How Do I Test My Telstra Internet Speed

Introduction

In today’s digital-first business environment, a strong and consistent internet connection is essential for productivity, customer service, and remote work environments. For Australian businesses using Telstra Internet, running regular speed tests is critical to ensure your home broadband or business-grade solution delivers the performance you’re paying for. This guide will help you understand how to conduct an internet speed test using Telstra’s speed test tool, interpret the results, explore speed tiers and improve connection speed, especially when dealing with typical evening speeds, network congestion, or connection issues.

Understanding Internet Speed Metrics

Before starting a speed test, it’s vital to grasp the key internet performance indicators:

• Download Speed: Measures how fast data flows from the internet to your device. It affects streaming services, loading websites, and large file downloads. Slow download speeds during peak traffic may suggest routing factors or Physical Infrastructure issues such as copper cabling or international cables.
• Upload Speed: Indicates how quickly your device sends data to the internet. Upload speeds are vital for video conferencing, cloud backups, online game performance, and website hosting. A solid Upload Speed Test ensures smooth remote meetings and file sharing.
• Ping (Latency): Refers to the reaction time of your connection—how fast a signal travels to a server and back. Lower ping supports better online gaming and VoIP services, such as home phone service with call waiting or caller ID.
• Jitter: Measures fluctuations in ping. High jitter can cause disruptions in streaming services, video calls, or mobile broadband activities.

Telstra Plan Speed Tiers

Telstra Plan	Download Speed (up to)	Upload Speed (up to)
Basic	25 Mbps	5 Mbps
Standard	50 Mbps	20 Mbps
Premium	100 Mbps	40 Mbps

Your Telstra NBN plan and nbn connection technology—such as Fixed Wireless, 5G Home Internet, or fiber-optic cables—directly impact attainable internet speeds.

Using Telstra’s Official Speed Test Tool

Telstra’s dedicated speed test tool offers a reliable way to evaluate your Telstra internet connection.

How to Access and Run a Telstra Speed Test

1. Visit the official Telstra Speed Test website.
2. Click the Start Speed Test button.
3. Sign in to your Telstra account if prompted.
4. Disconnect unnecessary devices to ensure accurate data flow.
5. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your device directly to your WiFi routers or LAN port.

Results You’ll See:

• Download Speed Test result
• Upload Speed Test result
• Ping and Jitter information

Compare these results to your advertised plan speeds. Discrepancies may arise due to in-premises cabling, outdated Wi-Fi routers, or local exchange limitations, especially if your service relies on copper line or Telstra ADSL speed.

Other Speed Test Options

While Telstra’s tool is recommended, you can use third-party tools for more data points and broader speed test database comparisons.

Popular Third-Party Speed Tests

• Ookla Speedtest: Widely used to analyze mobile data service and Wi-Fi signal performance.
• Fast.com: Offers real world conditions analysis—ideal for streaming services testing.
• Wifispeed.io: Provides insight into the performance of Telstra Smart Modem and Wi-Fi 6 coverage.

Testing Steps

1. Access the chosen site.
2. Run the test.
3. Note the metrics and compare across multiple tests.

These platforms provide a third party opinion on performance and identify whether nbn® speeds are being achieved based on physical conditions or software updates.

What Can Affect Your Internet Speed Test Results?

Numerous factors impact internet speed test outcomes:

• Time of Day / Peak Periods: Higher usage creates network congestion.
• Connection Method: Ethernet is more stable than Wi-Fi.
• Router Location: Poor placement affects signal strength.
• Connected Devices: Streaming, downloads, and gaming extras can affect speed.
• Hardware & Setup: Inadequate in-premises cabling, older routers, or interference from nearby electronics affect performance.
• Telstra mobile network or cellular tower load for mobile broadband users.

Network Performance by Connection Type

Type	Peak Hours	Off-Peak Hours
ADSL	Low	Medium
NBN	Moderate	Higher
5G Home Wireless	Higher	Highest
Satellite Internet	Unstable	Moderate

Improving Your Telstra Internet Speed

If your internet speed test shows underperformance, apply these practical steps:

Use the My Telstra App to Check Signal Strength

1. Open the app.
2. Navigate to your service.
3. Use the Get Help icon for diagnostics.
4. Monitor Wi-Fi signal strength and performance.

Optimise WiFi Router Placement

• Place in a central area, elevated and unobstructed.
• Avoid interference from walls or large appliances.
• Use the WPS button for easy device connection.

Upgrade Equipment

• Switch to a Telstra Smart Modem with Wi-Fi 6.
• Install mesh Wi-Fi boosters to support large or multi-level premises.
• Ensure your nbn® connection box is correctly configured.

Limit Network Load During Peak Traffic

• Schedule cloud syncs, downloads, and streaming outside peak hours.
• Disconnect unused devices or IoT connections.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

1. Restart modem/router.
2. Check for software updates.
3. Examine phone cables and in-premises cabling.
4. Call 13 22 00 for Telstra technician help.

When to Contact Telstra or Your Internet Service Provider

Persistent issues may require assistance:

• Document Everything: Save screenshots or logs from multiple tests.
• Contact Telstra: Use chat, phone, or in-store business experts.
• Inquire About Physical Infrastructure: Problems might lie in copper line quality, international routing, or internet route inconsistencies.

Telstra offers multilingual support and business-grade customer service tailored to your business needs.

Testing Speed Across Devices

Each device interacts differently with your Telstra internet connection:

Mobile Devices vs Desktop Computers

• Mobile tests depend heavily on Wi-Fi signal.
• Desktop computers with Ethernet yield more accurate results.

Smart TVs and Consoles

• Ensure firmware is up to date.
• Use Ethernet if available for Telstra TV or gaming systems.

Device	Performance Notes
Mobile Phone	Wi-Fi dependent
Desktop	Best with Ethernet
Smart TV	Wi-Fi or Ethernet; varies
Gaming Console	Ethernet preferred

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I run an internet speed test? Monthly, or whenever you notice lag, connection issues, or network speed drops.

2. Why does my connection speed fluctuate? Factors like peak periods, network capacity, or shared infrastructure impact performance.

3. What speeds do I need for business tasks?

• Streaming/Webinars: 5–15 Mbps download
• Video Calls: 3–5 Mbps upload
• Website Hosting: Reliable upload speeds

4. Why is my test speed lower than my Telstra plan? Plans advertise maximum speeds. Real-world speeds may vary due to copper line limitations, routing factors, and peak traffic.

5. Can a service outage affect test results? Yes. Scheduled maintenance or outages can reduce connection speed or cause test failures. Use the My Telstra app to check service status.

Conclusion

Speed testing your Telstra internet connection is essential for maintaining high performance, whether you’re running cloud platforms, streaming video, hosting a website, or managing a remote workforce. Use Telstra’s official tools and third-party benchmarks to monitor your internet speed test results. Optimise your equipment, understand your connection type, and don’t hesitate to consult Telstra technicians or in-store experts when necessary.

Consistently monitoring line speed and responding to slowdowns with effective troubleshooting steps will help you get the most from your internet provider and ensure your service meets your business needs. Compare your experience to reviews on Canstar Blue to see how Telstra stacks up against other Australian ISPs.