Why is my AT&T internet suddenly so slow?
Lack of internet service speed is very discouraging especially if you are in the comfort of your home. If you normally have fast speeds with your AT&T internet but have recently experienced a sudden slowdown, there are several potential causes to consider: If you normally have fast speeds with your AT&T internet but have recently experienced a sudden slowdown, there are several potential causes to consider:
Old or Outdated Equipment
Another cause of a shift to a slow connection is the use of outdated equipment or devices that are not compatible with faster speeds. However, the modem and router that AT&T offers may become older due to the advancement of new technologies in the future. If in the last 3 years, you did not replace your modem or router it may be the reason for the slowing down of connection speeds. Another reason is the network cables that connect the devices could also be old or in bad condition to support the high-speed requirements. This can be addressed with the idea of upgrading your equipment or cables.
Higher Use of Offer or Connected Devices
This is particularly true if recently you have connected a new device or more to your home network such as a smart TV, game console, security cameras, or similar – this will slow down the available bandwidth and thus slow down the speeds if you are on a basic internet plan. The presence of more family members at home also utilizing applications that consume more bandwidth can also cause congestion and lesser speed. Limit usage of multiple devices that stream, game, or do video calls at the same time to enhance the speed.
WiFi Congestion or Interference
WiFi congestion and interference from other devices can also lead to sudden fluctuations in speed within the comfort of your home. This could be a result of the introduction of new electronics in the home that use the same radio frequency bands as WiFi networks. Other interference includes appliances such as microwave ovens. Another is to change the WiFi channel that your router uses to minimize interfering signals. And increase devices from the 2.4GHz crowded WiFi band to the 5GHz if available option as the latter is not as congested as it is the former.
Temporary Network Congestion
Another possible cause of erratic performance with AT&T is neighborhood usage patterns where pressure on the network during specific times of the day will make the speed in that area less consistent. Some streaming events like videos and using the internet after working hours and after school tend to put pressure on the existing local bandwidths. These speeds generally ascend outside of these peak hours when the number of individuals logged onto the site at the same instance is fairly low.
This aspect is well captured by ISP Throttling or Data Caps.
While some of the AT&T plans still limit the amount of data that is downloaded or uploaded in a month there is a warning that once you hit this limit then your internet speeds will be considerably slowed down. Watching a lot of videos or downloading big files through torrent clients then users can immediately find themselves over their data limit which equals slow internet speed. You should check your account information because it may tell you that your data cap has been reached.
Damaged Lines or Hardware Failure of a computer can cause several problems for the user since it is a hardware failure it can be more severe than software problems.
It is also possible that there is some problem with the AT&T network equipment or some kind of defect. The most common and noticeable problem with local lines or a router failure at a neighborhood facility can result in a reduction in speed affecting several users at once. If you only see one or a few neighbors complaining about speed issues on social media, then this is unlikely to be the case. However, should the slowdown last for several days and not be associated with any other factors, an AT&T technician may be required to examine your connection cabling or address failed equipment.
Considering the sources above should aid you in deciphering the root of the AT&T slowdown. It is also advisable to reach out to their support team that can assist with search functions regarding speed problems or if one believes that there is a technical glitch that must be looked into. Older plans also mean that speeds are preset below modern equipment’s ability – a conversation on an upgrade might increase your Internet speeds.
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.