Common Reasons for Slow Internet and How to Troubleshoot

Common Reasons for Slow Internet and How to Troubleshoot

Experiencing slow internet speeds can be frustrating, especially if you’re unsure what’s causing it. Below, we outline some common reasons your internet might be slower than expected, along with tips to help troubleshoot and improve your connection.

1. Data Usage Limits

Most of our service plans include an 800GB priority data limit per billing cycle. Once you exceed this limit, your data remains unlimited, but network traffic may be deprioritized behind other users. This can result in slower speeds during high-traffic times.

Tip: To learn more about managing data usage, check out our article on Why Your Internet May Be Slow Due to Data Usage.


2. Network Congestion

During peak hours, typically in the evenings, internet traffic can be high, which may lead to slower speeds.

Tip: If possible, use the internet during off-peak hours (early mornings or late evenings) to experience faster speeds.


3. Device Limitations

Even with state-of-the-art equipment, device performance can be affected by certain factors, including the number of devices connected at once or temporary software glitches.

Tip: Restart your device periodically to clear any minor connectivity issues. You can also reduce the number of connected devices to maximize bandwidth and improve performance.


4. Wi-Fi Signal Interference

Physical obstructions like walls, floors, and electronic devices can weaken your Wi-Fi signal, impacting your speed, especially if you’re far from the router.

Tip: Position your router in a central location, preferably at an elevated height and free from obstructions like walls or metal appliances. For best results, keep it in an open area close to where you use the internet most.


5. Background Data Consumption

Some apps or devices may use bandwidth in the background, even if you’re not actively using them. Auto-updating apps, streaming devices, and cloud storage services can all consume data.

Tip: Disable background data usage for non-essential apps and adjust auto-update settings on devices to prevent unexpected data consumption.


6. Router Issues

If you have an Outdoor Unit and are using a router, it's possible it could be outdated or experiencing issues which may slow down your connection. Routers generally need replacing every few years to keep up with technology advances.

Tip: Restart your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. If speeds don’t improve and your router is older, consider upgrading to a newer model. Get in touch with us if you would like to purchase one of our routers.


7. Weather or Environmental Conditions

For Fixed wireless internet, extreme weather conditions (such as heavy rain or snow) may impact connection quality.

Tip: Get in touch with us if you notice service issues during bad weather - it's possible there is an outage.


Troubleshooting Steps

If you’re still experiencing slow speeds, try these steps:

  1. Reboot Devices: Restart your device and router to clear any temporary issues.
  2. Run a Speed Test: Go to speedtest.net or run a speed test on our website.
  3. Check for Background Apps: Close unnecessary apps or devices that may be consuming bandwidth.
  4. Optimize Router Placement: Ensure your router is placed centrally, away from obstructions.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it may be related to data usage limits. For more information, refer to our article on Managing Your Data Usage.


Contact Information

For any additional support, please reach out through one of the following options:

Email: support@simpliunlimited.com

Phone: 888-333-4160 (Call or text)
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM PST
    • Related Articles

    • Why Your Internet May Be Slow Due to Data Usage

      Why Your Internet May Be Slow: Understanding Data Prioritization and Ways to Optimize Usage At SimpliUnlimited, we’re committed to delivering a high-quality internet experience, but sometimes, internet speeds may slow down due to several factors. One ...
    • Troubleshooting Network Connection Issues

      The steps below resolve about 70% of cases involving network connection issues. If your internet is running slow or you’re experiencing connectivity issues, please follow these steps: 1. Check All Cables For Outdoor Units: Inspect the Router: Locate ...