Internet Speed: Internet getting slow again and again? Know the 7 biggest reasons for this, very easy ways to increase speed and when it would be right to complain to the ISP.
Why Internet Slow: Video playing intermittently? Message stuck on WhatsApp? Or is it taking time to open the web page? We immediately start cursing our telecom company or Wi-Fi provider. But wait, every time it is not just the network person who is at fault. Sometimes the real villain is your mobile, wrong location of the router, weather or even apps that eat data secretly in the background. If you are also tired of switching airplane mode on and off 10 times a day, then let us know the 5 big reasons for slow internet and some effective ways to fix them in a jiffy.
What does slow internet mean?
Internet speed is not determined only by whether 100 Mbps or 5G is written in your plan. The main experience depends on how fast and uninterrupted the data is reaching your device. For example, suppose there are too many vehicles on the highway. Despite the road being good, vehicles will move slowly due to traffic. The Internet also works like this. If more people are connected to the network simultaneously, the speed may decrease.
Why does internet run slow?
too many users at the same time
In the evening or during any big event, thousands of people use the same mobile tower or Wi-Fi network. This increases the pressure on the network and reduces the speed.
weak network signal
If you are in basement, lift, rooms with thick walls or in remote areas, mobile signal may be weak. Weak signal has a direct impact on internet speed.
Wi-Fi router not in the right place
If the router is kept in a corner of the room, inside a cupboard or near any metal object, its signal may be weak. Place the router in the middle and open area of the house.
Mobile or laptop problem
Sometimes it is not the internet but your device that is slow. If the mobile storage is almost full, too many apps are running in the background or the software is not updated, then the internet may also become slow.
Website or app server being slow
If millions of people access a website simultaneously, its server becomes slow. In such a situation, even if your internet is fine, the website will open late.
effect of bad weather
Mobile networks and satellite communications may be affected in situations like heavy rain, storm or lightning. However, its impact on fiber broadband is generally less.
Data limit or network management
In some internet plans, the speed becomes slow after the fixed data is exhausted. At the same time, some network companies also do traffic management during peak hours, due to which some users may get less speed.
How can internet speed be increased?
- Place the router in the right place.
- Restart the router and phone from time to time.
- Close non-essential background apps.
- Keep software and apps updated.
- Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi (if available) instead of 2.4 GHz.
- Do a speed test to see whether the problem is with the network or any website.
When should one complain to an internet company?
If your speed continues to be low for several days, your internet is affected along with call drops, or your speed test shows your speed is significantly lower than your plan, contact your internet service company (ISP) or mobile operator.
Content Source: International Telecommunication Union (ITU), GSMA, Ookla Speedtest Global Index, Wi-Fi Alliance, Cisco Annual Internet Report, Federal Communications Commission (FCC).