Blog · 4 min · Last reviewed 5 Jul 2026
Broadband speed vs Wi-Fi speed
In short
Broadband speed is what arrives at the router. Wi-Fi speed is what your phone actually sees. Here's why they're different — and how to test each.
These two get confused daily. They're not the same thing.
Broadband speed
The speed your line delivers to the router. Determined by the connection type (FTTC, FTTP), line length, and your plan.
Wi-Fi speed
The speed the router delivers to your device over the air. Determined by the router hardware, the device hardware, distance, walls, congestion.
Why the gap can be huge
You might buy a 900 Mbps FTTP plan but see 90 Mbps on your phone. That's normal if you're two rooms away on an older phone. It's a Wi-Fi ceiling, not a broadband problem.
How to test each
Broadband speed — plug your laptop directly into the router with an Ethernet cable. Run speedtest.net. That's your true line speed.
Wi-Fi speed — run the same test on the phone / laptop over Wi-Fi. Compare.
If Ethernet is fast and Wi-Fi is slow, it's a Wi-Fi issue (placement, hardware, congestion) — not a line issue. See router placement.
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This guide is for general information only. Your accepted Contract Summary, Contract Information and OCCTA terms apply to your service.