Shocking Wifi Coverage
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Well, now! Having just moved - yes, it's all over folks, just a year after starting the process - I find that wi-fi coverage is shockingly poor. We moved in to 0.5Mb and after talking to our provider it has improved to about 1.7Mb. Has anyone else had this problem and how have you overcome it?
There isn't even enough to get on-demand on the TV, so our smart TV isn't even smart!
I'm confused - did you move home or just change ISP? (Internet service provider) Even more confused by "Wi-fi coverage is poor" Your wi-fi generally has nothing to do with your ISP - it's more to do with your router, do you mean "internet speed".
I'll try to help.
I'll try a wild guess - if by chance you're with TalkTalk and you're not paying for faster fibre - they've slowed down your connection to try to encourage you to do so. (I speak from experience - I was getting about 0.5mb until I made the switch to fibre - I think I'd been paying for up to 12mb).
I am a little confused myself! We moved home. There is no fibre in this area. Our ISP is plusnet, they say they can't do anything as the line is down to BT/Open Reach (who aren't in a hurry to increase speeds in the countryside!)
tumblespots So it is your "internet speed" that is at fault not your "Wi-fi". That's what really confused me.
I had guessed that you might be with the most complained about ISP - but now know you are with an ISP who are challenging for the title (they should end their challenge - TalkTalk have an unassailable lead
).
Some tips that might help (regarding TV) are to ensure your router is plugged into the first socket - after your phone line has entered home - and if it's possible to do so connect the TV to the router via an ethernet cable. (wi-fi can slow things down). You will probably find you get better TV streaming if no other internet devices are in use.
I'm not familiar with Smart TV - but what can help with other streamed video is to start to play then pause for a short time then restart. You might have to do this at regular intervals.
davidstockport We do have the router in the master socket but the tv is too far away from the master for an ethernet to be practical/possible (length & trip hazzard), however I do appreciate you suggestions, is always good to have another point of view. Thank you
davidstockport As an afterthought it might be worth using this https://www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk/ then find out what speed other internet users are getting in your area if you click on "show speed in my area" (it will also show which ISP they're using)
davidstockport I didn't know you could ask what speed others are getting, that is a very handy tip, thank you.
davidstockport Have you ever heard of Quickline Communications as two other nearby connection use them with results of 9.97 & 14.75.
tumblespots I'm assuming you found Quickline Communications via Broadband speed checker - I'd never heard of them but they're obviously doing a good job for others (probably businesses) who were crippled by slow speeds in remote areas. A little expensive for set up (£195) and monthly charge of £39.99 a month. But for those for whom it's essential probably well worth it. https://www.ispreview.co.uk/isp_list/ISP_Detail_Wireless.php?Quickline-Communications-278
davidstockport Thank for that, I hadn't heard of them before this afternoon. It's a bit steep for set up though and another £12 per month on top too. We will have to consider this. I do appreciate all your help though , thanks very much.
tumblespots I've learned a lot too - they use fixed wireless access that uses mobile phone networks to connect you to the internet, this removes difficulties for those in remoter areas. No actual phone line is required. No doubt a few years from now it will be the norm.
This might be of interest https://5g.co.uk/guides/what-is-5g-fixed-wireless-access-fwa/
davidstockport How interesting, so it might come in the end, all on its own. It would be interesting to discover how a mobile phone would cope locally, we don't have the internet on our phones so can't really comment, but having had many contractors lately most had to go to the top of the garden to get a signal! Our non internet phones are also intermittent at allowing calls to be received...
As mentioned below check your line speed. If you can log on to your router and see what speed that says you are connected with. Then check what speed you have been told is the minimum you should get from your ISP on the connection plan you have paid for. If they are not achieving a speed that they may have said is the minimum you can get then start complaining. Rules were changed a while back, I believe, so companies cannot state a minimum and then not provide it. If they state an average then you will have to simply live with it. They will always ask you to change your filter to a new one as these sometimes degrade and need replacing. Other options are to have the wiring checked from the in house connection to the box. Also only have the router connected to the primary connection from the outside, do not have to connected to a secondary telephone line that you may have upstairs. I would love to move out in to the countryside if I could. Yet loosing my fast broadband would be a factor. Best of luck.
We have had the place all but rewired and are currently expecting a new master socket to replace the existing one as no filter is required with the new one. Moving to the countryside does have downsides - this being one of them but the compensations outweigh almost everything else. Thanks for sharing your information jmsonl
tumblespots Yes living a little away from it all is certainly the positive of all of this. Although this should not mean you end up with such a poor connection. I hope that your area gets an upgrade sooner than later.
Out of interest - when you did an internet speed check what speed were you actually getting? I'd suggest that until you get the matter sorted out you do speed checks at regular intervals, and keep a record of those checks: Time - date - speeds - and weather conditions.
This might sound pointless but try unplugging then plugging the router into the phone socket box a few times - this can clear any slight oxidization that might have accumulated on the terminals. The owner before you might have had something in, or never used, that socket for many years.
Thanks, I have been doing regular tests and taking screen shots to help in my cause if things don't improve. I hadn't added weather conditions though, that's a good idea and we can unplug it a few times too, that could help.
I don't think anyone else mentions weather conditions but it's my opinion that moisture, or lack of it, in the atmosphere affects every connection on the telephone line. Older lines IMO are more vulnerable.
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