Slow Internet Speeds

Several factors may be contributing to your modem operating at slower speeds than normal.  A first step in troubleshooting is to run a speed test to see what your download and upload speeds are. 

• Battery Installed
  • If you have left your battery in your modem, please remove it while it is installed during normal use conditions.  Modem performance may drop or stop completely if the battery is left in during heavy use while the modem is also plugged into an outlet.
• Multiple Users Connected
  • If you run a speed test and you are the only person using the internet, then your speeds will be higher than if you were to run a speed test with multiple people / devices connected.
  • Many devices can often pull from the internet in the background without you even being aware of their doing so.
  • Other people in your home that may be browsing, or streaming content will reduce the total speeds available to you when you run a speed test.
  • Try running a speed test with just your device connected to see if you get any improvement.
• Modem Needs to be Rebooted
  • Believe it or not, sometimes modem performance increases simply by restarting it.  Be sure to remove the battery and unplug the power cable from the back of the modem.  When the modem powers back up it will establish a new connection with the tower and, in some cases, perform better.
• WiFi Coverage
  • If speeds are significantly slower in certain parts of your house than they are when you are standing right next to the modem, then you may have a WiFi coverage problem and not an internet problem.
  • We recommend the Ubiquiti Amplifi line of products for improving the WiFi coverage around your home.  This product is made by a quality manufacturer, is easy to install and in many cases, will greatly improve the WiFi performance around your home.
• Peak Hours Traffic
  • Depending on your location and the number of people in your area that are getting data from the serving tower, you may or may not be impacted as a result.
  • In locations where towers are having to provide coverage for a larger number of people, your speeds may slow down during the hours when there is more traffic.
  • If you have higher speeds during the morning or the middle of the day while using the internet in the same exact same way, your slower speeds may simply be a result of the amount of traffic on the tower for your area.
• Modem Location
  • The location of the modem makes a tremendous difference on its performance.  In certain situations, even moving it from one corner of a window to another can produce a change in speeds.
  • Although our technicians will test around your house to locate the best signal, conditions with the tower serving your house may have changed and may require the modem to be relocated.
  • If you have moved the modem from our recommended location, try returning it to the spot where we left it at installation.
  • Try placing the modem in different windows around your home (leaving the battery temporarily installed for this will make the testing easier).  Run a speed test at each location to see if you notice any differences.  Be sure to check a window on each side of the house.
  • Try testing the modem in your driveway too.  If you get better speeds outside of your house, then there may be something causing interference within your home.
• Cell Booster
  • A cell booster that is installed incorrectly or malfunctioning can have a negative impact on the performance of your modem.
  • If the booster is installed, try turning it off and testing again while the booster is off.
  • If you installed the booster yourself, make sure that all components have been installed per the manufacturer's instructions and that the outdoor antenna is pointing in the right direction at the proper tower.