals for pensioners. In fact, there are plenty of great Telstra plans for seniors up for grabs, as well as some excellent offers for those on a budget. Check out what Telstra has to offer below.

How to Improve Your Telstra Internet Speed

If you feel the need for speed while using the internet and want to upgrade your Telstra NBN connection for faster downloads and uploads, you just need to pick a higher plan, Since all plans are no-lock in contracts, you can do this at the end of each month by going online or getting in touch with Telstra.

Alternatively, you could try other things to speed up your connection if you can’t or don’t want to move to a more expensive plan. Avoiding particular hours, reducing the number of devices, and using a booster device can all help increase your WiFi speeds.

Avoid Peak Evening Hours

Speeds vary throughout the day and depend on a couple of factors like the number of people on the network and the activities they’re doing while connected to the internet. For broadband connections, you should avoid NBN peak evening hours (7-11 pm) when running your speed test since both your WiFi connection and internet provider could be slower due to congestion.

Reduce the Number of Connected Devices

Make sure you’re the only one using the internet in your home or office when you do your Telstra speed test. Internet usage can affect the accuracy of your speed results, and that includes software updates. Reducing the number of devices actively connected to your WiFi will also improve overall speeds.

Use a WiFi Booster Device

If you’ve got a large house, you may find it hard to get coverage in every room, which results in slower internet. Adding a smart booster with WiFi mesh is one of the simplest ways you can extend your WiFi network.

Mesh network extenders can be purchased as add-ons, or as integrated modem/extender sets offered by companies like Google and Asus. Meanwhile, Telstra also offers their Telstra Smart WiFi Booster 3 on both monthly payment plans and outright fees.

Not Satisfied With Your Speeds? Try a Different Provider

Have you run a Telstra speed test and not enjoyed the results? If you’re after faster speeds but don’t want to pay the fees that Telstra are asking, it may be time to switch broadband providers. There are so many great internet service providers and plans out there that you could save money AND get faster internet just by switching.

Check out the following broadband plans from other providers. Who knows? You might just find something that suits your budget and needs. Maybe you’ve just moved to a different area and your Telstra connection no longer cuts it? It’s always worth browsing other providers to see what’s out there.

NBN Broadband Plans

Plan
Inclusions
Price
Crikey - nbn™ 25/10
  • 1 mth money back guarantee
  • Save $20 for 5 mths. Offer ends 30/06/24
  • Use promo code: SAVE20
  • Crikey - nbn™ 25/10
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 25™ Fixed Line
  • 25Mbps/10mbps typical busy period speeds (7pm-11pm)
  • Award-winning Aussie support
  • $45/mth
$45/mth
for first 5 mths, then $65/mth thereafter
Min Cost - $45 over 1 mth

Everyday NBN
  • Satisfaction Guarantee: Return modem within 21 days for a full refund
  • Everyday NBN
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • Typical evening speed of 47Mbps
  • Optional modem for $99 w/ free delivery
  • $79.80/mth
$79.80/mth
Min Cost - $79.80 over 1 mth

NBN50 Unlimited - Month to Month
  • $15/mth off for 6 mths. Ends 25/06/24
  • NBN50 Unlimited - Month to Month
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • Get $20 off Dodo modem
  • Up to $10/mth off when bundled with energy
  • $65/mth
$65/mth
for the first 6 mths, then $80/mth thereafter
Min Cost - $65 for the 6 mths (incl. $79 modem cost)

Optus Plus Everyday nbn®
  • Ultra WiFi 6 modem incl.
  • Optus Plus Everyday nbn®
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • $0 Startup Fee
  • 50/18Mbps typical busy period speeds (7pm-11pm)
  • $85/mth
$85/mth
Min Cost - $391 incl. $306 modem cost and $85 (1mth of plan fee) if you stay connected for 1mth only. $0 modem if you stay connected for 36 mths.

Standard Plus
  • Free Wi-Fi 6 modem if you stay connected for 12 mths. T&Cs apply
  • Standard Plus
  • No Lock-in Contract
  • Unlimited Data
  • NBN 50™ Fixed Line
  • Typical evening speed of 50Mbps downstream and 17mbps upstream
  • No set up fees
  • $80/mth
$80/mth
Min Cost - Total Minimum Cost is $200 ($80/mth plan fee + $120 modem cost = $200)

Telstra Speed Test FAQs

What are people asking about Telstra? What happens when I upgrade my Telstra speed tier? Find all the answers to your questions in the following frequently asked questions.

How Long Does a Telstra NBN Speed Change Take to Kick in?

Once you’ve ordered a plan change, the speed increase (or decrease) will be applied ASAP. This can be almost instant for some connections, but can take until the next month. You should be told how long the change will take when you switch NBN plans. If the speed change doesn’t kick in, try turning your Wi-Fi modem off and on.

What Speed is Telstra ADSL?

ADSL is still widely used, even though it’s slower than the NBN. If you live near the relevant phone exchange, your ADSL speeds will be better. The further you are from the exchange, the slower your top speed. Ideal conditions for ADSL2 result in around 24 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up. However, speeds of 5-10 Mbps are more common.

What is Mobile Broadband?

Mobile broadband is a great alternative to NBN when a Telstra internet connection is unavailable. It’s portable so you can bring your broadband connection anywhere you go. It is powered by the 4G and the 5G network and is comparable to cable broadband. Telstra currently offers three mobile broadband plans with the highest-data mobile broadband plan offering 400GB.

What Speed is Telstra 4G and 5G?

Telstra offers both 4G and 5G modems, along with a set of data-only plans that can give you access to very fast broadband at home using the mobile network. There are no speed tiers, since it depends on how close you are to the nearest cells, how busy they are, and how fast your modem can go. Fast speeds of up to 300 Mbps are possible with 5G.

What is the Telstra Smart Modem?

A hybrid modem that acts as both a modem and a router, the Telstra Smart Modem uses WiFi 6 technology and is included in every NBN broadband plan. It helps your compatible devices to stay connected to the internet even with the absence of a fixed home broadband connection by switching to a back-up 4G mobile network.