Update: April fools! Don’t worry, the nanobots won’t be invading your broadband any time soon. But if you suffering from bad speeds or poor connections, read our guide to fixing bad broadband for plenty of help and advice.

Slow internet could be a thing of the past, thanks to a new technology that promises to speed up and fix bad broadband connections in the blink of an eye.

NewNet is a miniature USB-stick containing millions of intelligent microchips, effectively a primitive form of tiny robots or ‘nanobots’, which can spread into a phone line to improve your connection.

Use our broadband speed checker to find out what speeds you’re getting today.

How does NewNet work?

NewNet couldn’t be simpler. The USB stick containing the nanobots plugs into any wireless router and will immediately begin optimising the line. There is no setup process or registration required, since NewNet can automatically retrieve account details from your ISP.

The nanobots within NewNet are fully automated, and run through cables and connections to detect internet traffic. NewNet’s prime directives are to:

Speed up slow connections: nanobots assimilate each piece of data sent through an internet connection, splits it in two, and sends simultaneously, effectively doubling speeds.

Seek and fix bad connections: the splitting process can overcome bad connections, since the smaller size can still be transmitted over weak lines. NewNet is also capable of physically repairing damage to cables, which EKAF claims accounts for up to 85% of connection problems today.

Who built NewNet?

NewNet is the brainchild of robotics engineer Ali Prolof, CEO and founder of EKAF Robotics.

In 2015 Prolof launched a successful Kickstarter campaign that went largely under the radar. Alongside third-party funding, he has conceived, developed and fully tested NewNet in just three years.

Some are calling it one of the most remarkable technological developments of our time.

What about security?

Despite NewNet’s benefits, concerns have already been raised around security. Since each nanobot reads and records every piece of user data, sensitive information is duplicated and sent to EKAF labs as part of the process.

Speaking at a recent technology summit in Silicon Valley, Ali Prolof claimed these concerns are unfounded.

‘Every NewNet device is secure, and only communicates with our servers in Kazakhstan. We have no plans to use this data for anything other than NewNet, and believe that its benefits far outweigh issues around data privacy.’

Prolof also claimed that NewNet is just the beginning. ‘We’re surprised at how quickly and cheaply NewNet has grown. The microtechnology involved began replicating itself at a fantastic rate.

‘We’re already at the development stage of NewNet+, which promises even faster speeds, and NewNet Lite, which is specifically designed for Smartphones.’

‘We absolutely will not stop in our quest to gather data and ensure bad and slow broadband becomes a thing of the past, for everyone, all around the world.’

Can’t wait for nanobots? Read our guide to speeding up bad broadband.

When can I buy NewNet?

NewNet is slated for full release globally towards the end of 2018, and in the UK will be distributed directly from broadband suppliers. It will cost £9.99, though may also be included for free with any new connections. Sky is rumoured to be the first to distribute the product, under the name SkyNet.

Read our overview of the best broadband providers to see who can deliver on speed, reliability and customer service even without using nanobots.

Additional reporting by Deloof Lirpa