Test your Internet Speed

You can measure your broadband performance including download speed and upload speed by following these steps:

Using a computer with an Ethernet port capable of supporting your plan’s included speed.
Directly connect that computer via a CAT 6 or better Ethernet cable to the highest-rated port on the GCI-provided modem.
Run tests against our speed test servers below.

Please note: Speed tests performed on older computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. and/or using different websites at different times will likely produce lower results due to outlying factors beyond GCI’s control.

Understanding your speed test results ➔

Tips to improve your internet speed ➔

Alternatively, you can measure your broadband performance by using GCI’s AK-Fi Home App for iOS or Android, where available. Our AK-Fi App measures the speed at your AK-Fi equipment rather than at an individual device connected to your network, which is limited by the slower speeds of WiFi and/or older devices that are not capable of achieving the full GCI-provided speed.

Important note for 2 Gig and higher plans: 2 Gig and 2.5 Gig plans may show a lower speed test result in the AK-Fi app due to the limitation of the speed test applet. This is purely a limitation of the speed test applet and not a true indication of the speed experience.

Understanding your speed test results

Why are my speed test results lower than my plan speeds?

It is important to understand that this test does not measure the speed of the internet connection to your home, it measures the speed of the internet connection to a device within your home. Results are often lower than plan speeds due to various factors outside your internet provider’s control, including WiFi conditions and device capabilities. With that in mind, if you run a speed test from a device with an expected WiFi speed that is lower than your plan, the results will be limited to roughly your device’s expected WiFi speed.

How speed is delivered to your connected devices

Our high-speed data plans are designed to support the bandwidth needs of many devices at the same time. Internet service is delivered to your home and as you connect different devices, it is divided and shared among them, reducing the speed of data transmission. Think of it as a huge water pipe running into your home, with a network of smaller pipes branching off of it to carry water to different areas: with each intersection point, less water flows through each pipe. So, the more devices you have connected to the internet in your home, the more bandwidth you’ll need to maintain high speeds across them.

Tips to improve your internet speed

Step 1: Move the device closer to your WiFi gateway. The closer you are to your gateway, the less chance for signal interference.

Step 2: Make sure the WiFi gateway is in a clear space, which allows the signal to travel and expand for better speed and coverage. For best results, do not place it on the floor or in a cramped space like a cabinet, closet, or drawer.

Step 3: Avoid interference. Place your WiFi gateway away from large household items and other electronic equipment that may block your signal.

Step 4: Relocate your Wi-Fi modem or router to the center of your home to increase its coverage potential.

Step 5: Manually restart your Wi-Fi modem. Unplug the power cable, wait one minute, then plug it back in.

Step 6: Consider the age of your connected device.