topic Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum in Electronics

Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

qualityshopper — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 10:23:36 GMT

I finally switched to Spectrum internet a few months ago and have had nothing but trouble with it. I've already had a technician come to the house to fix it, total waste of time. Am having another one coming out tomorrow. Don't really have much hope he/she will do anything either. I hate the idea of going back to ATT, but if they don't fix it, I'll have to. At least with them, my speed was consistent.

The issue I'm having is with my download speed (wireless connection). Seems like every day, I'm getting single-digit speeds--3.5, 2.9. and even 0.5. Ridiculous!!!!! I'm always having to unplug my equipment (actually Spectrum's) once or twice to get my speed back to where it should be. If they can't figure out the issue, would anyone have a suggestion as to what I can do besides going back to ATT. Would really appreciate it.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

glb613 — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 10:51:42 GMT

@qualityshopper wrote:
I finally switched to Spectrum internet a few months ago and have had nothing but trouble with it. I've already had a technician come to the house to fix it, total waste of time. Am having another one coming out tomorrow. Don't really have much hope he/she will do anything either. I hate the idea of going back to ATT, but if they don't fix it, I'll have to. At least with them, my speed was consistent.

The issue I'm having is with my download speed (wireless connection). Seems like every day, I'm getting single-digit speeds--3.5, 2.9. and even 0.5. Ridiculous!!!!! I'm always having to unplug my equipment (actually Spectrum's) once or twice to get my speed back to where it should be. If they can't figure out the issue, would anyone have a suggestion as to what I can do besides going back to ATT. Would really appreciate it.

I always buy my own modem and router. It's cheaper over the course of a couple of years and I know if it's fast or up to date. What speed are you suppose to get?

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

gardenman — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 11:25:21 GMT

Wireless connections are typically going to give you lower speeds. My hardwired connections test out at around 180 mbps with Comcast, and my wireless connections (latest speed test done just two feet from the gateway) test out at about 80 mbps. My smart TV and desktop computer are hardwired to the gateway using ethernet cables, but my tablets, phone, etc. are all wireless. In my little system here, I lose 100 mbps using the wireless connections. (Mind you, 80 mbps still isn't bad.)

What options do you have? The new 5G wireless is rolling out now. If they can deliver the kinds of speeds they were talking about while the system was in development (35 gbps+) then that will ultimately replace all other forms of Internet access. Pricing and when it'll become available across the country are still up in the air, but if they even come close to matching what they were getting in the test labs, then 5G willl be the way to go.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

glb613 — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:31:50 GMT

@gardenman wrote:
Wireless connections are typically going to give you lower speeds. My hardwired connections test out at around 180 mbps with Comcast, and my wireless connections (latest speed test done just two feet from the gateway) test out at about 80 mbps. My smart TV and desktop computer are hardwired to the gateway using ethernet cables, but my tablets, phone, etc. are all wireless. In my little system here, I lose 100 mbps using the wireless connections. (Mind you, 80 mbps still isn't bad.)

What options do you have? The new 5G wireless is rolling out now. If they can deliver the kinds of speeds they were talking about while the system was in development (35 gbps+) then that will ultimately replace all other forms of Internet access. Pricing and when it'll become available across the country are still up in the air, but if they even come close to matching what they were getting in the test labs, then 5G willl be the way to go.

I enabled the 5G signal on my new router but I also have the slower signal as well. I gave them different names so I can tell them apart. I have several devices which cannot use the 5G signal. You need to know what your devices can use before only having a 5G signal.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

gardenman — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 14:21:41 GMT

@glb613 wrote:
@gardenman wrote:
Wireless connections are typically going to give you lower speeds. My hardwired connections test out at around 180 mbps with Comcast, and my wireless connections (latest speed test done just two feet from the gateway) test out at about 80 mbps. My smart TV and desktop computer are hardwired to the gateway using ethernet cables, but my tablets, phone, etc. are all wireless. In my little system here, I lose 100 mbps using the wireless connections. (Mind you, 80 mbps still isn't bad.)

What options do you have? The new 5G wireless is rolling out now. If they can deliver the kinds of speeds they were talking about while the system was in development (35 gbps+) then that will ultimately replace all other forms of Internet access. Pricing and when it'll become available across the country are still up in the air, but if they even come close to matching what they were getting in the test labs, then 5G willl be the way to go.
I enabled the 5G signal on my new router but I also have the slower signal as well. I gave them different names so I can tell them apart. I have several devices which cannot use the 5G signal. You need to know what your devices can use before only having a 5G signal.

Ah! I should have been clearer. You're talking about the 5ghz band you get with an AC router. I was talking about the new 5G wireless (like for cellular phones) that's now being rolled out to replace the 4G most of us are currently using. That wireless signal will change the world if they can muster the speeds they're promoting. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X50 can reportedly deliver 5 gbps now and their next generation modems will be even faster. Despite reaching speeds of up to and exceeding 35 gbps in the lab, it now seems the providers have agreed to cap maximum download speeds at just 20 gbps. (Which is still about ten times faster than the fastest Internet access you can get today.)

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

CAcableGirl2 — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 14:47:04 GMT

@qualityshopper Couple of things I can suggest that you might want to check.

Next time the technician is there, have them check the speeds on their laptop and see how it compares to yours. They might need to replace all the cables from the pole or street to your house. If the cable is really old, maybe there is a kink or break in it somewhere along the line.

Does your computer have updates that need to be done. Sometimes if you don't do the required updates, your speed could be affected.

Try leaving it plugged in (not using wi-fi), and do a on-line speed test. As others mentioned, using the wi-fi vs. having it plugged in will affect the speed.

You might need a different modem/router - Spectrum has quite a few different models that I've seen.

Have a supervisor come out and check it next time - and double check what speed you are supposed to have. I believe they have several different levels of speeds that are available to order.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

Dusty1 — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 15:06:17 GMT

I learned a couple of things from my Spectrum tech.

So, I had called Spectrum to get faster internet. I was on their the oldest plan for $19.99 with 3 mps. The only choice I had was to go to 200mps-$64.99. Fine.

I didn't notice any difference & when I finally checked my speed it was still 3mps.

Called, again. No note of any order. Ok. Let's do it today. They sent me their modem (It used to be a monthly charge for theirs, but it is now free.).

Get my new modem. Still not working.

I was on the phone with him for an hour. Then he switched me to a different tech. They finally said they would have to send a tech to my house.

The tech came out. Brought a newer modem. The one I owned only had 8 channels & his has 24. I don't know what that means, but it's important evidently to all of the wi fi.

Also, the ethernet cord that I had didn't have enough wires in it. Only 4 & his has 6. You can see it in one end of the plug.

Then there is more than one option for internet. Mine options are named by my brand of router, so I have belkin123, belkinguest, belkinmedia. Belkin media is the fast one, so my Smart TV & tablet are on belkin media. My laptop doesn't support that cause it is old, so it is on belkin123. You can offer your guests belkinguests, but it's just family so they get belkinmedia. Whatever.

So my PC (plugged into the modem) is fastest, wi fi on belkinmedia is next, then belkin123.

So after all of this he said it was my router that was blocking the faster internet. I should call them & see if there was a setting that was blocking it. I called Belkin. On the phone with them for over an hour. Testing every device I had for download speed. They decided I had a bad router They were able to replace it for me & I received it the next week & hooked it up.

I now have decent internet & I can watch Hulu & Netflix without watching the little circle spin around, & around, & around, & around...

But, it was a lot of time & work & frustration to get it all going.

Good luck to you.

My router, which should have been fine, was blocking the faster internet.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

chickenbutt — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 16:15:50 GMT

I don't see why they can't fix it. It's just a matter of finding where the break is. I also have Spectrum (used to be Charter) and my speeds are tremendous. I pay for up to 60mbps, but it runs over 100 (all devices wireless) since they recently sped things up at no additional cost.

I also left ATT and I could not imagine going back. It had become so bad. I've been with Charter with cable tv for decades. After they bought up some smaller cable companies and changed their name to Spectrum it's continued to be very good.

Every market is different, of course, but clearly something is amiss there and if you can't find it they should be able to.

Maybe something in the connections outside your house is messed up. I would create a service call and I think they would be able to find it and fix it. Years ago they fixed some outside lines for me. I also have their equipment (modem and router) and that has worked out well because I got tired of having to buy routers. If something goes wrong, they will replace it at no cost to me.

Anyway, I hope you are able to get the help. I see no reason why they cannot find the problem and fix it for you. I've always had great service with them.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

NYCLatinaMe — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 17:50:20 GMT

2 quick thoughts:

test the wi-fi on your phone - that way you will know whether it is the wi-fi or the computer and make sure you have their newest and best router. Make sure the router is brand new out of the box. I have had Spectrum (used to be Time Warner) for years and am generally satisfied.

Good luck!

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

glb613 — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 21:06:54 GMT

@chickenbutt wrote:
I don't see why they can't fix it. It's just a matter of finding where the break is. I also have Spectrum (used to be Charter) and my speeds are tremendous. I pay for up to 60mbps, but it runs over 100 (all devices wireless) since they recently sped things up at no additional cost.

I also left ATT and I could not imagine going back. It had become so bad. I've been with Charter with cable tv for decades. After they bought up some smaller cable companies and changed their name to Spectrum it's continued to be very good.

Every market is different, of course, but clearly something is amiss there and if you can't find it they should be able to.

Maybe something in the connections outside your house is messed up. I would create a service call and I think they would be able to find it and fix it. Years ago they fixed some outside lines for me. I also have their equipment (modem and router) and that has worked out well because I got tired of having to buy routers. If something goes wrong, they will replace it at no cost to me.

Anyway, I hope you are able to get the help. I see no reason why they cannot find the problem and fix it for you. I've always had great service with them.

If you're renting their equipment for $10 or more a month, you ARE "buying" a new router every year.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

x Hedge — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 21:57:03 GMT

My neighbor works CS from home for Amazon, so really depends on her Wi-Fi for her livelihood.

She dumped AT&T for Spectrum, and has had nothing complaints.

After a year with Spectrum she recently switched back to AT&T. Have heard others saying they had the same experiences.

. . .SO, you certainly wouldn't be the only one.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

qualityshopper — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 08:45:31 GMT

Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I am really hoping the tech this time will figure out the problem because I really don't want to go back to ATT.

The package I have with Spectrum promises 100 mbps. Now I know not to expect that speed with a wireless connection, but I certainly expect better than 0.5. I'm getting these pitiful speeds on both computers as well as with my streaming devices. Right at this moment, my speed is great--77.5, but it can change to single digits in a heartbeat. In fact, the only reason it's probably doing as it should at the moment is because I deliberately unplugged my equipment before I got on the computer. If i hadn't, I'm sure I'd be at 2 point or 3 point something. Keeping my fingers crossed they'll finally figure the problem out today.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

glb613 — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 11:22:50 GMT

@qualityshopper wrote:
Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I am really hoping the tech this time will figure out the problem because I really don't want to go back to ATT.

The package I have with Spectrum promises 100 mbps. Now I know not to expect that speed with a wireless connection, but I certainly expect better than 0.5. I'm getting these pitiful speeds on both computers as well as with my streaming devices. Right at this moment, my speed is great--77.5, but it can change to single digits in a heartbeat. In fact, the only reason it's probably doing as it should at the moment is because I deliberately unplugged my equipment before I got on the computer. If i hadn't, I'm sure I'd be at 2 point or 3 point something. Keeping my fingers crossed they'll finally figure the problem out today.

I recently had Comcast come to my house to check the cables both inside and outside of my house. I was losing service, sometimes it was both TV and Internet but mostly it was Internet only, and I knew something was wrong. I also had slow service which was parially solved by getting a new faster router. He found a frayed cable coming into my house as well as a older cable and splitter connecting my devices. He replaced everything and my speed tripled. There are a lot of factors when it comes to internet speed. I wouldn't have the speed I do now if I hadn't insisted they come out and check the cables.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

gardenman — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 12:34:35 GMT

Cabling can be an issue. Some coaxial cables use a steel core with copper plating instead of a solid copper core. The steel core cables are cheaper, but if the plating fails you're down to using steel as a conductor and it's not as efficient as copper.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

chickenbutt — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 20:46:43 GMT

@qualityshopper wrote:
Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I am really hoping the tech this time will figure out the problem because I really don't want to go back to ATT.

The package I have with Spectrum promises 100 mbps. Now I know not to expect that speed with a wireless connection, but I certainly expect better than 0.5. I'm getting these pitiful speeds on both computers as well as with my streaming devices. Right at this moment, my speed is great--77.5, but it can change to single digits in a heartbeat. In fact, the only reason it's probably doing as it should at the moment is because I deliberately unplugged my equipment before I got on the computer. If i hadn't, I'm sure I'd be at 2 point or 3 point something. Keeping my fingers crossed they'll finally figure the problem out today.

It's still possible to get a great speed wireless. ALL my devices are wireless and I'm getting over 100mbps.

THEY need to find the problem. For us, a few years ago, I think most of the variables were due to old cables and such. This is a 47 year old neighborhood, so that wasn't surprising. Since all that is OUTSIDE the house, they replace it and it doesn't cost you. As it should be.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

qualityshopper — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 09:15:08 GMT

Just an update--Spectrum came out and replaced the modem and router, as well as my cable lines outside. So far, so good. I'm actually getting speeds now around 90. Never even came close to that before (my package is for 100 mbps). Hopefully I won't have any more problems. Thanks to all of you for your advice. One of these days when I have some extra money (too many repairs right now on things), I'll get my own equipment.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

glb613 — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 10:59:27 GMT

@qualityshopper wrote:
Just an update--Spectrum came out and replaced the modem and router, as well as my cable lines outside. So far, so good. I'm actually getting speeds now around 90. Never even came close to that before (my package is for 100 mbps). Hopefully I won't have any more problems. Thanks to all of you for your advice. One of these days when I have some extra money (too many repairs right now on things), I'll get my own equipment.

I hope you do because renting a router (not every company charges for the modem) from a cable company is expensive. At $10+ a month, you are "buying" a new router every year. If you rent a router for 5 years, you have spent $600 for a $150 router. The same amount of money will be spent for renting a modem. Please don't fall for the reason for renting many post here. They post if something goes wrong the company will replace the router/modem. If something goes wrong, you have saved more than enough money to buy new.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

sipp — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 21:44:24 GMT

My kids in Texas also have Spectrum Internet- your problem is Spectrum's confusing ads on tv--- they advetise ie 100mpb BUT THAT'S ONLY IF YOU ALSO GET TV AND PHONE WITH THEM. Supposedly New York wants them OUT because they make promises to get in (they bought out Time Warner in NY--- then once they do that- they don't make good on those promises-(Still waiting for them to be kicked out but NY is not in a hurry I guess-and there is no other company waiting to step in ---- I was visiting in TEXAS for a time and was so aggravated by the 3MPB's that the operator (when They called) told them was what they were getting- that with their permission I called for a tech to come (they also use Spectrum's router and modem - stream for tv using xbox and amazon firestick and tv antenna.--- ANYHOW- The tech was decent and yep- they're only getting the 3 mpbs BECAUSE THEY DON'T BUNDLE!!- ( I told them to get their own router at least --- the modem is at least "covered" if they need the FREE service- that's the ONLY good thing about Spectrum- they don't charge for service calls. (time warner didn't charge either) SO multiple calls, both by phone and with techs- and that's the final solution- BUNDLE or else. (and of course the yearly increase!! >:/ In Texas at their house-it's a choice- tv or one laptop or one tablet-- you can't possibly use multiples unless you want to blow our your brain with the aggravation.

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 21:29:47 GMT

@gardenman...probably a really dumb question but I have wireless internet at home and work....so if it is HARD WIRED does that mean my electronic device is plugged into the back of the router, like my TV?

We do use the router/modem from Spectrum for TV and Mac Book Air...I want to purchase our own, husband thinks we should just keep what they rent to us, since they hook it up and I know if I buy one, we will have to make the connection on our own.

Thanks!

Re: Extremely slow internet speed with Spectrum

gardenman — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 22:23:54 GMT

Hard wired just means there's an ethernet cable from the device to router and that's how the two communicate.