Home Internet Help

Poor speeds or no broadband options at home?

If you are working/studying from home and have either very poor internet speeds or no broadband provision in your area, then the information here is designed to help you.

Check your Broadband Speed

First, check what broadband speeds your home internet is capable of by using this broadband checker. You can sort results by speed to see what you should be able to get.

  1. If the speed is greater than 10Mb, then you can check your actual speed by running this broadband speed test. Afterwards, check out our home internet tips. 
     
  2. If the speed is less than 10Mb, then please read on for further options.

In this section

Speed lower than 10MB?

If you do live in an area where broadband is either not available or the speeds available are very low, then there are options for you.

  • If you can’t get a download speed of 10Mpbs the UK Government’s Universal Service Obligation for broadband allows to request an upgraded connection. More information can be found on the BT website or by calling 0800 783 0223.
  • The Welsh Governments Access Broadband Cymru scheme provides grants to fund the installation costs of new broadband connections for individual properties. 
  • Check with your local authority to find out if they have plans for broadband roll-out in your area using our Local Broadband Fund.
  • If you are part of a rural community, support may be available from the UK Government to connect to gigabit capable broadband. Those with speeds of less than 30Mbps may be eligible for additional funding from the Welsh Government towards these costs.

Access Broadband Cymru

This scheme provides grants to fund (or part-fund) the installation costs of new broadband connections for homes and businesses in Wales.

Please note – new connections through this scheme must at least double your current download speeds. For example, a current connection of 5Mbps must improve to at least 10Mbps.

This grant will usually cover the costs for the installation and hardware for alternative technologies such as mobile or satellite broadband, but will not cover any ongoing monthly costs for the services offered.

We have also compiled a list of suppliers who you can research and contact. None of these suppliers are affiliated with the University, but all can provide alternative broadband services via the Access Broadband Cymru grant system according to their websites.

Home Internet Tips

  • For the best broadband speeds, use an ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your router rather than using wi-fi.
  • Where possible, try not to use a telephone extension lead, as these can cause interference which could lower your speed.
  • Keep your router switched on as much as you can. By consistently turning your router on and off, it can reduce overall speeds as providers will see this as line issues.
  • Disconnect devices. The more devices attached to your wi-fi, the lower the speed. Devices like tablets and smartphones often work in the background, so try switching wi-fi reception off on these when you’re not using them.

Try starting calls at less common times, rather than on the hour.

  • Download videos in advance if possible, rather than using streaming services when someone else may be trying to use the internet
  • Position your internet router as far as possible from other devices that may interfere with the signal and as high up as possible, such as on a table or shelf rather than the floor.
  • Devices that can interfere with router signals include: cordless phones, baby monitors, halogen lamps, dimmer switches, stereos, computer speakers, TVs and monitors.
  • If you are carrying out video calls or meetings, turning the video off and using audio will require much less of your internet connection.

Make calls on a landline where possible, given the increase in the demand on mobile networks.

  • If you do need to use your mobile, try using your settings to turn on wi-fi calling especially in areas with low/poor signal.
  • Similarly, you can make voice calls over the internet using apps like Facetime, Skype or WhatsApp.
  • If using Wireless connectivity, try not to use the microwave close by as this can affect the signal, even causing disconnects.

Bursaries

Bursaries and scholarships are available to all UWTSD students and applicants. 

The Digital Connectivity Bursary is aimed at students requiring assistance with the costs of digital connectivity.