Internet speed statistics

If there's one thing that unites all, it's a disdain for slow Internet. From slow streaming speeds to dropouts mid-Zoom calls, poor Internet speeds have probably caused you a few headaches in the past.

Finder analysed more than 39500 speed tests conducted on the Finder website between August 2021 and August 2022 to find out which state has the fastest speeds and the best time to get your streaming fix.

Which state has the fastest Internet?

The speed test data reveals that New South Wales ranks first place when it comes to download speeds – the southern state has an average download speed of 51.2Mbps.

That's in stark contrast to the nation's western neighbours. The analysis shows that Western Australia has the slowest download speed in the country at an average of 41.7Mbps.

Following New South Wales, Victoria has the fastest Internet with an average of 50Mbps.

When is the best time to use the Internet?

The research shows that the evening is your best bet for speedy streaming. Download speeds are at their fastest between 4am and 8am, reaching 53.8Mbps on average. This is typically when people are mostly still asleep, getting ready for the day or travelling to work.

Speeds are also relatively high from 12am to 4am and 8am to 12pm when speeds averaged 52.2Mbps. This is likely due to most people being asleep during those hours or at work.

The late evening hours of 8pm to 12am is the slowest time to download content, with speeds averaging 46.1 Mbps.

Which is the best day of the week to use the Internet?

The research shows that Friday is the best day of the week to surf the net with speeds reaching 52.5 Mbps on average. This is followed closely by Saturday (50.2Mbps). However, Tuesdays between 12am and 4am are the fastest time of the week at 67.2Mbps.

Download speeds are at their lowest on Sundays between 8pm and 12am (43.0Mbps).

The fastest day of the week for your internet also depends on which state you live in. In New South Wales and Queensland, download speeds peak on Friday, with average speeds of 58Mbps and 52.8Mbps respectively.

In South Australia, download speeds hit a high of 49.2Mbps on Tuesdays while Victoria hits its high on Wednesdays at 54.6Mbps.

How does the weather affect your Internet speed?

Rainfall can cause physical damage to copper cables, which are used in ADSL and some NBN connections. Rain droplets can also block wireless signals, lowering your level of coverage.

Finder analysis of weather data from the Bureau of Meteorology found that average download speeds in Sydney and Brisbane slow down when it rains.

In Sydney, the average download speed is 53.6Mbps on days with no rain, compared to 50.4Mbps on days of moderate rain and 39.3Mbps on days of heavy rain.

In Brisbane, there is a greater difference on rainy days with average download speeds reaching 52.2Mbps on days with no rain, compared to 44.3Mbps on days of moderate rain and 32.8 Mbps on days of heavy rain.

When moisture enters cables or connectors, this can interfere with signals and slow down your broadband connection.

Optical-fibre connections are more weather-resistant. You'll find this in FTTP NBN plans, which are considered the fastest and most reliable plans available.

How to get the most out of your broadband

Check your speed. The only way to figure out your home Internet speed is to use a broadband speed test to check that you're getting what you're paying for. If your test speed comes back less than what your broadband provider has promised, it might be time to call your provider to see what's going on.

Only pay for what you need. There's no use paying for the fastest NBN plan if you rarely use the Internet. For small households, 50Mbps is usually fine while 100Mbps makes sense for larger families or those with data-heavy downloads. Everyone has different broadband needs, so make sure your plan is right for you.

Compare your options. Broadband plans can vary in price, so it's important to shop around for your provider. For instance, a standard NBN plan can cost anywhere between $50 and $90 per month depending on the provider and the type of plan. Compare broadband plans for the best deal and don't stay loyal to your current provider if you're unhappy.